The Price of Betrayal novel Chapter 3

The parents erupted in cheers.

"Finally, a teacher who tells it like it is!"

"This is Oak Lane. We have standards."

"Why waste education on her kid? Just teach her to hunt rich men like mommy!"

Ashley was loving every second.

"This is what you get. Once trash, always trash. You and your brat belong in the gutter!"

Their insults rained down. The crowd grew, everyone eager to join the attack.

Each cruel word made Ashley's smile wider.

Mrs. Thompson saw her chance. "Mrs. Walker, the principal has a small favor to ask. We're expanding the school, and Walker Corp owns all the surrounding land..."

Ashley waved her hand dismissively. "Consider it done. Jack will sign it over. You've earned it today."

Mrs. Thompson beamed. "You're too kind, Mrs. Walker."

The parents pounced like sharks smelling blood.

"My firm has worked with Walker Corp before. Keep us in mind?"

"Our company's expanding too. We'd love to partner up."

"Here's my VIP shopping card. Let's stay in touch."

They shoved business cards and credit cards into her bag, desperate for her attention.

Ashley soaked it up like a queen holding court.

She towered over me, voice dripping venom. "See this? This is real power."

"You'll spend your life on your knees, begging for scraps. But me? I live in a world you can't even imagine."

"Take your bastard and get out of my city. Next time, I won't be so nice. I'll bury her alive."

Emma pressed against me, shaking. "Mommy..." Her voice cracked. "My ankle really hurts."

Something in her tone made my blood run cold. When I carefully pulled down her sock, time seemed to stop.

A deep, infected gash ran across her ankle. Someone had tied a wire around it, cutting deeper with every step she took.

Dark blood had soaked through her sock, staining her shoe. The skin around the wound was swollen and hot.

I stared at my little girl - the same child who needed three bedtime stories to sleep, who'd cry if her toast was cut wrong. She'd suffered through this all day without a word.