What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger novel Chapter 95

In the bitter winter cold, Calista plunged her hands into the freezing water. Her body shivered, but the physical chill couldn't compare to the ice in her heart.

"They say Ken dotes on you, but I don't see it."

Calista didn't need to turn around to recognize Viola's lilting voice. She continued scrubbing the dress in silence.

Viola, clearly enjoying herself, took a leisurely sip of her coffee. "Your fingers are turning red. Must be painful, isn't it?" She smiled sweetly. "Ken just brought me this coffee to comfort me. It's so warm and fragrant."

When Calista remained focused on her task, Viola's tone turned sharp. "You're just an adopted daughter—no better than a stray dog."

"Look at this."

Calista turned to see Viola fingering a familiar necklace—her mother's luck charm, the one she'd given to Ken.

Her heart stopped. She lunged forward. "That's mine! You have no right to it!"

Anger flashed in Viola's eyes. "This worthless thing? No one wants it!" With that, she yanked the necklace from her neck and hurled it into the swimming pool.

The luck charm broke the water's surface with a soft splash, ripples spreading across the dark water.

Viola's lips curved into a triumphant smile. "Now that your precious luck charm is gone, what are you going to do about it?"

Calista's heart shattered. Yes, Ken could give his fiancée whatever he wanted, but this luck charm meant more to her than life itself.