[Noah's POV]

Isabella kept her iron grip on Monica's wrist. Her perfectly manicured fingers dug deep into my sister's skin.

"Mom!" Monica shrieked, her face twisting in ugly anger. "I am your own daughter! Why are you defending this cheap street trash over your own family?"

Isabella dropped Monica's arm with a look of pure disgust.

"Keep your voice down," my mother said smoothly. Her tone was light, but her eyes were deadly. "If you act like a spoiled child and embarrass me in front of these ...