Susan's face turned white with anger and humiliation.

"Watch your mouth, Dexie!" she snapped, unable to maintain her usual fake motherly facade. Her voice rose, her expression distorted. "Don't insult my family!"

Dexie sneered, unbothered by Susan's fury. "Insult?" Her gaze sharpened, like a blade glinting in the light. "If calling a thief a thief is an insult, then maybe you should teach your daughter to stop sneaking around like one."

Susan clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging into ...