"He doesn't have to take it anymore," Cecilia Adler said, her eyes bright and triumphant.
Lucas Lee, basking in her reflected glory, was overjoyed. "You're the one with real promise," he praised. "You married such a fine man. Your sister just can't compare."
'I'm so glad I didn't grow up with him,' Cecilia thought. 'He's a father, the head of the family, yet instead of leading by example and teaching his children to strive for better, he pits them against each other over every little thing.'
'How is that any different from raising venomous insects to fight to the death?'
With a faint, mocking smile, she said, "Vivian is highly educated and has seen the world. I'm sure the man she's chosen can't be all that bad. He'll make something of himself eventually."
Lucas Lee gritted his teeth. "Prospects my ass! He just loafs around all day. Is success just going to fall out of the sky and land on his head?"
Lying in her room, Vivian Lee heard every single word from outside.
