12
After realizing Mom’s dislike, I couldn’t
understand such maternal hatred. So, I’d
taken a DNA test, confirming my suspicions.
I’d also overheard Mom. She knew I wasn’t
hers. She’d found out during a childhood
く
blood transfusion and searched for her real
daughter, but without success. She’d poured
all her resentment and bitterness onto me.
Sometimes, her gaze was pure venom, like I
was her enemy.
“How… How did you know?” she stammered.
“I knew when I came home after grad school.
You’re not my mother,” I said. “But I never
imagined you’d be this heartless.”
Mom’s face drained of color. She stood.
“Let’s go.”
Britney’s anger turned to panic. “Mom! What
are we going to do? The company!”
She clung to Mom.
“We’ll figure something out,” Mom said,
walking away.
I watched them go, then dialed a number.
“Let’s begin.”
