Tessa's POV:
I watched her turn on her heel, hair whipping behind her like a banner of war. It reminded me of when my stepmother thought she had the upper hand. And to be honest, she always had. But I liked to think I wasn't the same scared girl anymore. But it was one thing to think that and another to put it to the test. I guess it was now or never.
Tori really thought it was over—thought she’d landed the final blow, for she didn't even look back as she headed to her room. But I couldn’t let her walk away. Not yet. Not until Amelia and the girls had cleared the room. Not until I bought us just a little more time.
“Tori,” I called after her, my voice sharper than I intended. “You really think this is how you win?”
She paused, just for a second. That was all I needed.
“You're wasting
