Charlotte was burning with jealousy. If Elmer hadn't warned her again and again to act reserved—reminding her that Stephen would see her as cheap otherwise—she would've already shoved Nancy aside and clung to Stephen herself.
"Dad, come on," Charlotte whined sweetly. "Nancy's your daughter too. You always dote on me, but couldn't you show her a little love once in a while?"
She knew exactly how to strike where it hurt. That one sentence twisted Cindy's expression with rage.
Nancy's fingers clenched involuntarily. But before her mom could explode, she grabbed her sleeve and looked up at Thomas with teary eyes.
"Dad, Charlotte's right. I'm your daughter too, aren't I? Could you give me even just a sliver of fatherly love? Just a little. I'd be grateful..."
Thomas's face instantly darken
