Chapter 116

• Charlotte had just smoothed the bedsheets when the bedroom door flew open with a violent crash. The sound rattled the vanity mirrors and sent a jolt through her. Howard stormed in, his tuxedo jacket unbuttoned, tie askew, and face twisted in fury. The door slammed shut behind him, the bang echoing like a gunshot in the quiet room.
• "What is your problem with Anna?" he shouted, his voice booming off the high ceilings, veins bulging at his neck. "Why do you always insult her in front of people? Are you that jealous? That spiteful? She did nothing to you!"
• Charlotte shot upright, her anger reigniting like dry tinder. She spun to face him, pajama-clad and barefoot, fists balled at her sides. "I don't want to! She made me do this—pushing me until I snap! And no matter how much I explain, you always believe her, not me. You're blind to her lies, Howard. So there's no use talking to you!"