CHAPTER 16:A DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY

Knowing better than to keep her brother waiting precisely 3 days, Carol returned home, unwilling to test her brother's patience. His threats were always enacted, so she dared not delay. And the last thing she wanted was for him to cut her off. How would she sponsor her lavish lifestyle without the allowances and gifts from him? Surprised to see her daughter back home suddenly without any notice, Ashley was nevertheless delighted, fussing over Carol immediately while filling her in on recent incidents, including Lauretta daring to reclaim her gifted items. At that, Carol grew agitated. "Where is Lauretta now? I need to settle accounts with her!" She gritted her teeth while pacing around the living room. "I'm sure she must have tattled on me. If not for her tattling, my brother wouldn't have summoned me back!" Alarmed but secretly pleased at her outburst, Ashley also flared up, hearing Lauretta had caused more trouble. "I've no idea where that shameless woman is now! But ever since t