Chapter 34: Fight for What's Yours

"No, but, Lottie. I'm not lying when I say there's not a dime left for groceries." "Then starve," Charlotte replied, her voice as cold as ice, her eyes betraying no sympathy for Maria's desperate pleas, not even when Maria was on her knees. But someone couldn't stand by and watch. Axel stormed in from outside, his blood boiling at the sight of Maria on her knees. In a few strides, he was upon Charlotte, fists poised to strike. "You heartless wench! Can't you see mom is begging?" Charlotte dodged, but Axel was relentless, hurling insults as he lunged to grab her. "You're nothing but a tramp, Charlotte! Clambering into Liam's bed and yet you bring back nothing, letting Mom and dad suffer! And here I am, laughed at in school because of you. What's the point of your existence? You might as well be dead!" Slap. With a swift backhand, Charlotte's slap left Axel stunned and reeling. He tried to retaliate, but she was quicker, her kick sending him sprawling. "Lottie!" Maria cried out