“This is just a family dispute. There’s no need to drag the police into it,” Gina said, trying to keep things private.
“Fine, then let her apologize. Otherwise, I’ll sue her for slander. There were plenty of people recording just now—I’m sure someone caught it on video,” Yvonne replied, her face calm and unyielding.
“Exactly! Apologize!” Nydia chimed in, rolling up her sleeves and standing firmly beside Yvonne, her tone fierce.
Tracy glanced nervously at the officers. If they really looked into what happened last night, her entire reputation would be ruined.
“Yvonne, are you really going to force your own sister into a corner? Is your heart made of stone? All this drama just for a man—have you no shame?”
Gina switched tactics, playing the sympathy card, trying to guilt Yvonne into backing down.
It was the same emotional manipulation as always, but Yvonne had long since grown tired of their games. “I haven’t forced anyone to do anything. You were the ones who started this—you insulted and slandered me first. I’m only protecting myself.”
“But I’m your mother! I went through so much to bring you into this world, to raise you. Is this how you treat me?” Gina’s voice cracked as she started to cry.
In that moment, it was clear—mother and daughter had finally become strangers, divided by resentment.
It wasn’t just Yvonne who felt suffocated; even Grace and Nydia, watching from the side, were deeply uncomfortable hearing Gina’s words.
“As a mother, do you think it’s acceptable to hit and humiliate your own child in public?” Grace cut in sharply. “You keep saying how hard you worked to raise her, but hasn’t Yvonne done everything she could to be a good daughter? She’s been working for two years now, never treating herself to a proper meal, never daring to buy herself anything nice. She’s just a girl in her early twenties, living more frugally than anyone I know. Meanwhile, look at your other daughter—Tracy, isn’t it? Head to toe in designer labels. I bet what you’re wearing right now costs thousands.”
Grace looked Tracy up and down. The expensive makeup couldn’t hide the arrogance and ignorance in Tracy’s eyes. From her shoes to her handbag, everything was high-end. Yvonne might not recognize the brands, but Grace certainly did.
Gina flushed with shame at Grace’s words.
Yvonne, on the other hand, seemed detached—she’d long since gone numb. She didn’t remember what a normal, healthy relationship felt like. She was so used to being taken advantage of that even now, standing up for herself, she struggled to stay clear-headed and true to her own needs.

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