My whole body started trembling - I couldn't help it. Drunk Dad was unpredictable Dad, and unpredictable meant dangerous. Keeping my head down, I fumbled for my only defense.

"I... I brought today's money..."

Claire's laugh cut through the air like broken glass. "Oh, how clever! Trying to buy your way out of trouble?" Her perfectly manicured nails dug into Dad's arm as she purred, "Late and sneaking around... I think someone needs to learn her place."

I saw Dad's hand rise and instinctively threw my arms up to shield my head. My teeth sank into my lower lip - I'd learned long ago that screaming only made things worse.

One heartbeat. Two. The pain didn't come.

Instead, the wallet was ripped from my grip. I dared to peek up, only to wish I hadn't. The look in Dad's eyes wasn't rage - it was something colder, more calculated. My stomach dropped.

He weighed the wallet in his hand, face darkening. "This is it?"

"The... the rain kept customers away," I whispered, hating how my voice shook. "But I brought everything, every single penny-"

The slap came out of nowhere, sending me sprawling. The floor rushed up to meet me as Dad's voice boomed overhead.

"You dare suggest I need your money? That I can't provide?"

Then the real pain started. Fists rained down, and I curled into myself, trying to protect my vital organs like a wounded animal.

"No, please - I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" The words tumbled out between sobs. "Father, please..."

Through the haze of pain and the ringing in my ears, I heard Claire's distant voice: "Richard, darling... remember her face is our asset. We can't damage the merchandise, can we?"

Claire. My stepmother. God, I'd been so stupid once, actually happy when Dad married her. I'd thought maybe, just maybe, we could be a real family. That she might grow to love me like a daughter.

What a fool I'd been.

"Useless! All this talent the Moon Goddess gave her, and this is all she brings?" Dad's words slurred with drunk fury. "Pathetic!"

I pressed myself against the wall, trying to disappear into it. Every muscle in my body tensed, waiting for the next blow. But Claire's honeyed voice cut through the tension like a poisoned knife.

"Now, darling," she cooed, her perfectly painted lips curving upward. "Don't waste your energy. After all, we won't have to deal with her... inadequacies much longer. Not after your chat with Logan this morning."

The change in Dad's face made my blood run cold. The rage melted into something worse - a cruel satisfaction that turned my stomach.

"Oh, look how confused she is." Claire's voice dripped with false sweetness. "Tell her, Richard. Share the wonderful news with our dear Scarlett."

The way she said 'wonderful' made me want to run. Anything that brought that much joy to Claire meant absolute horror for me.

Dad crouched down, and I couldn't stop myself from flinching when his hand came down on my head. His touch felt like ice seeping into my skull.

"You're finally going to be useful," he sneered. "Going to change all our lives."

My heart hammered against my ribs as I waited, dreading whatever came next.