Chapter 25: Tessa Wilson Lunged Forward

Tessa Wilson lunged forward, yanking Vanessa Ward aside as she inspected the red marks on her wrist. Turning to Elena Ward, she spat, "Elena, have you lost your mind? This is your own sister! So what if your siblings gave you money? Can you survive on your own? What good is money without family?"

Elena smirked, shaking off Vanessa’s grip. "Who do you think you are? Just because you’re engaged to Brandon, you think you can lecture me? Money means nothing?" She swept her gaze across the onlookers, raising her voice. "Ask anyone in this village—if they had this money, would they take me in?"

She stepped closer to Lisa, enunciating each word. "Meanwhile, my own grandmother and uncle took my money and left me starving and freezing. Why?" A bitter laugh escaped her. "Because your family’s dowry and bride price came straight from my pockets!"

The rush of finally speaking her truth sent a thrill through Elena. She was done swallowing her anger.

"You—you’re nothing but a shrew!" Lisa’s face flushed red. She hadn’t expected Elena to fight back like this.

"A shrew?" Elena arched a brow. "Want to see what a real shrew looks like?" She shoved Lisa aside. "Out of my way!"

Lisa staggered, tears welling up. "You’re disgusting!"

Elena didn’t even glance back. "Go ahead—give your family’s money to your uncles first, then come preach to me." She paused. "Otherwise, shut up."

Lisa gaped. Was this really the same Elena who used to let everyone walk all over her?

"She… she’s lost her mind!" Lisa turned to Vanessa, voice trembling.

Vanessa scoffed. "Oh, she’s definitely crazy! Yesterday she dragged my grandma to the reservoir, threatening to jump!" Her eyes gleamed as she leaned in. "And when they pulled her out, that soldier—"

"He kissed her?" Lisa gasped.

"Right in front of everyone!" Vanessa whispered dramatically. "Mouth to mouth! Who’d want her now?"

Lisa’s eyes narrowed. "If word gets out, your family’s reputation—"

Vanessa paled. "That jinx! Mom needs to marry her off, fast!"

"No rush." Lisa linked arms with Vanessa, smiling sweetly. "We’ll find her the perfect match." She lowered her voice. "I know a few men from the mountains…"

Vanessa brightened. "Yes! The poorer, the better! Let’s see how long she keeps acting so high and mighty!"

The two exchanged conspiratorial grins, already picturing Elena’s miserable fate.