to know, whether she’s your mother or not—” “But…but why did you—” “Because it worked,” Vivian said flatly. “I knew it would. That’s what it took. So I did it.” Her mouth quivered with anger; her eyes were practically throwing off sparks. “I always do what it takes. Haven’t you noticed?” Jules felt breathless. “Do what it takes to—” “To keep you.” Vivian looked her right in the eyes. “To keep you with me, and to keep them off our backs. I don’t want a rift between you and your parents. It’d come between us too.” “No!” Jules said at once. “I would never have gone back with them. You don’t
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