“Can you believe this draft is even worse than the last one?”
Penelope knew the limits of Rebecca’s abilities all too well, so she wasn’t surprised.
“Should I reject it like last time and give them a few more points to revise?”
Penelope’s eyes darkened. “No need for that this time. Contact them for me. Tell them I’m inviting their entire family to dinner. And make sure you specify their entire family, including Rebecca. I don’t want anyone left out.”
“What are you planning?”
“I’m treating them to dinner. I’m being completely sincere.”
After hanging up, Penelope set the matter aside and spent the rest of the day buried in her work.
She was about to order takeout when she heard Mrs. Sullivan shouting from across the street.
She swiveled in her chair and saw a pile of her belongings strewn across the Sullivans’ front lawn—clothes, shoes, books, and various decorative items.
“What is all this junk? This isn’t a garbage dump!”
“Some people seem to think they can just waltz back into our family. Well, I’m telling her, not a chance!”
“She should take a good look at herself. We don’t want her. If someone wants to pick up trash, they can have her!”
Penelope gritted her teeth, shot up from her desk, and stormed downstairs to the front door.
She stared at the sight of her things scattered everywhere. Her clothes were trampled, her shoes were separated, her keepsakes were smashed, and her books were stained with dirt.
She was not about to let this go.
She charged across the street, grabbed a handful of Mrs. Sullivan’s hair, and yanked hard.
“Ow! That hurts! You… you piece of trash! How dare you lay a hand on me!”
Penelope wasn’t afraid of anyone. She raised her hand to slap Mrs. Sullivan, but someone suddenly slammed into her from the side, knocking her off balance.

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