It took everything in Silas's chest not to lash out at Martha and tell her to leave.
He knew if he showed too much anger, Ivy might think Martha's words were right. He forced himself to smile stiffly and turned toward Ivy.
"She is only kidding," Silas said softly; on a closer look, though, his teeth were gritted.
Then he glanced at Martha and added with that same fake smile, "Right? I am saying the truth, right?"
Martha shook her head slowly, her eyes full of mockery. Then she turned toward Ivy.
"Your friend shouldn't back down. Instead, she should fight back. She should punish that scumbag by making him kneel on the washboard for at least two hours. And not only that, every move of his should be under surveillance."
Her eyes slid to Silas with an impassive look.
