From the force of the slap, Renee Jennings's hair had come undone. A few strands clung to her cheeks, giving her a wretched appearance.
She suppressed the rage in her heart, her eyes welling with tears. "Mom, you've really misunderstood. I've never mistreated Mona. I take care of him with all my heart every single day. Mona is my child, too. I adore him more than anything! If you don't believe me, ask Mona."
Renee Jennings called out to Mona a few times, but the boy just kept crying, completely oblivious to his surroundings.
Sophia Zobel sneered. "Do you really think I can't see your intentions? Treating Mona as your own child? Don't you feel the least bit guilty saying that? There's no faking the look in Mona's eyes. He's definitely suffered at your hands! Let me tell you, if you're just after money, the Lynch Family can afford to give you plenty. But if you've been secretly abusing Mona, don't blame me for being ruthless."
