Chapter 49 Drunken Mess

• I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to lash out. Her audacity to still control the situation infuriated me, even in her so-called apology. She may have admitted to burning down my shop, but the way she casually threw in that final demand about Kelly made my blood boil.
• “I’m not taking Kelly away from her father,” I said, keeping my voice calm though my body was trembling. “But you don’t get to make decisions for me or her. You’ve done enough damage, and no, a new shop won’t erase the pain you’ve caused.”
• Mrs. Carlos opened her mouth as if to retort, but I didn’t give her the chance. “I’m here for Ivan and for Kelly, not for you. And if you ever do something like that again—” I stopped myself, realizing my voice had risen.