I was utterly destitute. I found a new job at a construction site. One day, carrying a heavy load of bricks, my legs gave out. My supervisor, Gus, rushed over. He saw the bruises, the gauntness. "I can't have you working like this. Go home. Take care of yourself." He pressed a crumpled wad of bills into my hand.

With the money, a small, reckless thought sparked. I hadn't had a proper meal in months. I walked into a small diner and ordered a huge burger and a milkshake.

I was halfway through my milkshake when the world came crashing down. In walked Don, Fronie, and Karsyn. They were dressed impeccably, a stark contrast to my bruised, dirty clothes.

Don's eyes landed on me. "Elodie! What in God's name are you doing?!"

"You're spending our money on yourself?!" Don roared, yanking me out of the booth. He slapped me across the face, hard.

Karsyn watched in cold silence, her eyes burning with contempt. "She's disgusting," Karsyn murmured. "Look at her, father. Like an animal."

Don grabbed my hair. Fronie snatched up the remaining money. They dragged me out and left me there, discarded and bleeding, on the sidewalk. Don and Fronie, with Karsyn between them, walked away, a picture of a loving, wholesome family.

The memory ended abruptly. Don Lowe suddenly stood in the studio, pointing a trembling finger at me. "She's lying! It's all fabricated!"

I met his gaze, my own eyes cold. "Am I, Don? Or are you just afraid of what else the truth will reveal?"