Rona Langdon waited downstairs for three seconds, but Cara Preston didn't come down. She hadn't believed Vera Xavier's words initially, but Cara's delay lent them some credibility. She shrieked again, "Cara Preston, get down here!"
Cara Preston quickly called out in acknowledgment and hurried downstairs.
A mocking smile touched Vera Xavier's lips. She wasn't Rona Langdon's biological daughter, and neither was Cara Preston. The only difference between them was that Cara had been by Rona's side for longer, so Rona treated her slightly better.
In reality, Rona Langdon had other plans. She wanted Cara Preston to become her daughter-in-law, which would save her the money for a bride price.
Vera Xavier understood Rona Langdon's personality quite well: she was stingy to death, yet loved being praised for her generosity; she was viciously cruel, yet loved being called gentle and virtuous; she was utterly crass, yet loved being complimented on her dignity.
