I felt a burning pain in my face as warm blood trickled down the corner of my mouth.

Ava wailed loudly as she hugged my legs.

I looked icily at Matthew as I straightened myself up. “You’ve finally shown your true colors, haven’t you?”

Matthew looked flustered for a moment, but Melanie strolled over. “Chloe, return what’s mine, or you’ll be sorry!”

“Not in a million years!” I said firmly, “I’ve been kind enough to your family, alright? Matthew, I’ll never forget that you hit me!”

Just as I bent over to hold Ava up, Melanie pulled my hair, causing me to lurch. Ava let go of my legs and tried to push Melanie away. “Bad Auntie! Bad Auntie…”

Melanie and I wrestled while Matthew shouted angrily, “Cut it out!”

He grabbed my arm, and Melanie slapped me twice, stunning me. I was enraged. Yanking my arm off Matthew’s hand, I hit Melanie back.

Henry got up and marched over as Ava continued hitting Melanie. He yanked Ava off the woman. I tried to snatch her back, but it was too late.