Upstairs, Sharon Sterling sat at Joy Dalton's vanity, staring at her own face, which was swollen beyond recognition. Her eyes were filled with a deep-seated hatred.
Joy Dalton approached with a guilty expression, ointment in hand. She carefully dabbed it on Sharon Sterling's red, swollen face. "This ointment from Sterling Pharma is very effective at reducing swelling. Put it on, get some sleep, and you'll be much better by tomorrow."
Sharon Sterling's face was stinging with pain, and every touch made it throb even more intensely.
"Ow! Be gentle, that hurts!" Sharon Sterling snapped irritably, her eyes filled with hostility.
Normally, Joy Dalton would not have tolerated Sharon Sterling speaking to her with such an attitude. But today, Sharon had taken the fall for her, so Joy Dalton felt guilty and let it slide.
