Alden chimed in, "Exactly! What's the point of a girl getting an education? No matter how much she studies, she'll just end up getting married, having kids, and staying home to raise them. It's a complete waste of time and money!"
Vera Xavier knew what they were planning. Her tone was level. "Mom, we agreed. If I did well on my exams this time, you'd let me keep studying."
"Only your dad would be naive enough to think you could do well!" Rona Langdon snapped. "Someone like you? Are you even cut out for studying? You're just a walking embarrassment!"
Vera said calmly, "The scores come out on Monday."
"We don't need to see any scores. You're going to Corvale tomorrow to work!" Rona Langdon's tone was decisive and vicious.
Recalling Vera's recent strange and defiant behavior, she added, "Go upstairs and stay put. You're not going anywhere for the next two days!"
