Annabelle looked at her, somewhat amused. "Isn't your life in my hands right now? Trying to negotiate with me... have you still not grasped your current situation, hmm? Mrs. Yates?"
Mrs. Yates thought for a moment, then gritted her teeth, walked over, and knelt before her. "Mrs. Grant," she pleaded, "it's all my fault. Take all your anger out on me, just please, spare Vivian."
'A brainless person will always be brainless. Begging someone like this when you have absolutely no leverage only costs you your dignity.'
'Still, this works out well for me. A brainless person is exactly what I need.'
Annabelle looked down at her imperiously and said meaningfully, "Mrs. Yates, I seem to recall you slapping me in front of a large crowd..."
SLAP—
Mrs. Yates landed a solid slap on her own face.
'I have to endure this,' she told herself. 'It's the only way my daughter has a chance to live. I'm a dying woman anyway, so dignity doesn't matter anymore.'
