I had to marvel that, modern surveillance equipment had made leaps and bounds over the old stuff. Not only was the video resolution high, but the sound was also crystal clear. It was like watching a soap opera.
Downstairs, Zora, seeing that Jaylan and I had gone upstairs, grabbed Clara's arm. "How'd you find this place? How did you know I was here?"
Clara, struggling to suppress a smirk, replied with a haughty tone, "Depends on whether I want to find you or not. If you look hard enough, you'll find it. Sis, you're something else. Living in such a fancy place? Eating so well? You must be in the good graces of your employers!"
Without us around, Clara seemed much more relaxed, ambling around the living room with her hands behind her back, looking here and there, her eyes filled with envy and greed.
"Sis, you're so sly. Living in such a nice place and not giving me a heads up. That's cold!" Clara said, looking around and simultaneously grumbling about Zora. "Mom always said you're heartless, that you'd disown your family. Guess she was right."
"Quit talking nonsense. What do you mean, disown? If I was one to disown, would I still be sending you money every month? Don't forget who paid for your education." Zora retorted as she played with Carl.
"Oh please! Just because you toss me a few bucks, I'm supposed to be grateful?" Clara grumbled, pouting before she asked, "So, sis, you're not short of money here, right?"
"That's none of your business!" Zora snapped back.
"Wow, selfish much? Enjoying the high life while the rest of the family struggles. You really are something." Clara complained, "Are you going to tell me how much they pay you?"
Zora, red in the face, snapped, "Clara, shut up! We're fine at home. Have we ever lacked anything? If I were selfish, I wouldn't give you a penny. What's your real reason for being here?"
Clara, with a pitiful look on her face, confessed, "Sis, I'm broke. I'm about to graduate, and I need more money..."
Her forthrightness left Zora fuming.
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