Shawn Walker had tears in his eyes, and he was smiling. "I appreciate your apology," he said. "You should know, though, that your rejection gave me strength. I was angry back that, and I used that anger to push myself forward. Now I have a very successful career."
There was a moment of silence, and then everyone began to cheer and chant Shawn's name. Not only had he turned his life around, but he had hosted the party on his boat, and they all appreciated it – everyone except for Vanessa, whose heart had hardened to stone by then.
Vanessa grabbed Doris by the hair and yanked her backward, slamming her to the ground. Doris shrieked in pain and outrage, and before she knew it, Vanessa was standing over her with the sole of her shoe hovering over her face. "Lick my shoe!" Vanessa roared. "Yo
