Page 101 of What Goes Around

“I don’t care who she loves,” I said. “But if you don’t let go, I’ll make you.”

Something in my tone finally reached her. Panic flickered behind her eyes, quick, instinctive. Her grip loosened.

She let go.

I glanced down at my wrist. Red marks bloomed where her fingers had been. Some faint. Some already darkening. One had broken skin.

I let out a soft, disdainful breath. “How pathetic.”

Her face drained, then flushed, fury twisting her features.

“Ashley.”

My father’s voice cut through the hallway.

He’d stepped out of his study without us noticing, one hand still braced against the doorframe. His expression was dark, sharp with disapproval.

“Is this how you talk to your sister?” he snapped.

“I don’t see a problem with it.”

The words came out flat.

Ever since I’d learned the truth, that the man standing in front of me was an unfaithful liar who had built his life on betrayal and illegitimacy, I could barely tolerate the sight of him. I spoke to him only when necessary, out of obligation, not respect.

This man didn’t deserve the title father.

I pressed my lips together and added evenly, “If there’s nothing else, I’m going upstairs now.”

I turned to leave.

“Stop right there!” Brandon barked.

I halted mid-step and looked back at him, silent and unreadable.

“Apologize to Apple,” he demanded.

A cold, humorless smile curved my lips. “What?”

“You heard me,” he snapped.

Before I could answer, Apple slipped seamlessly into motion.

“Dad, it’s my fault,” she said, touching his arm. “I shouldn’t have grabbed Ashley’s wrist. Especially knowing how much she hates that.” She glanced at me, then back at him, eyes shining. “Please don’t get upset. You’ve been under so much stress at work lately. This really isn’t worth affecting your health.”

He exhaled sharply, still glaring at me. “Even so, Ashley shouldn’t have said something like that.”

Of course.

So fast, so effortlessly, he slid right back into the role he always played.

Defender of the golden child.

If only he knew the truth, the only thing golden about her was the reflection of her glowing, satanic eyes.

I let out a quiet laugh.

Not amused. Just… tired.