Chapter 83: Chapter 83

Chapter 83:

“Quite the performance.” He scoffed, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Ever considered a career in acting?”

His disdain for Etta’s usual closeness to his parents was no secret.

Amid the anguish of his sister’s mysterious absence, the thought of substituting her with someone else was unbearable to him.

Harlee watched Brenton, her lips unwittingly curling into a slight smile at his cutting remark.

His blunt honesty was unexpected and refreshing.

Etta stood frozen, her mouth hanging open in shock.

Brenton’s directness had caught her completely off guard, rendering her speechless.

In her head, that goddamn bitch Harlee was the reason for every shitty thing happening! If Harlee hadn’t returned, would Brenton have ever dared to address her so harshly? Before, he had always complimented her charm and cuteness.

Darkness flashed in Etta’s eyes as she cast a venomous glare at Harlee, swiftly masking her fury with a feigned look of vulnerability.

Her complexion grew ghostly, her hands tightened into fists, and her voice broke as she addressed Brenton.

“How could you ever misunderstand me this way? Harlee’s a newcomer to the Sanderson family.”

“I promised Skyla I’d look out for her and help her settle in.” Her voice quivered more with each word.

Etta let her words hang for a moment, her eyes locking on Harlee with calculated intensity.

Lάtєst chαptєrs ιν gαlnovєℓѕ.𝒸oм

“I know the mere suggestion of a secret rendezvous with a man could tarnish her reputation, even if it’s baseless. Yet, I risked mentioning it, fearing others might exploit such rumors to harm her.”

Mere moments earlier, Etta had condemned Harlee as disgraceful, disgusted by what she saw. Now, with a simple twist of words, she portrayed herself as a martyr, bravely facing slander to shield Harlee from potential malice.

Skyla, who had witnessed Etta’s entire upbringing, found it hard to believe she was capable of such malice, and her expression softened into one of sympathy.

Brenton’s brow furrowed as he observed Skyla, nearly fooled by Etta’s act. Tears streamed down Etta’s cheeks as she bit her lip, her voice quivering.

“I really mean it.”

Brenton’s expression darkened further, his voice tinged with scorn.

“A few tears can’t erase the betrayal of true family loyalty.”

Harlee was unaccustomed to being defended. In her earlier years, whenever she faced bullying, Liam and Averie would simply admonish her, telling her not to stir up trouble.

But now, a few harsh words thrown her way, and her brother was quick to her defense. This sensation was utterly new to her.

Harlee’s eyes, shadowed and cool, flickered with a hint of mischief as she crafted a sly grin. She fixed her gaze on Etta.

“You did this for my sake?”

Taken aback by Harlee’s intense stare, Etta recalled the pain of their last encounter. Yet, emboldened by Skyla’s presence, she managed a nod.

“Yes, Harlee, I truly want what’s best for you.”

The smile on Harlee’s lips turned icy as she gently grasped Etta’s hand.

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