âNice try to persuade me."
âOrtunately, it falls short.â
Turning her head, she cast a challenging glance at Cherise. âBut Iâll only believe it if you can prove that the recording is my brotherâs voice and not a fake or clever imitation.â
Cherise felt anger coursing through her, causing her temples to throb. Taking a deep breath, she locked eyes with Kareen, âYouâre making this much more difficult than necessary!â
Kareen turned away, fatigue and sadness etching lines on her flawless face. âWell, who started this mess?â
She looked back at Cherise and said defiantly. âWhatever happens in the Miles family will be resolved among ourselves. We donât need outsiders to interfere. I can take care of my brother. So, keep your unsolicited advice to yourself. Iâm done with your nonsense!â
âI already told you that you will not Her gaze then swept across Lyraâs face, a coldness settling in her eyes. see my brother again, and I stand by that.â
Kareen stormed out, leaving an oppressive silence in the air.
Biting her lips, Cherise grappled with a sense gainst Kareenâs stubborn determination.
Cherise found herself faltering under Kareenâs steady gaze and resolute demeanor. For a moment, she was unexpectedly unsure of what to do. She had always assumed that Lyraâs struggles with Kareen stemmed from her timid nature. But now, faced with Kareenâs unwavering resolve, Cherise felt a flicker of doubt.
After all, Zachary and Kareen were siblings by blood, and an outsider couldnât easily replace the significance they held for each other.
In a silent gesture of support, she squeezed Lyraâs hand. âDonât give up just yet. Thereâs always a way.â
Just as their hope seemed to fade, a chillingly familiar voice cut through the silence. âWait a second.â
Damien stood behind her, arms folded, gaze fixed on Kareenâs retreating figure. âWhat if I could offer you and your brother a chance to regain the favor of the Miles family? A to tame your stepmother and half-brother? Would you be willing to listen to us?â
Kareenâs body stiffened before she turned, âYou? Solve our familyâs problems?â she scoffed.
She and Zachary had been marginalized within the Miles family for far too long.
Their motherâs tragic death had barely been mourned before Walter married Patricia, who then gave birth to Chad within a mere six months. It further solidified Kareen and Zacharyâs exclusion from their rightful place in the family.
Since then, Zachary and Kareen, siblings by blood, fell out of favor within the Miles family.
If it werenât for Charisa, who later became the head of the family and took them under her wing, Kareen wouldnât be the woman she is today. But with Charisa gone, they were all alone, Zachary was Kareenâs only pillar of support, and nowâ¦
âYes, I can.â Damien assured with a smile, âMs. Miles, how about we sit down and discuss this? I believe I can help you resolve the issues within the Miles family and your stepmother. In return, I ask for your respect towards your brother and Lyraâs choices.â
Kareen pursed her lips, her mind racing. Finally, a slight frown appeared on her face. âVery well. Iâm curious to hear how you, an outsider, plan to solve the complex situation within the Miles family in such a short time.â
Damien, a figure of quiet confidence, crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe. A calm smile remained on his lips. âItâs not that difficult. I can make it happen if you agree to allow your brother and Lyra to have their wedding.â
âAnd if you fail?â Kareen challenged, her gaze unwavering.