Chapter 245



Sarah, rubbing her arm dramatically, whined, “See? She started it! I wouldn’t have fought back if she hadn’t slapped me first. You gotta be fair!”

Bria shot Sarah a withering look, her eyes narrowed like a viper. Sarah clearly thought she was already part of the Nixon family, practically batting her eyelashes at Ewing. The nerve!

Ewing growled at Bria, “Regardless, you shouldn’t have hit her! You’re grounded. Stay within your room to reflect on your behaviors until I say so.”

Tears welled up in Bria’s eyes, her voice cracking. “That’s not fair! She made fun of me first. What right does she think she has to mock me? Ewing, I’m your cousin. Are you just gonna let this woman walk all over me?”

Ewing rubbed his temples, a headache blossoming behind his eyes. He knew Bria. If he didn’t make Sarah suffer due to her taunts, Bria would continue to make a scene. Sure, losing face was one thing, but if Tyrone’s memory took another hit, things would get messy. Fast.

The only problem was that Ewing still wasn’t sure if Sarah was his long-lost cousin. He was caught between a rock and a hard place.

Just then, Jake approached, his gaze landing on Sarah. He planted himself in front of her like a human shield. Bria, already fuming, saw this and practically let out steam.

Sarah, on the other hand, plastered a sugary-sweet smile on her face and cooed, “Jake, I knew you wouldn’t let this mean girl pick on me.”

Ignoring Sarah completely, Jake turned to Bria. “Look, Miss Nixon, instead of throwing a tantrum at Sarah, why not find whoever messed with your gift and make them explain themselves to you and your grandfather? They’re the real jerk in this mess, not Sarah.”

Bria, feeling like a cornered cat, snapped, “I made it myself, okay? I messed up. That’s all.” Even she could tell this was such a lame explanation.

Ewing, displeased, said, “Bria, even if you had someone else do it, everyone knows you meant well. Now that your whole surprise is ruined, are you not going to do anything about it?”

Bria’s voice rose, laced with impatience. “Look, I made this present. It has nothing to do with anyone else!”

Despite her simmering fury, Bria held onto a sliver of reason. Kallie couldn’t show her face in public, not yet. If anyone recognized Kallie, she would be done for. Anyway, Kallie had to stay hidden.

Bria’s eyes narrowed, a cold fire of vengeance burning within. She’d get even with Kallie for this mess, but later. A silent snarl twisted Bria’s lips, her anger a coiled viper waiting to strike.

Ewing suddenly had a bold speculation. The person he had been searching for could have made this very object. Ewing’s gaze darted toward Jake, deep in thought.

In a flash, Jake was on Bria, his hand clamping down on her wrist. Bria’s breath hitched at the sudden contact. She met his gaze, only to find it as cold as ice.

“Who made this?” Jake questioned, his voice laced with a barely concealed threat.

A tremor of panic ran through Bria. There was no mistaking the menace in Jake’s voice. Bria stammered, flustered, “Mr. Reeves, I already told you, I made it myself. Why couldn’t you believe me?”

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