Chapter 39
55 vouchers
Bailee suddenly grabbed Tristian by the wrist. The sharp clink of her bracelet striking his steel watch echoed in the room. Her face was filled with disbelief as she demanded, “Tris, you don’t believe your own sister?”
Tristian’s eyes flickered. He slowly pulled his hand back and began adjusting his platinum cufflinks. His Patek Philippe glinted coldly in the light, just like the chill in his eyes, which he didn’t bother to hide.
A slow, shady smirk tugged at his lips as he replied, “Mom, what I think doesn’t matter. What matters is whether other people believe her or not. Kayla is a Sexton.
“If she can’t prove she’s innocent, and word of this gets out, what will people say about us? She’s underage and already a regular at bars with random guys. What kind of rep would that give our family?”
Bailee stared hard at her son for a long moment. Her gaze was so piercing that even Tristian had to look away, unable to meet her eyes.
Jackson, who had been silent all this time, suddenly turned to Kayla. He said in a flat tone, “Tris isn’t wrong. The Sexton name doesn’t mix with filth. You’d better have something to back yourself up. If not…”
He didn’t finish the sentence, but everyone in the room heard the threat loud and clear.
Kayla scoffed inwardly, ‘Wow, that’s my father. It’s always the family name. Always Tristian. Never me!
Bailee’s eyes flew wide open, filling with pain. She asked in disbelief, “Jackson, you don’t believe Kayla either? She’s always been so well–behaved and thoughtful. How could you even think that of her?”
Jackson didn’t even blink. His tone remained distant. “I believe in facts. That’s all.”
Bailee’s nose stung, and tears spilled out in quiet, stinging streams, her face full of disappointment. “Facts? The fact is, Kayla was with me tonight. When I was nearly hit by a car, she rushed out to save me without hesitation.”
Bailee rolled up her sleeve, revealing a large patch of red across her wrist. She hadn’t mentioned it earlier in the hospital, afraid of worrying Kayla. The doctor said it was nothing serious, so she kept it quiet.
“If it weren’t for Kayla, I’d be dead. Would that count as enough proof for you?” she asked, wiping her tears away with her hand. “If that’s not enough, go ask the cops and the doctors. They are the witnesses.”
Jackson’s brows furrowed as he asked, “You were in an accident?”
Bailee took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. It still trembled with emotion. “I didn’t want you to worry. Kayla risked her life to save me, and now, you’re accusing her of this filth? She doesn’t deserve it.”
Just moments ago, Bailee still thought that no matter what, Tristian was Kayla’s brother, and he’d never really hurt her.
But now, after witnessing how coldly both Tristian and Jackson treated Kayla, Bailee felt like her heart was being torn in two.
How did our family end up like this? Why are they so cruel?‘ she wondered.
Tristian hadn’t expected this twist, and now the chance to bring Kayla down was slipping through his fingers. He wasn’t ready to give up.
“Come on, Mom. What are the odds? You were in a car accident, and Kayla just happened to be there to save you? Is she psychic or something?” he said, his voice low with suspicion.
Before he could go any further, Bailee threw a slap straight across his face. “Watch your damn mouth! What kind of trash are
1/2
7:36 pm
Chapter 39
you spouting‘ I’m your mother. You want me dead, huh?”
55 vouchers
The slap left Tristian stunned. His cars rang, and his head spun for a second. But no matter how pissed he was, Bailee was his mother. He clenched his fists but didn’t dare retaliate.
Gritting his teeth, he muttered, “Mom, that’s not what I meant.”
2/2
