“And tell me, why did she run all the way to Maple Avenue? Just happened to show up right where Mom nearly got hit by a car? Just happened to save her? Anyone would think she knew it was coming and went there on purpose
The more Tristian spoke, the more absurd it sounded. He let out a short laugh.
But he didn’t notice the way Jackson’s eyes had narrowed slightly, a faint glint of something unreadable flashing deep inside them.
After a long silence, Jackson finally spoke in an icy tone, “Stop talking nonsense.”
His fingers tapped once against the desk, each knock heavy and deliberate. “Remember, the company will be yours sooner or later, but only if you’re strong enough to run it.
“From now on, in anything you do, either don’t act at all, or strike once and never miss. If you ever pull another half–baked stunt like today, I’ll start questioning whether you’re fit to inherit at all.”
The last thing Jackson wanted was to hand over the empire he had fought so hard to build, only to see it devoured by competitors under his son’s incompetence.
Tristian’s face grew solemn as he promised, “Don’t worry, Dad. I won’t let you down.”
But inside his heart, pride flared hot. ‘Kayla, just wait. One day, you’ll pay for everything you did tonight.
Leaving the study, Tristian immediately spotted Kayla heading down the hall toward her room. His voice cut through the silence like a whip. “Stop.”
Kayla paused, turned slightly, raised her brows, and asked with a faint smile, “Is something wrong, Tris?”
He glared at her, his voice low and dripping with venom. “I really underestimated you. Didn’t think you had it in you to act like that. Dare to twist things around in front of Mom and Dad, huh? Bold move.”
Kayla’s smile widened, her tone light and almost mocking. “Not sure what you’re talking about. You’re not making much
sense to me.”
Tristian’s eyes narrowed, the coldness in them sharpening. “Cut the act. You think smearing me in front of them changes anything? I’m still the only son of this family.
“One day, the whole Sexton Group will rest on my shoulders. And you? You’re just a girl. Sooner or later, you’ll be married off. You think Dad will ever choose you over me? What a joke.”
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a cruel hiss. “But since you gave me such a gift today, I’ll return the favor. When you’re of age, I’ll make sure Mom and Dad find you a good man. That’ll be your contribution to our family.”
It was nothing short of a naked threat. Kayla’s lips curved into a calm, almost careless smile. “Oh? I suppose I should thank you in advance. But that only works if you’re actually the one calling the shots in this family, doesn’t it?”
With that, Kayla turned and walked upstairs without another glance.
Tristian’s face darkened, his eyes following her like a snake watching its prey. Kayla, however, paid him no mind.
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7:36 pm
Chapter 43
ZE 55 votichefs
Back in her room. Kayla sat calmly at her desk. Pulling open a drawer, she took out a small glass vial and slowly twisted the lid open
From het pocket, she slipped out a single smooth obsidian bead and dropped it inside. She closed the lid again and gave the bottle a gentle shake.
The bead rolled blindly inside the glass, clinking with a clear, sharp sound. But no matter how it moved, it was trapped inside.
Kayla smiled as she stared at the bead, the light casting an eerie glow across her expression.
If Tristian saw it, he’d recognize it instantly–it was the very same bead that had gone missing from his obsidian bracelet after Kayla had cut the string. The one he’d been searching for but never found.
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