Hope Crawls Through Ruins by Kain Rowan Vale 32

Chapter 32 

It was Eric. He knelt down on the pavement, slipping an arm under hers to take her weight. 

65 Vouchere 

His voice was thick with concern. “What’s going on? Why are you on the ground out here? I saw you from down the street, all hunched over by the front step. I never thought it would be you.” 

Briana tried to pull away, to stand on her own, but her body refused. She was slipping, clinging to consciousness by a thread. 

Eric looked at Shepard. “Shep, even if you don’t like Briana, you don’t have to go this far.” 

Shepard narrowed his eyes. “What, you want to stand up for her?” 

“We’re family. Let’s not do this.” Eric sighed. “Briana, get up.” 

Briana was so weak she could barely keep her eyes open, leaning heavily against Eric for support. 

Shepard’s expression darkened. ‘Who does she think she’s fooling with that act?‘ he thought. 

Just as Eric moved to lift her, Shepard stepped forward and pulled Briana sharply toward him. Her nose slammed into his chest, making her head spin. 

He heard Shepard say, “You seem pretty worried about her.” 

“Shep, she’s your wife,” Eric replied. 

“What, do you have feelings for her?” Shepard fired back. 

Eric paused, letting out an awkward, forced laugh. “Come on, Shep, don’t talk nonsense. Of course not.” 

“Know your place, Eric,” Shepard said, his voice icy. 

“Shep, you still haven’t said why Briana was “Eric insisted. 

Shepard cut him off coldly. “Since when do I answer to you about what happens to my wife?” 

Eric 

gave 

Briana a long look before turning his eyes to Vivian. 

Vivian flinched, but quickly composed herself. Still, she took an instinctive step back, putting more distance between them. 

“Ms. Fletcher,” Eric said, his tone neutral. “You’re here too. Small world. We meet again.” 

Shepard raised an eyebrow. “Again?” 

“I ran into her last time she came looking for you at the conference room, Shep,” Eric explained. He tilted his head. “So, are you taking Vivian’s side just because she and Briana had a disagreement?” 

“There’s nothing between Briana and me,” Vivian cut in hurriedly. And even if there were, I would never be cruel enough to make her suffer like this.” 

Eric’s gaze sharpened. “So, are you suggesting it’s Shepard who’s being cruel?” 

“I-“Vivian’s words died in her throat, trapped by the question. 

Briana listened to them argue, gathering her strength before she finally managed to open her eyes. 

The familiar scent of Shepard surrounded her, and leaning against him, at least she felt safer than she did with Eric. Honestly, his recent concern for her had been a bit much. 

Chapter 32 

“I did this on my own, Eric,” Briana said softly, her voice faint. “It has nothing to do with them.” 

“Come on, Briana, just tell me the truth. What really happened?” Eric pressed. 

Her lashes fluttered weakly. “My brother hit David over the head. He’s still at the police station. If this isn’t settled today, he’ll be charged. He could go to jail.” 

Finally understanding, Eric shot a look at Shepard. “Shep, this isn’t right. The Lanes are our in–laws. The Fletchers aren’t even on the same level. If you turn your back on Charles and help David instead, people will talk. We’ll be a laughingstock.” 

Shepard arched a brow. “So now you’re getting involved?” 

“No, I’m just laying it out for you. If Charles ends up in jail over this, do you really think Wrenley will let it go? He’s her only grandson,” Eric argued. “And if Wrenley goes to Grandma, you think she’ll just ignore it? 

“Plus, if Grandma finds out you’re siding with the Fletchers, she’ll be furious. It could make her sick again. She’s said more than once she can’t stand Vivian.” 

He paused, lowering his voice. “Shep, let’s just handle this quietly. Briana’s already apologized on her knees. No need to make it a bigger deal than it is.” 

Briana didn’t know why Eric was speaking up for her. She was confused, but she still gave him a grateful look. After all, he was the only one actually in her corner. 

Once Eric finished, he turned to Vivian. “Don’t you agree, Ms. Fletcher?” 

Vivian couldn’t meet his eyes. “I–I’ll follow whatever Shep decides.” 

Shepard didn’t answer. Instead, he simply scooped Briana up, carried her back into the living room, and set her gently on the couch. He took a piece of candy from the dish on the coffee table, unwrapped it, and held it to her lips. 

Briana turned her head away the moment it touched her mouth. “I don’t like mango.” 

Shepard’s expression didn’t change. He reached for another piece, but the whole tray was filled with mango candies. “Troublesome, ‘ he thought. With no other option, he told the servant, “Bring her some sugar water.” 

“Yes, Mr. Carter,” the servant replied. 

When it arrived, Shepard held Briana’s chin and tipped the glass to her lips. 

Water dribbled down her chin as she swallowed several reluctant mouthfuls. The sweetness was cloying, and as the sugar water dried, it left a sticky film on her skin. ‘Couldn’t he have used a spoon?‘ she wondered. 

Anyway, Briana soon felt some strength return. Her vision, which had been blurry, began to clear. 

Vivian, who had been standing nearby watching, stepped forward, her expression dark. “Shep, you’re being too rough. You should have let me help her.” She let out a short, bitter laugh, her voice thick with disappointment. “You still care about her, don’t you?” 

“I just don’t want her dying here,” Shepard replied coolly. “This is my place.” 

Vivian opened her mouth to retort, but Eric nudged her arm. “Let’s let Briana rest. Ms. Fletcher, we shouldn’t linger and get in the way. Come on, I’ll walk you out.” 

Panic shot through Vivian. ‘Alone with Eric? Absolutely not, she cried inwardly. 

“No, I’m staying,” she insisted, grabbing Shepard’s arm. “Shep, let me stay with you.” 

Shepard gave her hand a light pat. “You should go home. Eric will get you home.” 

18:25 Fri, Dec 19 M w 

Chapter 32 

Vivian’s face went pale. 

“David’s situation is in my hands now. You don’t need to be concerned,” Shepard said, his voice low but firm. “I’ll keep you updated.” 

“But-” Vivian tried to protest. 

“No more ‘buts, Ms. Fletcher,” Eric interjected smoothly. “Just relax. I’ll make sure you get home safely.” 

Vivian began to tremble visibly. 

Shepard noticed and frowned. “What’s wrong?” 

“Nothing,” she said quickly, shaking her head. “Shep, I–I should go.” 

Eric offered her a polite, practiced smile. “Right this way, Ms. Fletcher.” 

Briana was slouched on the couch, looking completely drained. 

Only after Eric’s car had pulled away from the Carter Estate did she finally speak. “Shepard, I did everything you asked. What else do you want before you’ll release my brother?” 

his hally 

Shepard stood by the window with his hands clasped behind his back. He was tall an, radiating a quiet authority. 

“Briana,” he said, “I need you to promise me one thing.” 

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