She didn’t bother taking off her coat—just turned and jumped in. The icy water hit like a shock, soaking through her clothes, making her shiver so hard her teeth hurt. She sank slowly, fear clawing at her chest, but she bit her lip to keep from screaming.
Then the water turned red—dark, blooming like a cruel flower. Colin’s voice shot through the air. “Oh my God, Ms. Lebeau is bleeding from her head!”
Joel’s jacket hit the ground as he dove in, grabbing Lyra and hauling her out.
“Enough! Why are you so stubborn? You could’ve just walked away!”
Lyra tilted her head back, eyes locked on the diamond ring still glittering at the bottom.
“You told me to make her happy. Aren’t you satisfied now? Your precious Renee must be thrilled.”
Joel frowned, jaw tight. “I’ve told you a million times—I only see her as a sister.
“Her family’s status in Lindale isn’t low either. What if people find out what you’ve done? You know how hard it is to keep public opinion under control these days.
“I just wanted you to calm her down—for your own good.”
His tone was soft, like he was doing her a favor.
Lyra just laughed—bitter, hollow.
Public opinion, huh?
Like when the almighty Fenwick heir wrecked himself in a car race for Renee—didn’t they cover that up just fine?
Or when Renee bullied half the school, hiding behind Joel’s influence—didn’t the Slutz family’s reputation stay spotless thanks to him?
Even their IVF attempts got buried, him guarding that secret like his life depended on it.
But now? Now it was too hard to handle—just because it involved her?
She’d never come close to Renee’s place in his heart.
Without another word, Lyra yanked off her soaked coat and headed for the living room. She barely made it a few steps before dizziness hit, and she crumpled to the floor.
Joel’s face changed in a flash—he moved to pick her up—
But Renee dropped down beside her, sobbing.
“Joel… My stomach hurts. Can you carry me upstairs to rest?”
He froze, hand retracting from Lyra, then scooped Renee up without a second thought.
Lyra lay on the cold floor, her head smacking hard as she fell. Joel didn’t even look back.
He glanced at Colin and ordered, “Take Lyra to the hospital.”
