Chapter 6
Zion shot to his feet, furious. It looked like he was about to throw a punch
Janie, though Cool as a cucumber. She simply dodged, gave him a light toss, and sent him sprawling
Zion landed face–first on the floor, eating dirt in the most embarrassing way possible. He’d never been this humiliated before. If the floor could’ve swallowed him whole, he’d have gladly let it.
And such embarrassment quickly turned into a boiling hatred for Janie–one that hit its peak right then and there.
Everyone just stared, completely floored. They’d all thought Janie would end up getting the short end of the stick. Nobody saw this coming.
Ryan and Tyler were the first to snap out of it and rushed over to help him up. But Zion just lay there, stubborn as ever, refusing to get up. If he was going to embarrass himself, he wasn’t going to let Janie walk away unscathed either.
“Oh God!” Xena gasped and ran over, voice shaky. “Are you okay, Zion?”
Only when she started helping him did Zion get to his feet, dragging it out as long as possible for dramatic effect.
Kathy was the last to recover. She stood there, torn between anger and helplessness, her gaze shifting to Janie.
But Janie, who was still sitting there, calm as ever, sipping her water like nothing had happened.
That sent Kathy’s temper through the roof. Janie had just humiliated Zion in front of everyone and still looked like she didn’t have a care in the world.
Her face hardened with disappointment, Janie! Look what you’ve done!”
Janie glanced up with a blank face, “Yes? I’m listening.”
Kathy was about to lay into her but stopped short. She thought about everything Janie had been through and how she’d only just come back to the family. Maybe she just needed some time to settle in.
Swallowing her frustration, she forced her tone to stay steady, though the anger was clear. “That was way out of line. Apologize to Zion. Now!”
“Apologize?” Zion yelled, “What good is just saying sorry?”
Xena stood next to Zion, shooting Janie a look like she was judging her. Ryan, on the other hand, rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.
If this were any other time, he would’ve shut Zion down right away. But now, he had no clue how to handle this mess.
Zion had always been the golden boy, never embarrassed like this. It made sense he was flipping out.
And Tyler? Not being part of the family, he stayed quiet at first, but his opinion of Janie sank even lower. Thank God she’s not my fiancée, he thought, or we’d be dragging the whole family down with this mess.
—
He was right about this despite the dim light, a few people still noticed them, especially with Tyler–the main character” and Ryan, the big shot, both in the room.
Meeting Zion’s furious stare with a calm grin. Janie shrugged. “I really do owe you an apology”
Zion raised his eyebrow, “What’s this? Still trying to play the victim and beg for mercy?”
“Don’t get me wrong, Janie let out a faint laugh, “It’s my bad for being stuck with you as a blood–related sister. Someone li
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Chapter 65
you would probably only vibe with Xena, huh?”
Zion was stunned, almost choking. “You broke, classless nobody, and you’re going to talk to me like this?”
“Pardon me?” Janie gave him a deadpan look, “Who is that real nobody here?”
“Zion, Janie, this is all on me.” Nena muttered. “Just quit fighting over n
me, alright?”
90%
Janie didn’t bother replying. She didn’t really have a bone to pick with Xena.
Back when they got swapped, Xena had been just a baby after all–there was no way she could’ve had any control over what happened
As someone who has a strong sense of empathy, Janie had a soft spot for women, which was probably why she could even tolerate some of Xena’s little mind games.
But now? With all the fake innocence, open hostility, and constant stirring of the pot, Xena was really starting to make her
Under Janie’s sharp gaze, Xena shrank back, hiding behind her Zion like some scared little mouse. And just like that, Zion blew a fuse–again.
“What are you looking at?” He barked, puffed up like he was about to fight.
Janie almost laughed. This guy’s really got anger management written all over him! She thought.
“Well, nothing special,” she answered, “Just some constantly yelling guy who’s in a nutshell. All bark, no brains–Honestly, I almost feel sorry for you.”
Tyler stayed silent with Kathy and Ryan. For a second, he even wanted to laugh.
“Hey, Janie…” Ryan cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to smooth out.
But Zion wasn’t letting it go, “How dare you insult me like that!”
Janie smiled, completely unfazed. “Insult you? No, no. You’ve got it wrong. If anything. I pity you even more now.”
Sensing things were spiraling, Xena teared up on cue, “Zion, she didn’t mean it…”
“She’s treating you like dirt, and you’re still sticking up for her?” Zion melted at her crocodile tears, looking like he’d die to protect her.
“That’s enough,” Kathy closed her eyes, probably praying for patience, “How could you act like this, Janie?”
“I don’t mind, really, Xena chimed in, her voice soft and sweet. “But you shouldn’t have shoved Zion like that–it must’ve hurt. Poor Zion…he’s done nothing wrong!”
Zion’s face darkened immediately, probably remembering the moment he hit the floor like a sack of bricks.
“Is that what you think, too?” Janie didn’t answer but turned to Kathy instead.
Without missing a beat, Kathy replied, “What can I say more? Janie, I know you’ve had a tough life, growing up with that Carter and all, but now that you’re home, you shouldn’t be fighting with your siblings like this. It’s too much!”
Zion gave Janie a smug look, while Xena tried her best to look worried. And Ryan, for the first time, finding himself a little annoyed with Janie.
Their family didn’t use to be like this. He thought impatiently. Why had everything gone to hell since she came back? Maybe it would’ve been better if she’d just stayed away
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‘No, I couldn’t think like that He cut himself off, horrified by his own thoughts. No matter what, Janie’s my real sister, isn’t
she?
But Janic wasn’t fazed by the guilt–tripping Meeting Kathy’s disappointed glare, she actually smiled. “You’re right,” she said casually, “Wasn’t I stolen by Xena’s mother and grew up without a proper education?”
Everyone went still as Kathy and Xena’s faces shifted, their masks cracking
But Janie didn’t stop. Even so, I’m still miles ahead of your son. If you’ve got time to lecture me, maybe focus on fixing him while there’s still a chance”
- Kathy chocked, speechless.
Id
“Here’s the thing. Mrs Jenkins” Janie continued, “Your son hurled insults and tried to attack me. All I did was defend myself. How does that make me the one in the wrong?
“One more word and you’ll be… Zion barked, looked like he was about to blow a gasket again.
But Janie cut him off before he could start, “Oh, here we go again. Guess I should’ve just stood there, let him scream in my face, maybe even beat me to death. Real funny, huh?”
Her speech hit hard, leaving no room for argument. Kathy stood there, words seemed to fail her.
Zion couldn’t fake a smile this time. And Xena? Beneath her innocent facade, a flicker of malice crossed her eyes. 5 expected Janie to be so sharp–tongued.
I need to find a way to get rid of her soon!‘ Xena thought to herself.
Meanwhile, amidst all the chaos, Tyler was staring at Janie, not even blinking.
What a mouth on her! He thought. If she hadn’t been swapped, things could’ve been pretty damn entertaining.
After a standoff, Kathy finally gave in, turning to Zion. “Apologize to her, right now!”
“Why me?” Zion scorned in disbelief, “Looks like I’m the outsider here, huh? Fine! I’m out!”
She hadn’t
He spun on his heel and stormed off without waiting for an answer. Looking worried, Xena quickly spoke up. “I’ll go check on Zion.”
Kathy sighed in frustration, “Go and bring him back.”
The air grew tenser again after Xena rushed after Zion. Finally, it was Tyler who broke the silence. “This is on me, I didn’t handle things well.”
“Don’t say that, Tyler, you’ve done enough,” Kathy said bitterly, guilt plastered across her faces. “This is a family matter, it has nothing to do with you”
All of them seemed to forget Janie was even there. Not that Janie cared. She had no interest in engaging with any of them. However, just as she was about to come up with an excuse to leave, a fit of harsh coughing suddenly sounded from nearby. She glanced up, and it was at that moment when her eyes locked with Spencer’s. He was right there, taking in the whole mess, with Noah wheeling him over.
Janie stood up, but before she could take a step forward, Kathy grabbed her arm. “Wait, Janie.”
Spencer’s presence unsettled Kathy–he was far too charming for someone so frail. Janie, young and inexperienced, would obviously find him captivating.
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Chapter 6
But Kathy knew better. Spencer’s failing health and bleak forure meant he had nothing indict to offer. No meme frustrated she was with Janic, Kathy couldn’t bear to see her end up stork in a nation like that
Janie didn’t speak up. It was Tyler who greeted Spencer first, theagh awkwardly, Heller, Spanner
Spencer nodded with a faint, indifferent hum. “Hello”
That single, dismissive sound darkened Tyler’s expression. What’s with this guy? He thought annoyingly the printet himott on treating Spencer decently, all things considered. If it weren’t for the Alvarez Family, he wouldn’t even bother with Aus And yet, Spencer remained cold, never bothering to curry favor
He almost fired back but decided it wasn’t worth the hassle. Why waste energy on some sickly guy seedy halfwry to the grave? With that thought, Tyler stepped back, putting some space between himself and Spencer
Ryan, ever the charmer, slid in with a smile at the same time. “Mr. Alvarez A pleasure. In Ryan Jenine
Spencer gave him a polite nod. “Pleasure.”
As the senior in the Jenkins Family, Kathy kept quiet, irrated by the way Spencer brushed right par addressing her an am
elder.
What kind of upbringing skips basic manners? She thought. With a quick glance, she decided he wasdit word atotter second of her energy.
AD
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