Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Louise’s face was dark as a storm, practically fuming.
Imani had limped home to nurse her bruises, and Louise hadn’t even gotten the chance to tear into Briar. Yet here she was, face–to–face with her.
“Don’t call me Mom! You’re no daughter of minel Louise snapped. “Why’d you hit Imani again!”
Briar’s grin didn’t waver. She let out a slow, dramatic sigh, like she was auditioning for a soap opera. “Why? Ask your precious Imani. Why you coming for me!”
You–r
“Since you’re so curious,” Briar cut in, “Il tell ya. She deserved it. Her words hit hard, no sugarcoating.
Louise lost in. She charged forward in her heels, hand raised to slap that smig look off Briar’s face.
But before Briar could move a slim hand caught Louise’s wrist mid–air.
“Mrs. Shepherd, starting a fight here? Rad move,” a cool voice said.
Louise’s face twisted, barely holding back her rage. She looked up to see Meline, calm as ever.
Swallowing hard, Louise gritted out. “Miss York, you don’t get it. This is my daughter. She’s a total mess. Since she got back, she’s hit her sister twice. If I don’t rein her in now, she’ll be a lost cause.
Melanie raised an eyebrow, playing shocked. “Walt, I thought the Shepherds only had one daughter. You know, the one always glued to you?”
Louise’s mouth opened, but nothing came out.
Imani, sensing trouble, grabbed Louise’s arm. “Mom, let it go. Briars just out with friends for dinner-”
“Friends” Louise’s eyes locked onto Cyrus and Enzo beside Briar. “Don’t cover for her. Imani.
“She just got back—since when does she have friends She’s probably just running with some sketchy losers
Briar bit back a laugh, nodding like she was all in. “Yup, you got mer
“Briar, what’s with the ammude Louise shot back. I’m your mom. You think you can just blow me off?
Briar kept nodding, cool as ever. “Totally. I got back, stamed a fight, read some dumb apology in front of everyone, and now I’m hanging with “losers: I’m booked, Mom, Can you yell at are later!”
Louise’s face turned purple
Martin, frowning, piped up. “Briar, your mom’s just looking out for you.”
“Oh, sure, looking out for me. Awesome. Briar said, sarcasm dripping “How about this”
“Hold a press conference, tell everyone I’m the real Shepherd daughter, and Imani’s just adopted. Do that, and you can lecture me all you want.
Imand’s face went pale. “Briar, I know I messed up, but-
Before she could finish, Briar moved like a flash, her hand cracking across Imani’s cheek.
Slap! The sound echoed, silencing even the birds nearby.
Everyone froze, staring at Briar. Even Imani stood there, stunned.
Then, quick as anything. Briar slapped the other cheek.
There. Nice and even,” Briar said with a smirk. “Sixty–nine more to go, sis. Keep count, or we’re back to zero”
Imani’s eyes widened, a glint of cold fury flashing before tears welled up. “Briar, I didn’t mean. Why would you?”
“No reason.” Briar said, shrugging. “Just felt like it.”
That sent Louise into a full–on meltdown. “Briar, you little punk, you’re way outta line!” she screeched.
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Chapter 19
Briar’s grin vanished. In a split second, she snatched Imani’s hair, slamming her to th
“Aght Imani’s scream was sharp and hoarse as she crumpled, too dazed to stand.
to the ground. A brutal kick landed square in Imani’s side
Since Briar came back, Imani’s life had been pure hell. Every day, a new bruise. No part of her was safe.
“Briar, what the hell?!” Louise and Martin shouted, their faces white as sheets.
Briar took her time, planting another slow kick on Imani before smirking. “Mom, Dad, let’s keep it cool, yeah! You’re family, so I’ll go easy on you.
“Imani? Not so much. From now on, anyone who pisses me off answers to her. Got it!”
Louise’s voice could’ve cracked glass. “You think you’re some big shot now, huh? Untouchable?”
Briar didn’t flinch, her tone ice–cold. “Cordanland’s got laws, sure. But if I go down, I’m taking Imani with me. Everyone’ll know the Shepherd family’s precious princess is just a lowlife bastard”
She hissed “bastard” with venom, each syllable a blade.
Briar’s eyes blazed with a wild, dangerous glint, her smile all charm and menace. The three of them froze, chills running down their spines:
Imani, sprawled in the dirt, knew it deep down: if the law wasn’t in the way, Briar wouldn’t hesitate to
to bury her.
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