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Chase snarled, “It’s all Tracy’s fault! Today’s her birthday, and when she saw us weren’t around, she took it out on Yvonne.”
What? She hadn’t said a word to Yvonne, let alone done anything.
Faye clutched Yvonne protectively, eyes watering as she looked at Tracy. “Tracy, I know you never liked me or Yvonne. But she’s still your sister. You can treat me however you like-I v the one in the wrong. All I ask is that you don’t hurt Yvonne. She’s innocent.”
At that moment Jared walked in, both arms full of shopping bags. He glanced at Faye and Yvonne with red eyes, then at Tracy standing stiff as a post. Instantly, he assumed the whole
story.
Dropping the bags on the coffee table, he glared at Tracy. “Your temper’s getting worse. Every time you set foot in this house, you turn it upside down. We were all out, having a good time. We came back happy. The moment you appear, it all changes. Don’t you ever reflect on yourself?”
Tracy looked up at him, gaze sharp as a knife. This was the brother who once promised Mom he’d take care of me. This is what his care looks like?
Her lips curved in a cold smile. “I only came to see Grandma. Not you. If you can’t stand me, pretend I’m not here. Keep your precious sister out of my face and nothing will happen.”
Yvonne’s lashes trembled prettily, voice soft. “Tracy, you’ve misunderstood me. I was just happy to see you. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.”
Chase’s fury spiked at Tracy’s indifference. “See that? Yvonne admits fault even when she’s not wrong. She’s considerate. You, on the other hand-always stubborn, never admitting a thing. How can this family have a sister like you?”
Tracy pressed her lips together. What was the point of arguing? To people who already hated you, even breathing was wrong.
Faye dabbed her eyes, voice tremulous. “I know you resent me and Yvonne. But what’s done is done. Can’t you let go of the past and try to get along with your father and brothers?”
Tracy’s face iced over. “You’re the last person who should be saying that. Don’t think that just because you wormed your way
your way into this house, you’re secure. Don’t forget, you were the mistress who forced her way in. You replaced my mother. One day, someone will replace you too. And when you’re the one cast out, see if you can still preach about letting go.”
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Chapter 25 Someone Will Replace You Too
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Only when she had tasted the same humiliation as her mother would she be qualified to talk.
The words landed like knives. Faye’s face drained of color. She trembled. Trevor had his flings outside-she’d had to quietly dispose of them one by one. Her position as Mrs. Xander was far from easy, a constant fight to survive.
Jared’s hand whipped across Tracy’s face. The crack echoed. “You’re out of line! Apologize to Yvonne and Madam Faye!”
Tracy held her burning cheek, stunned. He had favored Yvonne countless times, but he’d never hit her. Until now. For what crime?
Her eyes went cold. “Why should I apologize? I did nothing wrong. Stop gaslighting me! Tell me, Jared-have you forgotten who gave birth to you? Mom worked herself half to death to raise us, and now you slap your own sister to defend the woman who destroyed her marriage. You’re really Mom’s fine eldest son!”
Her accusation cut deep. Jared flinched, half his anger draining away, shame flickering in his
eyes.
Faye quickly stepped in, sobbing, “Say what you like about me, but how can you speak that way to your brother? You know he’s always loved you most. You’re stabbing him in the heart.”
Jared’s hand, half lifted in regret, froze and dropped again. His jaw tightened.
Yvonne chimed in with perfect timing, eyes glistening. “Tracy, if you’re angry, take it out on me. Don’t hurt your brothers. They’re innocent. After all, you share blood. You’re family.”
Tracy clapped slowly, mock applause sharp in the silent room. “Bravo. The two of you should be in the entertainment industry. With acting like that, you’d win best actress every year.”
expressi
Any trace of guilt on Jared’s face evaporated. His expression hardened. “Tracy, you’re going too far.”
Chase sneered, “You think throwing tantrums will make us pay attention to you? Competing with Yvonne for favor? Look at yourself first.”
Before Tracy could answer, Trevor’s voice boomed from the doorway. “What are you all yelling about? The whole house is in chaos. Does that make you happy?”
gaze dropped
He walked in with a sleek shopping bag, and froze at the sight of Tracy. Then his to the red handprint on her face. His brows snapped together. “Tracy, who hit you?”
She didn’t answer.
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Chapter 25 Someone Will Replace You Too
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“I did,” Jared said evenly. “She was insolent, disrespectful, and out of control. She needs discipline.”
Tracy’s lips twisted in a bitter smile. Inside, she felt nothing but ice.
Trevor sighed, exasperated. “Tracy, must you stir up trouble every time you come back? Everyone works hard. When we gather, we want peace, not fights. You never win by doing this. Why can’t you just let things go?”
Her laughter was sharp and cold. “You all say I have no manners? Fine. I don’t. What can yo do about it? Don’t forget, I’m just the daughter this family abandoned. If not for Grandma, wouldn’t set foot in here. So save your hypocritical lectures. We both know-I have nothing do with you anymore.”
“Tracy!” Trevor’s voice rose. “Is this what your mother taught you? To be rude, defiant, ungrateful?”
The moment he invoked her mother, Tracy’s fury exploded.
“You don’t get to say her name!” she snapped. “How I treat you depends entirely on how you treat me. You gang up on me, slap me around, then expect me to thank you? Spare me your outdated sermons about duty. That died with your betrayal.”
Trevor’s face flushed red, but he couldn’t find a retort. Deep down, he knew she wasn’t wrong.
Just then Yvonne’s eyes darted to the brocade box in Tracy’s hand. Her expression shifted. “Tracy… why do you have Grandma’s bracelet?”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
