Reborn Exposing My Adopted Sister’s Plot
Chapter 5 Claiming a Sister
Mike stood frozen, Jesse’s reply catching him off guard.
+B Pearls
He had always prided himself on being the one who looked out for her. Every time Taylor so much as frowned, he was the first to notice and act. If she complained about bitter medicine, he made sure there was candy on hand.
Wasn’t I the one trying to make peace here? Everything I’m saying is for her own good. And what does she do? Throws it back at me like none of it matters.
His jaw clenched as his eyes darted toward Lyman. The fact that this little showdown was happening in front of him only made Mike’s blood boil hotter.
“Jesse, I’m trying to do right by you. If you keep acting this way, don’t bother calling me your brother.”
He braced himself, already expecting the usual routine–Jesse lowering her head, whispering an apology, then softening him up with that sweet, desperate little “Mike” she always used.
This time, all she gave him was a steady look and two quiet words. “Alright, Mr. Mike Spencer.”
The response landed light, yet the impact hit him like a punch to the gut.
Mike froze, then felt fury roar up his spine. His face grew grim, his voice sharpening like a whip. “Keep this up, Jesse, and I won’t lift a finger for you ever again.”
A sharp clap broke the tension.
Lyman leaned back with that trademark lazy grin. “If you’re done with her, I’ll take over. Jesse, go on–call me big bro.” His voice dripped with mockery, every word a jab meant to sting.
Jesse didn’t hesitate. “Big bro.”
His
eyes
flickered in surprise, then narrowed with wicked delight. He reached out, ruffling her hair with infuriating gentleness. “Good girl.”
It sounded playful, almost indulgent, yet carried a weight that made Mike’s chest seize.
Rage exploded inside him. Jesse–his sister–had actually called someone else “big bro.” Right in front of him, no less. It felt like a slap across the face.
His voice cracked under the strain of his temper. “Do you even want your allowance anymore?”
Jesse laughed, though it was a bitter sound. That old trick again–dangling money to make her bend. Except her allowance had already been chipped away every time she was punished for
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Chapter 5 Claiming a Sister
Taylor’s sake.
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“It’s been months since I’ve seen a single cent from the Spencer family,” she stated evenly.
Mike’s brows shot up. “No way. Edward tells the finance team to wire the funds every month. How the hell did you miss yours?”
Then, it hit him. Right–she’d been punished a few times.
His face hardened. “So you missed a couple of months. Big deal. You’ve got savings, don’t you? Don’t tell me you burned through it already. Two months without allowance and you’re sulking like this? Seriously? If it’s just about money, fine–I’ll send 100,000 right now. Same as Taylor.”
He thought he was being fair, leveling the field. Surely, she’ll let it go now.
The condescension stung worse than the money ever could. Her brothers knew playing favorites cut deepest, yet they still sided with Taylor every time. Now, handing her “the same as Taylor’s” wasn’t fairness–it was pity dressed as charity.
“No need.” Jesse’s voice came out flat, edged with mockery. She’d rather go hungry than take another handout. Once she broke free of the Spencer family’s shadow, she’d never have to worry about money again.
Mike thrust his phone toward her. “Quit being difficult. Isn’t this what you wanted?”
His hand never reached the screen.
Lyman’s grip locked around his wrist like iron.
Mike gritted his teeth, his face twisting as he tried to pull free. The effort only drew sweat across his forehead.
A strained grunt slipped out as his body gave way, tilting off balance and leaving him looking small beside Lyman’s towering frame.
“My sister doesn’t need outside funding,” Lyman said calmly. As he tapped his phone with his other hand, Jesse’s device buzzed, and her balance had just increased by five million.
Mike’s expression turned stormy, his glare fixed on Lyman with a hatred that could’ve burned through steel. Yet, deep down, he knew he was outclassed.
His only weapon left was his voice. “Fine, Jesse. Don’t apologize? Forget about coming home again!”
He slammed out of the hospital, the door rattling in his wake.
Jesse turned toward Lyman, her eyes bright with gratitude. “Thank you.”
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Chapter 5 Claiming a Sister
+8 Pearls
He tilted his head, a carefree smirk spreading across his face, his good looks filled with a playful glint. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I just like watching Mike choke on his pride. Has nothing to do with helping you.”
Jesse knew their feud ran deep, yet she still couldn’t deny he had stood up for her. She promised him, “I’ll still pay you back–for the bills, the food, all of it.”
Lyman spun his phone idly, his gaze sharpening. He caught the line she was drawing, and it irked him.
He let out a low chuckle, but his brows shot up with a hint of irritation. His face still had that carefree, reckless charm, but his eyes held a sharper edge–like her words had hit closer to home than she thought.
“Tsk. I just claimed you as my little sister in front of Mike, and now you’re cutting me off? Makes me look pretty pathetic, don’t you think?”
Jesse faltered. The truth was plain–she knew exactly what Lyman meant. His words hung in her ears, ‘Be my little sister. Come home with me.‘
It wasn’t about her brothers finding out. The thought of moving into Lyman’s place just felt strange. She no longer wanted to play the role of little sister to anyone.
Still, when she looked up, she noticed his ears were faintly red.
Her chest tightened as a memory bubbled up–an echo from childhood, a boy’s voice muffled through the wall, ‘I want a little sister too.”
Lyman’s lazy drawl cut through her thoughts. “My reputation isn’t cheap. You’ll stay at my place of interest. Pay me back later.”
It wasn’t a suggestion. It was an order.
That was Lyman–always high–handed, even more so than the Spencer boys.
Before she could reply, he slipped his coat from his shoulders and draped it over hers. “Wear this. You’re skin and bones. Out there, a breeze could knock you flat.”
Wrapped in his coat, Jesse followed him out.
When the car rolled to a stop again, she stepped out and froze. They weren’t at Lyman’s place. They were parked outside the Spencer Residence.
Her thoughts scattered in confusion until Taylor’s voice floated across the yard. “Jesse, you’re
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Chapter 5 Claiming a Sister
back! All of us are worried sick.”
Jesse turned, stunned.
:
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Taylor stood bundled in a puffy coat and wool hat, smiling sweetly as she shaped a snowman.
Mike crouched beside her, patient as ever, packing snow with his hands.
The same brother who had just stormed out, swearing he didn’t care. The same brother who treated Taylor–supposedly frail and delicate–as though she were the one worth protecting.
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