Chapter 292

Brandon White’s gaze sharpened like a blade. "Not what?"

Vivian Bennett quickly averted her eyes. "Nothing."

She could never let him discover her relationship with Liam Sullivan.

If Brandon ever found leverage against her, the consequences would be disastrous.

Any chance of peace with Liam would vanish forever.

The thought struck her suddenly, sending a tremor through her heart.

Was she actually starting to hope… for a future with Liam Sullivan?

"Heh, you sure know how to sell yourself! I’ll take these jewels!"

Brandon sneered, snapping the jewelry boxes shut and gathering them into his arms.

"Put those down! They don't belong to you!" Vivian's voice was sharp and commanding.

These were gifts from Liam. She had intended to return them to him untouched tonight.

She never expected Brandon’s greed to be so voracious, seizing anything of value on sight.

"Consider it a protection fee. Why so tense?" He raised an eyebrow mockingly.

"I don't need your protection! Give them back!" Her eyes burned with desperation.

She lunged for the boxes, but Brandon shoved her away violently.

Her side collided with the sharp corner of the coffee table. Searing pain exploded through her body.

She crumpled to the floor, curling into a ball as cold sweat beaded on her skin.

Brandon didn't even glance back. He strode out, the jewelry tucked securely in his coat.

By the time Vivian pushed through the pain and stumbled into the hallway, it was empty.

"Brandon White… you monster!"

She trembled against the doorframe. A damp, sticky warmth spread across her lower back.

Her fingers came away coated in blood.

Gritting her teeth, she found the first aid kit. She disinfected and bandaged the wound herself.

Hatred for her brother grew like wild weeds, choking and relentless.

Since childhood, Brandon had always taken what was hers.

Their father always favored his son. Her stepmother only encouraged the behavior.

She was like a weed, trampled upon yet forced to grow silently.

Now she had fled to Seattle, yet she still couldn't escape his grasp.

A wave of powerlessness crashed over her, pulling her under.

Why… couldn't she break free?

She had fought so hard to shake off these chains.

Yet fate kept dragging her back into the abyss.

What would it take to sever this cursed bond for good?

Vivian closed her eyes. Exhaustion hit her like a landslide, like a tidal wave.

An old wound in her heart tore open again, bleeding fresh agony.