Hailey's eyes bulged with fury, her face flushed a deep shade of crimson as Vivienne backed her into a wall, her entire body pressed against the cold surface, lifted off her feet. She was moments away from choking, her breaths short and panicked.

Drake's face was a mask of fear. "Vivienne, have you lost your mind? You're gonna kill your aunt?" he shrieked, rushing to pry Vivienne's hands away. But a glare from Vivienne sent him freezing in place, his legs wobbling like jelly.

His finger trembled as he pointed at Vivienne. "If you kill Aunt Hailey, I swear I'll call the cops on you! You're insane, Vivienne, a complete lunatic!"

Seeing Vivienne being bullied by Hailey had secretly thrilled him, a perverse joy he hadn't felt in a long while. But now, with Vivienne on the verge of doing the unthinkable, his courage faltered.

Hailey, struggling for air, her hands flailing and feet kicking in desperation, couldn't utter a single word.

Vivienne's voice was icy, devoid of emotion. "Hailey, this is the last time you hurt me. There won't be a next time."

With that, she released Hailey, who collapsed to the floor, gasping for air, her face pale.

Hailey, wheezing on the ground, glared up at Vivienne. "I'll have my brother kick you out of the Linklaters!" she rasped.

"And who will you have kicked out?" came a stern voice from behind. Yorick, leaning on his cane, slowly made his way forward.

"Grandpa, Vivienne nearly strangled me! She's determined to kill me. You mustn't let

gaze darkened as he looked down at Hailey sprawling on the

stood calm, her demeanor

this family. Her mother, Sasha, might have married into this family, but

by Yorick, pleaded, "Dad, Aunt Hailey is telling the truth. Vivienne really

her can't stay with the Linklaters. Who knows if she might hurt someone

Hailey. You have to kick Vivienne

visibly agitated, a mix of

"Who are you saying we should kick out?!" he roared, grabbing Drake by the neck and

begged

sigh, commanded, "Arthur, put your brother down. We need to deal with Vivienne

down hard on his back, drawing a gasp of pain. Yorick's disappointment was

feet, shooting Vivienne a resentful glance

Vivienne and Hailey, the latter's eyes filled with desperation. "Brother, won't you stand by me? Do our years of

has been brief, I know she's not one to

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255