Chapter 30

Chapter 30:

“Don’t try to stop me!” Stacey sobbed, her voice ragged. “Everything’s gone wrong because of me. I never should’ve come back to this family. Nicolas got worse, Rylie was pushed out, and… all of this is because of me. Maybe it’s better if I disappear p>

Phillip darted forward and wrestled the knife from her, wrapping her trembling frame in a fierce embrace. “Stop it! No one’s blaming you. You’ve always given everything for us. Please don’t carry this burden alone p>

He turned pleading eyes to Leland, who looked just as shaken. “Leland, mistakes happen. If you’re willing to let things go with Rylie, can’t you do the same for Stacey? She’s blood — she’s our sister, for real p>

As he thought of the good times, Leland’s resolve weakened. He reached for calm and said, “Today’s your birthday too. Mom and Dad are almost home — they want to celebrate. Please, Stacey, promise you won’t do anything drastic. You matter to us p>

Tears running down her cheeks, Stacey gasped out an apology. “I’m sorry, Leland. I’ll try to make things right. I want to learn from Rylie — maybe she’ll teach me how to make the potions properly. The truth is, I only made those mistakes because she confused me in the lab. I take all the blame p>

At this, Phillip’s temper exploded. “So it was Rylie’s scheme all along! She deliberately led you astray. She’s always been out to get you p>

Leland, deep down, sensed that there was more to the story, but he couldn’t find the words to challenge her just then. Instead, he glanced at Phillip, noticing the vivid red imprint on his cheek. “Who hit you, Phillip p>

Phillip’s face darkened as he remembered. “I tried to do something nice — invited Rylie to partner with me for the upcoming racing tournament, even planned to give her part of the p>

“Prize to help her out now that she’s back with her poor family. Instead of thanking me, she slapped me p>

Stacey’s tears welled anew, and she reached for Phillip’s arm, her voice trembling with worry. “Phillip, does it hurt? I’ll get some ointment for you p>

Phillip’s frustration melted away, replaced by tenderness. “You’re the only one in this family who truly cares, Stacey. Rylie, on the other hand — she’s got nothing but pride, and she deserves her miserable situation p>

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With watery eyes, Stacey made a solemn vow. “Let me race for you, Phillip. I’ll put everything into it, and if I win, every cent of the prize will go to Rylie. And then her life won’t be so poor after she goes back to her own family p>

Phillip’s chest swelled with pride. “Rylie, you are truly too kind p>

Beneath the surface, irritation simmered — he refused to accept that Rylie’s absence would doom his team. In his mind, blood meant everything. With Stacey on board, he was convinced they had finally claimed the top spot at the global relay.

When Stacey had quieted, Leland remembered something that their parents had relayed over the phone. He then said to Stacey, “Rylie used to be engaged to Fred, remember? Tomorrow, the Dury family is coming to formally end the engagement. Both you and Rylie need to be there p>

That news sent a ripple through Stacey’s heart, though she masked it with a look of wide-eyed surprise. “Why am I needed at the meeting p>

Leland’s gaze grew somber. “Fred isn’t just ending things with Rylie — he wants to propose to you instead. Hasn’t he mentioned this to you before p>