Chapter 63
63:
Yolanda leaned in, her voice sharp with anticipation. “So, what’s your plan?”
A wicked smile curled across Katie’s lips. “Easy. We drug Christina, stage a few scandalous photos with some random scumbag, and then shove the evidence in her face until she signs everything away in the divorce.”
Satisfaction radiated from Katie—she looked downright gleeful at her own cunning.
Noting Brendon’s jaw tighten, his eyes turning stormy, Yolanda hurried to play the voice of reason, clutching Katie’s arm, her voice tinged with fake caution. “Katie, that’s going too far. We can’t just frame Christina for something she didn’t do.”
Katie clenched her jaw and hissed the words in a low, seething tone, “Why not? She’s just a shameless slut. She acts like a whore and dared betray my brother. I’ll make her wish she’d never been born!”
Brendon shot Katie a cutting glare. “That’s enough. Stay out of this.”
Katie bristled, refusing to back down. “Why are you always so quick to defend her? What kind of witchcraft did she use on you?”
Katie spat out her next words, her anger simmering. “She’s cuckolded you, and you just stand there and take it? Even if you can stomach it, don’t you at least think about Yolanda? Why should that despicable bitch get the house and the money? All of it should go to Yolanda! She’s about to marry you. She’s the future lady of this family!”
Masking her glee, Yolanda intervened with a gentle sigh, lowering her gaze as if resigned. “Katie, don’t say things like that… Christina still deserves some kind of compensation. Even if I have to suffer a little, I’m willing. I trust your brother to do what’s fair. He would never let me lose out in the end.”
Katie’s frustration simmered in her glare. “Yolanda, you’re way too soft. If you keep this up, that bitch will trample all over you one day.”
“I…” Yolanda’s head drooped, her voice barely audible. “I just… believe in your brother. He’ll keep me safe.”
ⓞⓡⓔ ⓤⓟⓓⓐⓣⓔⓢ ⓘⓝ ⓖⓐⓛⓝⓞⓥⓔⓛⓢ.ⓒⓞⓜ
Brendon’s voice cut through the tension, cold and absolute. “That’s enough. Whatever’s between me and Christina is my business. None of you are to meddle.”
When the car rolled to a stop, Brendon shot Katie a look sharp enough to make her flinch. “And if you dare go through with that filthy little scheme, don’t think I’ll let it slide just because you’re my sister.”
Katie’s hands balled into fists as she pressed. “Just be honest—do you still have feelings for Christina?”
“No.” Brendon bristled, his tone sharp and his features clouded with irritation.
Before Katie could challenge him, he yanked the door open and strode out. “We’re done here.” He left the two women in stunned silence. Katie glowered after him, chest heaving with fury. When she finally turned, she found Yolanda biting her lip, tears gathering in her eyes.
“Yolanda…” Katie’s words carried a soft wave of empathy. “Don’t let it get to you, alright? There’s no way my brother still has feelings for that tramp. She’s out there sleeping around—who’d want disgusting leftovers like her? Brendon could have anyone in the world. Why would he ever settle for that slut?”
A faint, trembling sniff escaped Yolanda. The acting skills she showcased were impressive enough to earn her an Academy Award for Best Actress. “I know… I do trust him. It’s just… It’s a bit hard not to feel hurt.”
Katie reached over, her eyes full of steely promise. “Don’t fret. You’re the only sister-in-law I’ll ever acknowledge. That’s never changing. I’ve got your back, no matter what.”
Yolanda met her gaze, measured gratitude shining through the sheen of tears. “Thank you, Katie. I mean it—I’ll never forget your kindness.”
“Enough of this. Let’s go find your parents. Your dad said he’s cooked up a plan for dealing with that bitch.” With an exasperated huff, Katie yanked the car door open and strode out.
At that moment, Brendon was already striding across the courtyard, his expression stormy.
The moving truck sat squarely in the driveway, its engine still idling as a crew of burly men lugged boxes into the house.
Christina stood at the center of the chaos, calmly directing the movers with crisp, decisive gestures.
Brendon stalked up to her, eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Drop the act, Christina. Why don’t you just admit it?” he demanded, his voice sharp as broken glass. “This place is just a rented prop—part of your little charade.”
He then seized her shoulders, compelling her to meet his gaze. “Where are the staff? If this is really your house, why is there no one around?” A cocky grin flickered across his face, as if he’d just exposed her greatest secret.
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