Chapter 28 Artunda shot Ausun a suspicious fook .
What does Alex have to do with that Austins expression reinamed neutral .
He replied .
Mani , lets go home fest .
10 explain e But Amanda showed his hand off her arm andl glaved at him : Austin , this engagement has in be family elders knew about it mons .
How is Rosemary supposed to stay in our family after 1eaning against the doorframe how the star in ynor family Expoke with a lary drasi .
Tiedot you all say Ton whole thing has blown up , and the or to stand up for her ? memury was misting Funny how that changed to worrying about Honestly .
I had already guessed Rosemary wouldnt go down without a fight .
What Edent expert was her uning Amanda as a weapon .
But it made sense .
Amanda had always spoiled her adopted mighter , so of course , the wouldnt sit back and watch her inter The way Austiny was handling this mess left me feeling completely disillusioned Whenever there was a conflict between me and his family , he always stood by them Never once did Austin consider how Ich .
And he knew damn well that if that press conference happened .
If he throw in the wolves Even if someone did want to be with me , they wouldnt dare cross the Herrera family .
And my mom shed be dracend into this , too The Herreras all knew she had a bean condition .
Knew she couldnt handle stress .
Yet they didnt care if this killed her .
They even used her life to threaten me .
They were so heartless and werent worth another ounce of my feelings .
Austin hesitated at my question .
We found her I raised an eyebrow and asked directly .
Then why the hell are you still here , pounding on my vidoor ! Amanda scoffed .
Laurel , Rosemary had a breakdown because of you .
If you publicly apologize to her .
I let this slide .
A sharp laugh escaped me .
Like mother , like son their words were practically identical Sure .
Lets do it .
My eyes swept over them , cold and unbothered .
Til make sure in apologize properly .
After all I shouldnt have wasted my tune arguing with a lunatic .
But Austin , you better be kneeling and apologizing to me , too .
Why the hell did you steal my stuff and give it to Rosemary ? Shes crazy whats your excuse ? Amanda froze for a moment before snapping , What do you mean yours and his ? Youre Austins girlfriend .
Whats yours is his .
And whats his Rosemary can borrow it if she wants .
Hes bought you plenty of things why are you making a fuss ? So everyone knew Rosemary had been using my things .
Everyone except me , the idiot who tore my place apart looking for them .
You dont get to decide whats considered stealing 1 let out a sigh and turned to Austin , asking .
Girlfriend Austin , am I really your girlfriend ? Amanda snorted , her eyes filled with mockery .
What trying to cling to him now ! Youre the one who moved in with him before you even graduated college .
You have no shame , and now youre trying to act innocent ? Mom , thats enough Austin muntered , looking uncomfortable .
What , I cant speak the truth ? Amanda sneered .
Look at her , all tangled up with that man .
She was never a good woman to begin with .
A girl who shacks up with a man before finishing school what do you think that makes her ? Hearing this , I took a deep breath , my hands clenching into that .
Then what does that make your son ? And your slaughter ? Didnt she get voted as a child ? Started seducing men when she was barely out of diapers , didnt she ? Instantly , Amandas face turned beet red .
With a shriek , she lunged at me .
p her up , then I sidestepped easily , and she crashed into the doorframe , eyes burning with fury .
Laurel , that was too far ! Austin hurried to help turned to me with a furious glare .
He strode toward me , ryes dark with anger .
Amaradas voice rang out , sharp and venomous .
Hit her ! Teach that disrespectful bitch a lesson ! I let out a cold chuckle .
And whos the real bites here ! Just as Austin raised his hand , the elevator dinged .
Before his slap could land , someone yanked me into their arms .
SMACK ! The sound of a slap echoed through the hallway , but it wasnt me who got hit .
At that time , Amandas eyes widened in shock as she stared at the man who had just appeared Alex .
1/2 Chapter 28 I clutched his shirt tightly , looking up at his stormy expression .
My hips curled into a faint unile .
Taking a deep breath , I turned to Austin , then fer my gaze drift to Amandas livid face .
Youre right .
I do have another man , I said , my voice clear and unwavering .
But its not Lucas 10s Alex .
In the us years I was with your son , he never even touched me .
As soon as the words left my lips , my body gave out .
Then a strong arm wrapped around me My eyes fluttered open , and the first thing I saw was Alexs breathtakingly handsome face .
But his expression was cold , his entire presence radiating fury .
He was pissed that I dragged him into this ! With a soft sigh .
I tugged lightly on his collar and mumbled , Sorry After all , Alexs name had been on that list that night .
I had no other choice .
It was the only way to shut Amanda up Dizzy and barely conscious , I clung to Alexs neck for warmth .
My grip tightened instinctively until everything went black .
Laurel … Dont be scared .
I wont let them hurt you again .
Angela said sofily .
When I finally woke up .
Angela was sitting beside me , eyes red from crying .
The moment I opened my eyes , she threw her arms around me .
I had been burning up from the alcohol , my fever spiking overnight .
The second Alex showed up , I had finally reached my limit .
… I think I screwed up , I said to Angela .
Angela pulled back just enough to cup my face .
Dont worry .
Youve already recovered from the fever .
Laurel , you know what ? Em so worried .
1 sat up quickly , gripping her hands .
My heart pounded against my ribs .
I used Alex as a shield .
Angela didnt even blink .
Isnt that why you married him in the first place ! I told Austin and Amanda that Alex was my man .
That there was never anything between Austin and me .
I explained .
Angelas jaw dropped .
Alex was there ? I nodded firmly .
For a few seconds , Angela just stared at me in shock .
Then , unable to hold it in , she burst out laughing .
Slapping my shoulder , Angel grinned .
Laurel , you are bold as hell ! That was a power move .
And dont worry when it comes to how people see you , you get to decide that for yourself .
Besides , Alex is your husband .
Whether he likes it or not , hes stuck with you now
