Chapter 8
“There she is! Our heroine, making the room shine just by existing!”
“Look at her! All cute and innocent, like a baby bunny who wandered into a porno.”
Yeah, the second Bailey showed up, the comment section went full simp mode.
And of course—of course—the Holt brothers immediately turned toward her like they’d been summoned.
Smiling.
Like I wasn’t standing there, imploding.
“Hey, what’re you doing here?” Logan asked.
“We were supposed to meet at the library, remember?” Bailey said, twirling a finger around a strand of her perfectly curled blonde hair. “You guys were late, so I figured I’d just come find you!”
She giggled, like it was the cutest thing in the world. “Didn’t expect to walk in on a soap opera, though.”
She turned to me, voice all soft and sugary, but every word was laced with poison.
“Savannah, I know Grace took care of you like her own. But seriously? Crushing on her husband? That’s messed up even for you.”
“Don’t tell people we’re friends. I don’t hang out with homewreckers.”
The room spun. I was shaking so bad I could barely keep my balance.
“You’re lying,” I snapped. “Don’t twist my words, Bailey.”
She blinked innocently, all fake sweetness. “You said it yourself—you like someone older. Someone way older. Hmm, let’s see…”
Her gaze flicked to Hunter across the room, and she smirked.
“Who else fits that description besides her hot, mysterious, way-too-refined-for-her Uncle Hunter?”
“She’s not wrong. That man is a walking thirst trap.”
“Holt family’s got drama AND daddy issues? I’m living.”
“This tea is boiling hot, and I’m burning myself on purpose.”
She said it loud enough for the whole damn party to hear.
And you know what? Some of them bought it.
I saw it in their faces—the way the whispers started, the stares sharpened, even the twins’ eyes flickered with doubt.
I looked at Grace. My only anchor.
“Grace, I—”
“Save it,” Bailey cut in. “If you’re gonna be a slut, at least own it.”
“Damn, she said that with her chest. Queen behavior.”
“Is it hot in here or is it just the emotional arson?”
“Okay but… where’s Uncle Hunter’s rebuttal?”
