Chapter 23
I stood impassively, watching them. They thought I was still the old Lina? They’d made decisions without consulting me, dismissing everything with a wave of their hand, as if it were a great favor. I no longer cared.
Lucas was hesitant, avoiding my gaze, waiting for Nathan to intervene.
Nathan, as the head of the family, continued, “Lina, you proved your skills. Your position
reassure her.
on the team is secure.” That should
Sophie’s face darkened with resentment. She felt cheated. She’d worked so hard; why did Lina easily take her place? She might lack talent, but her effort was comparable.
Lucas looked at me hopefully, wanting me to join the team. He’d extended an olive branch; she wouldn’t be stubborn anymore.
My gaze remained cold.“I refuse.”
Lucas was distraught.“Why?”
“I competed because the opponent insulted my parents, not to join the team.”
“But you secretly practiced! It was to rejoin the team, wasn’t it?” He didn’t believe me; he stared at me intently.
I said, “No.”
His heart sank. He blurted out, “Lina, do I need to apologize personally for you to forgive me?”
I paused.“There’s no need for forgiveness. There are other teams besides the Sky Team.” I loved competing but wasn’t limited to the Sky Team. The message was clear.
“Lina, I know you hate me!” Sophie suddenly cried out, her voice choked with sobs. Everyone looked at her.
She approached me, her tone humble. “Lucas really wants you on the team. If my presence bothers you, I’ll quit! I won’t
compete
for your spot!”
I was impatient.“Shut up. I didn’t join because I didn’t want to, not because of anyone. Stop taking credit.”
“I know you’re still angry. I shouldn’t have taken your spot. I thought I could prove myself and contribute, but I’m too clumsy!” She sniffed, her voice soft and pitiful. She really looked so adorable in wolf! If I refused her, it would once again become my
fault.
Nathan felt sorry for Sophie. “Sophie, Lucas was too harsh and hurt Lina; it’s not your fault.”
Lucas was annoyed. He regretted letting Sophie join the team. She was only suitable to be a docile younger sister, not a
teammate.
Seeing Lucas’s indifference, Sophie, shifting back to human with a desperate move, produced a brow razor and held it to her wrist.“Lina, if I die, I won’t compete with you anymore. I promise!”
I recoiled. Was she crazy? My joining the team had nothing to do with her. Didn’t she hate the idea? Why use self–harm to pressure me?
Lucas was also shocked.“Sophie, calm down! This has nothing to do with you.”
Sophie sobbed,“Lucas, it’s my fault. Maybe I shouldn’t have taken Lina’s spot. I’m grateful to have grown up in the Ashford family. I’d die happy!”
Lucas softened. Nathan looked at me anxiously.“Lina, can you bear to watch your sister hurt herself?”
Lucas frowned. But if Lina joined, everything would be fine. All she needed to do was agree.
I said calmly,“Are you all mistaken?”
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han was taken aback. “What do you mean?”
st, I clearly stated I didn’t join because I didn’t want to, not because of you. Second, Sophie using self–harm to force my id is no different from using self–harm to force King to marry me.”
team members fell silent. They had a point.
as said, “Sophie’s still family, after all.” She might be unskilled and irresponsible, but she was still just a girl.
hat does that have to do with me? Sophie’s self–harm, or suicide, is none of my business. Stop the moral blackmail!”
ha, her father saved your life! How could you provoke her like this?!” Lucas slapped me. I hadn’t expected it! Except for ndon, none of my brothers had ever hit me. But the slap never landed. Jason stood beside me, stopping Lucas’s hand, His ression was cold.“According to the Child Protection Act, this is your second violent crime. You can be reported and request Ore. Sonal protection.”
ared at him, stunned. How did he get here? He transformed to wolf, circling around me with his body. It was a protective
ice.
as gritted his teeth.“Who are you? This is family business. You’re an outsider; you shouldn’t interfere!”
han recognized Jason but didn’t expect him to be here.
on said calmly, “Even I, an outsider, can’t stand it. Your actions are unforgivable.” His eyes were icy. They’d dared to hurt her in! He could barely contain himself.
han frowned.“Dr. Fairmont, you’ve misunderstood. This is different.”
fferent how? Your adopted sister underperformed, disappeared, and acted entitled. It was Lina who won the match, forcing apology. You should treat her better, not hit her! Where’s your shame?!”
han was speechless, realizing his actions were excessive! He felt guilty.“Lina, I didn’t mean it. I just didn’t want Sophie to t herself!”
mained silent.
on’s tone was sarcastic. “You don’t want your adopted sister hurt, so you hurt your real sister? What a ridiculous excuse!”
han’s guilt intensified. He turned to Lucas.“Apologize to Lina! Why did you hit her?!” He was shocked by Lucas’s behavior.
as was stunned, hiding his hand. He hadn’t expected to hit me. He looked at me hesitantly. He’d been so angry, he’d reacted hout thinking. He’d always scolded me before without consequence. He wouldn’t do it again..
cheek still ached, but not as much as my heart. My gaze was sarcastic.“So?” I finally understood why I was belittled by cas. I’d been a punching bag.
i apology requires a proper attitude.”
on grabbed my hand and slapped Lucas hard.
