Betrayed, Then Back For Blood

Chapter 22

Briar showered fast and came downstairs for breakfast twenty minutes later. Even though she’d been living abroad for years, she still liked the locals Dasmieca–style breakfast.

The moment she sat down, a servant brought her food. She ate

slowly while

e scrolling on her phone, clearly dragging things out on purpose.

Beatrice, who had calmed down thanks to Halle, just scoffed when

Briar. She didn’t say a word or rush Briar.

Almost an hour later, Briar finally finished. She wiped her mouth, stoo

She picked up her bag and headed to the door without waiting for them.

Halle and Beatrice trailed behind, quiet like maids.

This wasn’t just Briar being cold–it was her openly mocking them.

and said, “Let’s go.”

Even Halle, who was usually good at keeping her cool, was s fuming inside. Still, she reminded herself to hold on for a few more days. Soon, Briar would be humiliated in front of everyone.

Outside, the driver was waiting. He opened the front passenger door for Briar, and the back doors for Halle and Beatrice–splitting them into separate spaces in the car.

Briar gave the driver a look, but he acted like he didn’t

see it

and just drove.

Forty minutes later, they arrived at the biggest mall in Shoneport–the one where all the rich folks shopped. Most of the clothes there started at 3,000 dollars a piece.

Halle usually avoided this place. She didn’t have the budget for it. But today was different. They had Edgar’s 150 thousand dollars to spend.

Briar didn’t know Halle had been living on such a tight budget for years. She went straight into a few familiar stores, picked out two dresses, and spent the entire 150 thousand dollars–all by herself.

Then she left with her bags, not even glancing at Halle or Beatrice.

It wasn’t until she’d completely vanished from view that the sales clerk approached Halle and Beatrice with the receipt, asking them to complete the

payment.

out of their stunned silence, they

late–Briar was gone. And without

to find Briar already on the couch, leg

at the bags, itching to

allowed

phone. The two large shopping bags with

making sure to say us loudly. She wanted to make it clear that

even look up. “Didn’t Dad say not to hold back? I only bought two dresses. If you want more money, just ask him. The Jennings family’s

broke.”

knew the family was rich, but Edgar had never handed

Briar had blown it all on just two. Each dress cost

their years with the Jennings family, neither

1/3

Chapter 22.

She put him on speaker, “Dad, Is the Jennings family short,

meeting. He kept his voice low. “If you liked them, buy them. I can afford it. They’re just used to being

them.”

only been careful

and hung up. “See? As the Jennings family heir, spending 150 thousand dollars on two

said nothing. They just sat there, burning with

got up early and rode her motorcycle

been kicked out by her foster parents when she was fourteen. Since then, she barely made enough from part–time jobs to eat and cover rent. She

fit into one small suitcase–mostly

a local delivery service to send Ellen’s things over to

Moonspring Estate on her motorcycle. The guards at the gate already recognized Briar’s license plate from when she bought

the way to Ellen’s new home, they passed by Briar’s place. The house next door had

wasn’t interested in meeting new neighbors. She

was finally leaving her old life behind.

She didn’t have to worry about food or rent anymore. For the first time, she felt safe and hopeful–no more yelling, no more surprise visits from

The woman would cook lunch and dinner and come every other day to clean. Ellen just had to take care

her own breakfast.

and a soup, with both meat and veggies. Briar stayed to eat with Ellen

anything else before heading out–there was no need. The neighborhood was safe, and Briar had already installed cameras so she could. check in

the gate, waving with bright

helmet down, gave a cool wave

hers. He told the workers, “That’s enough for now. We’re not even sure if Mr. Wade