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.

of their stunned silence, they

too late–Briar was gone. And without paying,

Briar already on the couch, leg dresses

stared at the bags, itching to see what was

be allowed

on her phone. The two large

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

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

broke.”

the family was rich, but

a few outfits with the 150 thousand dollars. But Briar had blown it all on just two. Each dress cost 75

neither

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Chapter 22.

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

low. “If you liked

them.”

said that. They’d only been careful with money because Edgar never gave them

the answer she wanted and hung up. “See?

and Beatrice said nothing. They just sat there, burning with

and rode her motorcycle to pick Ellen up

she was fourteen. Since then, she barely made enough from

her stuff fit into one small suitcase–mostly school uniforms

local delivery service

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

by Briar’s place. The house next door had movers bringing in

much of it. She wasn’t interested in meeting new neighbors. She just

had a big smile the whole way. It felt like she was finally leaving her old life behind. Now

to worry about food or rent anymore. For the first time, she felt safe and hopeful–no more yelling, no more surprise visits

lunch and dinner and come every other day

her own breakfast.

that. The housekeeper made lunch that day–four dishes and a soup, with both

was no need. The neighborhood was safe,

the gate, waving with bright eyes and a

cool wave without turning back, and

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