Betrayed, Then Back For Blood

Chapter 43

Lydia’s face flushed crimson with anger. “What are you blabbering about? My family’s been in the herb business for decades, with clients alf over the world. Why would we risk our reputation selling fakes?”

Briar tilted her head, feigning confusion. “Really? That’s odd. I could’ve sworn I saw a news story about Ponce Group getting caught with counterfeit drugs in Qathana last year. My mistake, maybe?”

Lydia’s confidence wavered, a flicker of unease crossing her face. There had been a scandal involving her family’s business abroad last year, but she wasn’t involved in the company and had no idea where the story broke.

‘Could it really have been Qathana?

‘What are the odds?‘ she wondered, her bravado faltering. That casual little jab of Briar’s had left Lydia with no comeback. She stood there awkwardly, her earlier arrogance evaporating.

Abbie’s hostility toward Briar, on the other hand, was simpler, rooted in a quiet crush she harbored for Frank. As Thomas’s little sister, she had more chances to be around Frank than most, and over time, her heart had started to flutter.

She’d kept her feelings under wraps, especially since Mia and Lydia were also smitten with him.

Abbie knew she was outmatched–Leyla was the perfect match from an elite family, Lydia moved in Frank’s high–society circles, and Mia had the advantage of proximity. All Abbie had was her brother’s friendship with Frank, which wasn’t much to lean on.

like a distant dream, one

now, Briar–gorgeous and dangerously close to Frank–was

Briar matched the others‘ intensity, yet Mia and Lydia assumed she was

said, her tone dripping with false warmth. “Since you’re the last one to move in, we

from the trio.

dry scoff. “Thanks, but I’ll pass on

and unlocked it with her key. The inside was surprisingly clean- no random junk. She reset the combination, locked it back up, and turned to

this dorm this morning. How dare you call it a dump?” She’d brought Briar here to team up with Lydia and Abbie to

the door, Mia stepped in front of her, with

shove Briar, but

Briar’s eyes narrowed, her tongue pressing against the back of her teeth. It was a telltale sign to anyone who knew her that she

warning signs, mistook her

they’d intimidated

to get you into Shoneport. Instead of playing nice with your roommates and classmates, you’re getting