Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Silas remained silent.

Rose couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze, her heart aching with an intensity that made her wish for it to cease beating altogether.

No one would be able to accept her, even someone as understanding and perceptive as Silas.

After an agonizing stretch of tense silence, Rose summoned the strength to plaster a strained smile on her face.

"Yes, I am the illegitimate daughter, the product of George's affair. Our family is a complete mess, our drama both entertaining and scandalous!"

She turned her attention to Jamie, her voice tinged with defiance. "Jamie, you're on the verge of marrying into the Dalton family, aren't you? When I meet my new brother-in-law, rest assured I'll enlighten him about the Emerson family's true colors. Perhaps then, we can find common ground."

Lydia and Jamie were left dumbfounded by Rose's audacity. With each forced laugh, their fury only intensified.

Rose had made everything worse!

"Tell me, what brings you to visit this illegitimate daughter you seldom acknowledge?" Rose's tone dripped with sarcasm as she arrogantly checked her watch. "Hurry up, my time is valuable."

is about to become engaged. Your

my schedule is fully booked for the next few months. I simply

into Rose. "Rose, are you going against your father's

if the president comes, I

Jamie was livid. "You!"

take me for

over Lydia, regarded her with a mixture of disdain and defiance. "You and your daughter humiliated me just seconds ago, and mere seconds later, you dare to ask me

disrespectful wretch! You've crossed

with fury, she raised her arm intending to deliver a slap across

a sharp gust of wind suddenly sliced through the air. Then, a sharp, echoing smack

her forehead glistening with sweat as she clutched her throbbing

a cup fell to the ground after

okay?" Jamie was scared out

in pain.

"Me."