Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Upon hearing the plan, Grandma Emily frowned deeply. "It's just too risky. You're the only heir of the Fisher family, and I'm not about to let you put yourself in

harm's way!"

"Yeah, big brother, you really can't go. We should just call the police and let them handle rescuing Allison. If you go, Chris will surely come after you."

Joshua's expression turned steely, his gaze sharp and unyielding. "I said no calling the police."

"But I'm just worried about you, big brother..." Lillian's voice wavered, her eyes welling up with tears, feeling hurt by his harsh look.

She might have been laying it on a bit thick, but her fear was genuine-she dreaded the thought of Joshua not coming back.

Joshua brushed off Lillian's pleas and turned to Mr. and Mrs. Fisher and Grandma Emily. "Mom, Dad, Grandma, this is the best shot we've got at rescuing her. I need you all to back me up on this."

Grandma Emily shook her head firmly. "I can't agree to this. You can't go."

tightened, his demeanor resolute. "Grandma,

message was clear: her disapproval wouldn't change his

you..." Grandma Emily's voice quivered with anger. "You're really ready to risk your life for a woman? Fine, fine, I give up

so upset, Ben quickly tried to calm her down, gently rubbing her back. "Mom, please, take it easy. We don't

a real bind. Grandma Emily had had a heart attack not long ago and barely pulled through. Now, with her so worked up, he worried she might not last

can't do this. Grandma's heart is fragile; she can't handle this kind of stress.

wasn't budging, tried a different tack, invoking Grandma's health to sway him. On the surface, it seemed

Chris's call, Joshua had quickly mapped out a rescue plan. It was indeed the

dashed

police involved, he'd harm Allison. Joshua feared that both the Fisher and Owens families might panic and ruin his strategy, so he returned

Javier and

on Allie?" Javier blurted, breathless

laid it all

was livid, eyes wide with rage as he charged forward, only to be stopped by