No Way Back by Anna Mac

Chapter 9 Jane On The Dance Floor

Peter’s childhood friend, Larry, spread his hands wide as he leaned against the couch, watching Peter down one glass of beer after another.

Larry rolled his eyes when he saw that Peter wasn’t responding and continued to drink. Suddenly, Larry reached out and grabbed Peter’s arm, saying, “All right, that’s enough. Don’t drink yourself into a stupor. I’m not taking you home like that. Your dad will bite my head off.”

“It’s just beer. I’m still in control,” Peter replied, but he didn’t continue drinking. Instead, he leaned back against the couch and looked up at the night sky, feeling the breeze coming off the river.

Larry fiddled with his pink tie and shot a flirtatious glance at any attractive woman who happened to pass by. With his stylish outfit and glistening purple diamond earrings, he exuded the confidence of a young man who knows how to attract women’s attention.

However, it was clear that the women were more drawn to Peter. The Fowler family had excellent genes. All seven of Jack and Anna Fowler’s sons inherited their parents‘ great genes, and each had his own unique charisma.

Peter’s features, including his high, straight nose and sensually cold lips, were chiseled with the precision of a master carver. Though his hairdo was simple, his good looks were undeniable.

“Every time we go out, the girls never pay attention to me. Boo hoo hoo,” Larry said jealously, shooting Peter a glance.

Peter didn’t respond, continuing to keep his eyes closed.

Seeing that Peter was honestly bothered, Larry put away his playful grin. “I saw the news that’s been trending. Is that what’s got you so worked up? Are you worried that would hurt little Maddie’s feelings?”

“That’s part of it,” Peter replied, his eyes fixed on the drink in his hand.

“And the other reason is that yesterday our whole family misunderstood Jane and hurt her deeply. She said she wanted to sever ties with us and has already packed her bags and moved out,” Peter continued. Larry arched an eyebrow. “You wouldn’t think she’s the one behind the trending news, would you?”

Peter didn’t respond, lost in thought.

“Well, think about it this way,” Larry said, trying to lighten the mood. “It’s a blessing in disguise. The Fowler family had given up on Jane long ago, and now she’s back, which I don’t think was a nice surprise for your family, right? Plus, You do like Maddie more, don’t you?”

Peter let out a sigh. “Yeah, that’s true. Maddie was adopted when she was just a baby. We grew up together and had a strong bond. But as for Jane… I don’t have the same feelings for her. I even think it would be better if she never returned so Maddie wouldn’t get hurt.

Larry clapped a hand on Peter’s shoulder. “Well, there you have it. Jane’s out of the picture now. She’s cut ties with the Fowler family. You should be happy. Come on, let’s drink to it.”

Even though Peter knew he should be happy, he was still burdened by the thought of Jane leaving the Fowler family yesterday because Anna was unwilling to change her mind. He couldn’t get over the fact that he had misunderstood her and that they were related, even though he didn’t want to admit it.

If Jane were really to blame for everything, he would have been happy for her to leave.

she was wrongly accused and leaving, he

Oricle, he couldn’t help keeping an eye out for any news about Jane. He heard that she hadn’t been to classes,

down, and everyone, except for Anna, seemed to have given up trying to bring

was

Peter caught a glimpse of a familiar figure out of the

her. Jane gave her a small

a white lady’s blouse paired with

without makeup, and she quickly became the center

wondering aloud, “Jane.

attention to Jane. He first learned of her existence in college when he learned that Jane was his sister that had

Jane first came to the Fowler family, she was timid, fearful, and too humble, which made Peter really dislike

bad. Peter couldn’t figure out why Jane, who was from the Fowler family, wasn’t at all noble or elegant. At that time, Jane was totally different from Madelyn. Not only did Peter think this way, but everyone in the Fowler family also

she was acting in a very different way at the moment. She

even you’re staring. That’s

the second floor, Larry couldn’t take his eyes off of her. The normally calm Peter was suddenly seething, “That’s my sister,

be so different from the photo!” Larry

for Jane. However, after looking again, Larry couldn’t help but gasp, because

Larry. She walked straight to Lila, saying, “Sorry, Lila, for keeping you waiting.” Lila shook her head. “I just arrived here, too… Hey, Jane, how

flowed freely, making

concerned that the

changed,” Jane replied with a smile. She just came to realize the true nature of so–called

a little worried about you, but now you seem to be doing much better,” Lila

smiled and said, “Cheers, let’s toast my new life… Or should I

Bloody Mary in front of Lila, clinked glasses with her, and then took a

with alcohol, stimulated her

best

felt terrible about the time she held on to things that were never

had been listening to her the whole time,

scoff, “Looks like your family didn’t treat her

since he had nothing to do

to be in Jane’s position as heiress of the Fowler family,

1. up.

Larry knew Peter always disliked