Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 96

Chapter 96 Endurance Builds a Broad Mind

Mark shot Ethan a look, then glanced at me and chuckled. "Wait, is Lacey Ethan's woman? If so, man, Ethan's one lucky dude."

That comment made my skin crawl.

I was dying to see how Ethan would handle this.

If Ethan confirmed it, I'd be mortified. If he denied it, Mark, the creep, wouldn't leave Lacey alone.

I nervously fiddled with the tablecloth, staring at my plate, feeling super tense.

"She's my girlfriend!" A different voice cut through the awkward silence.

I snapped my head up. Jason was already on his feet, shrugging off his suit jacket and draping it over Lacey, covering her wine-soaked, nearly see-through dress. Mark slowly set his wine glass down, a sly smile playing on his lips.

"Lacey looks pretty young, but she's already got a boyfriend, huh?"

I bet Lacey was totally grossed out by Mark, but she still managed to keep a smile on her face.

"Excuse me, I need to hit the restroom."

To sell the act, Jason walked Lacey out.

Jason's move not only saved Lacey but also got Ethan and me out of that cringe-worthy moment.

After they left, the vibe had totally shifted. It was buzzing earlier, but now it felt like a freezer.

I figured the whole event was a bust.

When Lacey came back, she seemed to have pulled herself together.

Ignoring the water stains on her dress, still wrapped in Jason's jacket, she smiled and raised her wine glass. "Sorry about that, I wasn't feeling too hot earlier."

With that, she poured herself another drink and knocked it back.

Mark leaned back in his chair, watching her with a lazy grin.

After setting down her glass, Lacey wiped her lips with the back of her hand and brought up Richard's case.

Mark stood up, leaning on the table, his face red from the booze, but trying to act all serious.

"We're just here to chill with Ethan, not talk shop. Whatever the case is, we're fair and square, all about the evidence." With that vague statement, they bounced.

The gathering ended just like that, and we still had no answers about Richard's case.

and she kept going, so it was no surprise she got pretty

left, Jason had to

drop her off in that state, so he had to

of it, though. When he helped her onto the guest room bed, she still

help her get her shoes off and tucked her

head, mumbling

hand under the blanket and tried to soothe her. "Just get some rest. I'll grab you some water

few drinks

headed downstairs to get some

by the kettle, I replayed everything that went

we just make things

Ethan had done all

prison, had no clue how many people were busting their butts

back to the guest room door, I heard voices inside and

I'm not as important to you as Richard. But could you

slurred from the booze, and she sounded like

my virginity is nothing compared to Richard's future. Do you think I should've

someone when you need it? Richard messed up, and I've tried my best. We're both your kids. Why do you treat me like this?" Lacey's voice got more emotional, her crying louder and

for a long time, until she hung up and her sobs started to fade.

was enough to see everything in

light, figuring she wouldn't

said, "I brought you some water.

lean against the headboard, taking the glass and

watched her take the pills and said, "Lacey, I actually envy you

me, giving a bitter

family, that you're a boss at your job, capable, and can work a room like nobody's

wish I could stay a kid forever. Growing up

When you're young, even the smallest stuff feels like the end of the world. But as

for a bit, then smiled gently.

isn't my thing. If I were, I wouldn't have made it this far. Strength

you have them, it doesn't hurt as much, and you're less likely

resting on her hands, her smile now carrying a hint

I've got my calluses, so I won't get

with a price; only they know the pain

about to leave the room, I stopped and turned back to her. "By the

me for a moment, then slid under the covers, clutching

some hangover pills.

they had all drunk the night

sleep, Lacey came downstairs with her hair tied up in a

like a wounded little beast, fully

to

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