Chapter 6
bandonal wide disappointment, “Janiel
as long as joutuide for dama effe,
ergour and still looked like dae dieln’t have a car
ing fande had been theruigh and line she’d only just come back to the
rough the anger wavedear;
at was wa
was way out of line Apologize to Zion.
ack like she was judging deer, Ityaic
other hand, rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming
mero ang mabur time he wouldve about Zion slower right away. But now, he had no chae how to handle this met
el like as it made sense he was flipping out
laut láv oplidon of Janie sank even lower. Thank God she’s not my fiancee, he
des people still noticed them, reperially with Tyler–the “main curacter“-and Ryan, the big shot,
the victim and
wrong” jante betimit a fatid laugh. “Wiciny bad for being stink with you as a blood–related sister. Someone like you would probably
ssless nobinly, and you’re going to talk to me like this?
They post a body after all there was no way she could’ve had any consiral over what happened
among sense of empathy, Janie had a soft spot for work, which was probably why she could even tolerate some of Xena’s
Chapter 6
make her sick.
But now? With all the fake innocence, open hostilny, and constant stirring of the pot, Xena was really staci
g behind her Zim like some scared little mouse. And just like th
Under Janie’s sharp gaze. Xena shrank back, hiding
What are you looking at?” He barked, puffed up like he was about to fight.
that, Zion blew a fuse–again
Janie almost laughed. This guy’s really get anger management written all over him! She thought.
“Well, nothing special, she answered, “Just some constantly yelling guy who’s in a nutshell. All bark, no brains–Honestly, I almost feel sorry for
Tyler stayed silent with Kathy and Ryan. For a second, he even wanted to laugh.
“Hey, Janie Ryan cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to smooth out
But Zion wasn’t letting it go, “How dare you insult me like that!”
Janie smiled, completely unfazed. “Insult you? No, no. You’ve got it wrong. If anything. I pity you even more now.
Sensing things were spiraling. Nena teared up on suc, Zion, she didn’t mean it.”
She’s treating you like dirt, and you’re still sticking up for her?” Zion melted at her crocodile tears, looking like he’d die to protect her
“That’s enough.” Kathy closed her eyes, probably praying for patience, “How could you act like this, Janie!”
“I don’t mind, really” Nena chimed in, her voice soft and sweet. “But you shouldn’t have shoved Zion like that–it must’ve hurt. Poor Zion…he’s done nothing wrong“:
Zion’s face darkened immediately, probably remembering the moment he hit the floor like a sack of bricks.
“Is that what you think, too?” Janie didn’t answer but turned to Kathy instead.
Without missing a beat. Kathy replied. “What can I say more! Janig, 1,know you’ve had a tough life, growing up with that Carter and all, but now that you’re home, you shouldn’t be fighting with your siblings like this. It’s too much!”
Zion gave Janie a smug look, while Xena tried her best to look worried. And Ryan, for the first time, finding himself a little annoyed with Janie. Theur family didn’t use to be like this. He thought impatiently. Why had everything gone to hell since she came back? Maybe it would’ve been better if she’d just stayed away
I couldn’t think like that. He cut himself off, horrified by his own thoughts. No matter wha
what, Janie’s my real sister, isn’t she?
bu Jane was fazed by the guilt–tripping. Meeting Kathy’s disappointed glare, she actually smiled. “You’re right,” she said casually, “Wasn’t I stolen by Xenar’s mother and grew up without a proper education?”
Farryone weni st
Kathy and Xena’s faces shifted, their masks cracking
But Jaar didn’t stop. “Even so, I’m sull miles ahead of your son. If you’ve got time to lecture me, maybe focus on fixing him while there’s still a
chance
1 Kathy chucked, speechless
“Here’s the thing. Mrs. Jenkins, Janie continued, “Yours
son hurled insults and tried to attack me. All I did was detend myself. How does that make
thar that star in the wrong!
one more word and you’ll be “Zion barked, looked like he was about to blow a gasket again.
my face, maybe even beat
But Janse not him off before he could start, “Oh, here we go again Guess I should’ve just stood there, let him scream in my me to death Real funny, July?
Her speech fut
leaving nu rovin
no room for argument. Kathy stood there, words seemed to fail her.
to be wo
Zion couldn’t take a unile thus me. And Xriu? Beneath her innocent facade, a flicker of malice crossed her eyes. She hadn’t expected Janie to
I need is find a way to get rid of her sound Xena thought to hersell.
Meanwhile, arodut all the chaos, Tyler was staring at Janie, not even blinking.
a mouth on her! He thought. If she hadict been swapped, things could’ve been pretty damn entertaining.
After a standoff, Kathy finally gave in, turning to Zion. “Apologize to her, right now!
12.08 PM
Chapter 6
“Why me?” Zion scored in disbelief. “Looks like I’m the outsider here, huh? Fine! I’m outt
He spun on his heel and stormed off without waiting for an answer. Looking worried, Xena quickly spoke up, “I’ll go check on Zion
Kathy sighed in frustration, “Go and bring him back.”
The air grew tenser again after Xena rushed after Zion. Finally, it was Tyler who broke the silence. “This is on me. I didn’t handle things well.”
said bitterly, guilt plastered across her faces. “This is a family matter, it has nothing to do with
“Don’t say that, Tyler, you’ve done enough” Kathy s you”
All of them seemed to forget Janie was even there. Not that Janie cared. She had no interest in engaging with any of them.
However, just as she was about to come up with an excuse to leave, a fit of harsh coughing suddenly sounded from nearby.
She glanced up, and it was at that moment when her eyes locked with Spencer’s. He was right there, taking in the whole mess, with Noah wheeling ham over.
Janie stood up, but before she could take a step forward, Kathy grabbed her arm. “Wait, Janie.”
Spencer’s presence unsettled Kathy–he was far too charming for someone so frail Janie, young and inexperienced, would obviously find him captivating
But Kathy knew better Spencer’s failing health and bleak future meant he had nothing solid to offer. No matter how frustrated she was with Janie, Kathy couldn’t bear to see her end up stuck in a situation like that
Janie didn’t speak up. It was Tyler who greeted Spencer first, though awkwardly, “Hello, Spencer
Spencer nodded with a faint, indifferent hum. “Hello”
That single, dismissive sound darkened Tyler’s expression. What’s with this guy? He thought arinoyingly. He prided himself on treating Spencer decently, all things considered. If it weren’t for the Alvarez Family, he wouldn’t even bother with him. And yet, Spencer remained cold, never bothering to curry favor
He almost fired back but decided it wasn’t worth the hassle. Why waste energy on some sickly guy already halfway to the grave? With that thought. Tyler stepped back, putting some space between himself and Spencer.
Ryan, ever the charmer, slid in with a smile at the same time. “Mr. Alvarez. A pleasure. I’m Ryan Jenkins.”
Spencer gave him a polite nod. “Pleasure.”
As the senior in the Jenkins Family, Kathy kept qi
quiet, irrated by the way Spencer brushed right past addressing her as an elder.
What kind of upbringing skips basic manners! She thought. With a quick glance, she decided he wasn’t worth another second of her energy.
