He’d decided–this time, he was going to sit down with her and have a proper talk.
Lorena couldn’t keep getting hurt like this.
But just as he moved, Sean stopped him with one hand, his voice calm but cold. “She’s still on an IV. She’s not leaving until it’s done. If you’re family, you can wait outside.”
His gaze was frosty, his tone leaving no room for debate.
Sadie looked up in surprise.
She saw his tall frame standing protectively in front of her, his broad back blocking her from view.
Then she noticed a scar on his wrist–angry, red, and rough. It was hard
to miss.
She had one just like it on her leg–a souvenir from the car accident when she was a child.
‘Has he been through something similar?‘
Jeremy squared his shoulders. “I’m her brother. I’m taking her home. We have a doctor at the house.”
Sean didn’t flinch. “Then where was that doctor while she’s been burning up with a fever?”
Jeremy’s gaze dropped to Sadie’s pale face, and his voice faltered. “She… didn’t tell us she was sick.”
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He thought. I tried to check her temperature that morning–but she pulled away from me.
‘How is that my fault?
‘Maybe she’s been dragging it out on purpose, just to avoid taking responsibility.‘
Sean’s voice dropped several degrees. “Sir, if you try to force her to leave, I’ll call the police and report you for domestic abuse. And just so you’re aware, under the law, a minor experiencing violence or neglect is entitled to request legal protection.”
“I’m her biological brother. Her legal guardian!” Jeremy snapped.
Sean raised an eyebrow, unbothered. “And I just saw you slap her. That’s assault. And there’s security footage. I’m sure the authorities will have no problem sorting out the facts.”
His tone was even, his presence unshakable. “She doesn’t want to go with you. And you don’t have the right to force her.”
Sadie’s heart skipped a beat.
She stole a glance at the man standing protectively in front of her.
The hospital room was quiet.
Sadie opened her mouth but didn’t say a word. At moments like this, words felt useless.
She had explained herself countless times in the past–none of her brothers ever believed her.
Jeremy’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly before he let go of her arm.
He looked at her, disappointed. “If you insist on being this stubborn,
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once Ethan gets back, even I won’t be able to protect you. Think it over.”
With that, he turned and walked out.
Sadie exhaled like a weight had been lifted, leaning back against the headboard.
Her eyes carried a hint of bitter amusement. ‘Think about what, exactly?
‘Think about going back to my old ways? Bowing my head, trying desperately to please them–only to end up tossed aside, locked in a psych ward, and left to die like in my previous life?
‘No way.‘
“Here,” a voice said.
A cold compress wrapped in gauze appeared in front of her.
Sadie took it and pressed it to her swollen cheek. She glanced at the man beside her and said quietly, “Thanks… for earlier.”
Sean’s voice was calm and cool. “Why didn’t you defend yourself?”
Sadie lowered her head and gave a faint, bittér smile. “Would you believe me if I said I’ve tried? I’ve explained myself again and again, even brought out proof. They never believed me. They always thought I was lying.”
A moment of silence passed between them.
Sadie didn’t bother to elaborate–outsiders rarely believed her either. Most people just thought she was difficult, ungrateful.
Sean spoke again, voice even, “Pretty hard not to believe.”
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Sadie blinked, surprised. ‘Did he really just say that?
Sean stepped closer and rested his hand on her forehead. “Your fever’s gone down.”
She froze. His hand was cool and steady–it felt comforting.
The throbbing in her head had eased, and she didn’t feel quite so miserable anymore.
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