Chapter 53
From what Bianca knew of Elaine, the only explanation for her newfound wealth had to be a nouveau riche benefactor.
As Blanca approached, Tucker’s usual gentle expression darkened with irritation.
He strode toward her, his face cold and stern. “Bianca.”
Hearing him call her name. Bianca felt a strange pang in her chest. He had always called her Bianca, just like her seven other brothers. But today. that one word felt different–ominous, even
Last night, she hadn’t slept at all, thinking Tucker might come to comfort her. Trevon had told her Tucker’s outburst wasn’t directed at her but was Inggered by overhearing their parents and grandmother’s harsh comments about Elaine. His emotions had simply boiled over.
Bat not only did Tucker fail to comfort her, he hadn’t even called
“What a
are you doing out here!”
I was clear from his tone that Tucker was far from pleased.
He had woken up early, knowing Elaine would return today. He had even fed joy and brought the dog downstairs, understanding Elaine might not want to see any of her brothers–but she would undoubtedly want to see Joy.
Joy had become his one small act of selfishness.
Bianca’s smile faltered, becoming slightly strained. Never in her life had she imagined Tucker, who had always been so patient and kind, would one day speak to her with such indifference.
For the time, the distance between them felt insurmountable.
She tried to explain. “I was just seeing the fortune teller off. I happened to see Elaine pulling up and though
“Stop” Tucker cut her off, his voice sharp with warning. From now on, stay away from her.”
Bianca’s composure cracked, her voice trembling with suppressed tears. Tucker, why are you treating me like this? This isn’t my fault! I haven’t done anything wrong–1 m innocent
yone who saw h
Even in tears, she was stunningly beautiful, her sorrow tugging at the heartstrings of anyone
her
She couldn’t understand it. Before Elaine returned, she had been the untouchable, cherished daughter of the family, basking in everyone’s love and admiration.
But now, everything had changed. Elaine’s presence had turned her world upside down–even Tucker, her once–devoted brother, now sided with
Her tears, however, had no effect on Tucker. He remained unmoved.
Buanca’s sobs grew louder, her despair palpable.
Tucker voice was calm but resolure. Whether or not this is your fault, I don’t care. What I do care about is that you keep your distance from Elaine. You two will never get along, so don’t force it. It’s better for everyone. Haven’t you learned anything from all that’s happened? From all the misunderstanding
Banca lifted her tear–streaked fact, her voice barely above a whisper. Tucker are you saying you don’t consider me your sister anymore?”
Tucker’s response was simple. From now on, I’m just Elaine’s brother.”
Banca had countless people who loved her, but Elaine had always been alone
Tucker did expect Elaine to forgive him, but from this day forward, he was determined to fulfill his duty as her brother.
Without another word, he walked away from Bianca and toward Elaine.
Tucker cutting declaration shuttered what Intle composure Bianca had left. She broke down completely, clutching her dress so tightly in crumpled
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Chapter 53
“Banca” Shawn appeared just in time, steadying her trembling figure. Concern etched his features. “Why are you crying so much?”
Elaine, who had just parked her car, leaned against it with amusement, her eyes glinting mischievously as she glanced at the siblings Feigning innocence, she remarked sarcastically. “Shawn, you better take a good look this time. For once, I’m not the one who made your sister cry
Tucker immediately chimed in, 1 can vouch for that. Elaine had nothing to do with it.”
Elaine’s lips curled into a smirk. W
tha pointed glance at Tucker, she quipped, “Oh, Tucker, of course you can vouch. After all, the one who made your sister cry was you wasn’t it”
She couldn’t fathom what had gotten into Tucker. He had always doted on Bianca, yet here he was, practically driving her to tears. What a show, ats all before breakfast
Shawn frowned, his nation barely concealed. His gaze dared to Tucker, who still looked calm and unbothered, his attention fixed solely on
Despite her evident indifference
eloward him
I ham, Tuckers focus never wavered.
With a sigh. Shown mattered. 7 saw everything”
Elaine raised an eyebrow, her sone dripping with mockery. “Oh So you can see now? I thought you went blind ages ago.”
Shawn fell silent.
Ever since he had wrongfully accused Elaine twice, her words had become sharper, more biting.
“Elaine,” he began his tone heavy with regret. “You didn’t used to be like this: Do you e
even know what Tucker. ”
“Used to be like this? Elaine’s voice tumed icy, cuming him off. ‘Shawn, let me give you some advice. Don’t ever bring up the past with me again. We cut the long ago, and you have no right to talk about before Once I get married, let’s make sure we never see each other again in Boynton” Her tone grew colder. “So tell
me, Shawn, what exactly gives you the right to lecture me about the past?
Shawn’s heart sank at her words. He remembered when Elaine had declared their relationship severed. Back then, he hadn’t taken her seriously, brushing it off as a Es of childish rebellion
But now, faced with the reality of her resolve, a sliver of unease crept into his heart.
Meanwhile, Bianca remained in Shawn’s arms, devastated. Even so, she managed to force a smile, her voice soft as she addressed Elaine. “Elaine. you’re back so early today.”
Even in distress, she never missed an opportunity to showcase her cha
charm. Truly the perfect
protagonist in a novel.
Elaine arched an eyebrow and smirked. “If 1 hadn’t come back early. I’d have missed this entertaining little drama”
Her words were a dagger, twisting in Bianca’s chest
A ser voice broke through the tension. Ella emerged from the doorway, leaning on her cane. Her sharp eyes scanned Elaine, her brows furrowing in disapproval
“Why arent you wearing the
gown I sent you!”
Elaine opened her mouth to reply, but Ella waved her off.
“Never mind the dress. I Ingram’s already here th
this morning clearly to discuss something important with Bunca”
inded to have Flaine accompany Biara, serving as her backdrop to boost Bianca’s image in fogrami good grace was a source of pride for the Years Lanuly.
Barbelor la could take another step, a deep, authoritative voice echoed from another doorway.
“Daine, an’s been a while
In Ingram’s e
eyes. Af
