Chapter 19
“Because of you, we huit Rosa over and over again. If it weren’t for you, none of this would’ve ever happened between us and her
Aiden stared out at the lake, watching Abigail struggle to stay afloat. He felt nothing but cald satisfaction–no pity at all.
Please Help me! I can’t swim Abigail’s voice was ragged as she splashed and clawed at the water. “Tm begging you just let me go, i I know I messed up! Aiden only scoffed, his tone icy “Cut the act, Abigail. We all know you can swim”
“You really think pretending to be like Rosa is going to make us feel sorry for you?” Austin chimed in, his voice hard.
Lew and Austin didn’t move. Neither of them looked the least bit interested in helping her
Healizing no one was coming. Abigail’s wild thrashing slowed, and she did her best to keep herself above water, inching awkwardly toward the shore
Lev, Austin, Aiden–please, I mean it. I know I was wrong. Yes, Rosa pulled you out of the rubble first, but if it weren’t for me, you might not have survived long enough for rescue. I saved you too, remember?”
She finally managed to drag herself up onto the bank. But the moment she tried to stand, Lev stomped down on her hand, pinning her to the ground
As she gasped he showed her back into the water with a hard kick to her shoulder,
Abigail fought her way up again, only for Austin to push her straight back in.
It happened again and again. By the time they let her crawl out for good, she was barely conscious–shivering, soaked, and gasping for breath
“If you know what’s good for you, go tell Grandma you’re breaking off the engagement,” Loy said, voice cold. “Otherwise, don’t expect us to go easy on you.”
Today was just a waming” Austin added, his eyes full of contempt. Next time you won’t get off so easy. Push us again, and you’ll see what happens Abigail felt like she’d fallen into an ion bath. She trombled, her body wracked with chills, and then everything went black as she passed out.. Without a second glance, Ley called for the staff to carry her away, Austin and Aiden didn’t even look back as they headed for the main hall.!! Rosa stood off to the side, glancing at Phil, confused.
“Most of this was their fault Why are you only punishing Abigail?” she blurted our before she could stop herself. “Are you just letting them get away with it? The moment the words left her mouth, Rosa regretted it. Phil, Lev, Austin, and Auden were family. Blood ties came first, and it wasn’t her place to question that.” She looked down, lips pressed together. “Never mind. Forget i said anything
Phil caught her hesitation and smiled, gently squeezing her hand. “Don’t worry. People who mess up should face the consequences. If their parents won’t step up, it’s our job as elders to do it”
“A tree can’t thrive if you don’t clear the weeds, get rid of the pests, and cut away the dead branches. That’s how it is for the company–and for the Schuler family.
1 meant what I said No matter what you can always lean on me. Go after what you lowe, do what you want–fill always have your back.”
Rosa nodded quickly, cheeks burning. She covered her cars and looked away to hide her blush, staring at the horizon instead.
Suddenly, three loud splashes broke the silence–Phile secunty team, all dressed in black, had stepped in front of the brothers and, without hesitation, tossed them
to the lake
For a lake that was usually calm and quiet, it had never seen this much drama in one day Pluttock Rosa’s hand and led her over to where the brothers were floundering in the water “You bulled Rosa, Phil said coolly. “Now you get to see what it feels like:”
