Chapter 32
She wouldn’t have stolen it, would she?
Luna stopped short of voicing that last thought.
Just a few days ago, on her birthday, their grandmother had refused to give her anything at all.
Her eyes shifted, and she added, “Grandma said not long ago that this was meant for our future sister–in–law. So how did it end up in your hands p>
The implication couldn’t be clearer–she was practically accusing Autumn of stealing from their grandmother.
Hector didn’t hesitate.
He snatched the ornate box from Autumn’s hands and said sharply, “Autumn, Grandma’s always been good to you. How could you steal something she cherishes most p>
Simon chimed in coldly, “Caught red–handed–what do you have to say for yourself now p>
Autumn looked at the two of them, her gaze ice–cold.
These two really were Luna’s loyal lapdogs.
Each one raced to back her up, desperate not to fall behind, as if siding with Luna came with perks.
How had she never noticed before just how eager they were to please Luna?
She used to bend over backward to get their approval, only to be met with endless criticism.
Maybe the moment Luna and her mother moved into the house, their loyalties started to shift.
They believed every word Luna said without question, but when it came to her–their own sister—not even a period or comma from her mouth was trusted.
Autumn yanked the box back and said coldly, “I didn’t steal it. Grandma gave it to me for my birthday p>
Richard stared at her, eyes filled with disappointment.
“Autumn, stop lying. When you weren’t around the other day, Mom made it clear–this heirloom goes to her future granddaughter–in–law.
“So now you expect us to believe she just handed it over to you as a gift p>
Autumn pressed her lips together, saying nothing more.
It didn’t matter what she said–none of them would believe her anyway.
Explaining was pointless.
Hector scoffed. “What now? Got nothing to say after getting called out?
“You lie so easily. Nothing that comes out of your mouth is ever true. Hand it back to Grandma and go apologize p>
Chapter 32
Simon rubbed his temples, looking drained.
+25 BONUS
“Autumn, can’t you be more like Luna? If you were even half as sensible as she is, you wouldn’t be in this mess, accused of stealing from Grandma p>
A mocking smile tugged at Autumn’s lips.
“What should I learn from her? How to be all fake smiles and sweet poison? Or how to sleep with a married man and proudly play the other woman p>
The second part hit like a slap.
Luna visibly flinched.
She hadn’t expected Autumn to expose her like that, not in front of everyone, and certainly not without warning.
“Autumn!” Simon roared, fury surging as he raised his hand to strike her again.
But Autumn caught his wrist mid–air and threw it off coldly.
“You want to hit me again? That slap already destroyed whatever bond we had as siblings.
“You’ve lost the right to lecture me. You believe everything others say and doubt every word I say. I don’t need a brother like that p>
She didn’t give a damn about this so–called family anymore.
Caught off guard, Simon staggered from her shove and nearly lost his balance.
Luna rushed forward just in time to steady him, her eyes rimmed red as she turned to Autumn.
“Sis, how could you do that to our brother? He only hit you because he was afraid you’d do something reckless.
“How could you hold a grudge against him? And say something like that? Do you know how much that must’ve hurt him p>
Thank God no one believed Autumn.
If the truth ever came out, she’d be finished.
But Autumn wasn’t letting her off that
easy.
She ripped off Luna’s fake mask without hesitation.
“Quit stirring the pot, Luna. Isn’t this exactly what you wanted?
“Isn’t your whole goal to provoke me just to feed that pathetic ego of yours? Well, congrats. You got what you wanted p>
She held the box up. “By the way, this bracelet? It really was a birthday gift from Grandma. And she told me herself–not a single thing of hers would go to you. It’s all for me p>
With that, she opened the box and took out the sparkling bracelet, slipping it onto her left wrist.
213
Chapter 32
It fit perfectly.
Chapter 33
+25 BONUS