Chapter 118: Provocation

"Claire, your strength is too small. I'm afraid you won't be able to lift me," Blaire said sweetly, rejecting Claire's offer. But her gaze betrayed her true intentions, landing squarely on Lucas. 

*Caught you,* Blaine thought, watching Blaire's not-so-subtle act unfold. Her expression made it clear—she didn't want Claire's help; she wanted Lucas's arms around her. 

Claire, however, seemed oblivious, her face a picture of concern. Blaine smirked. *Why is she so blind to Blaire's antics?* 

An idea sparked in Blaine's mind, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He stepped forward and positioned himself next to Claire, arms crossed in a show of confidence. 

"Miss Zeller, if you don't mind, I could help you stretch out a bit," he said, his tone light but pointed. "After all, I *am* a man—and quite a strong one at that." He emphasized the last few words, his voice ringing with playful arrogance. 

Claire turned to him with gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you so much, Blaine! You're so thoughtful," she said earnestly. 

On the bed, Blaire's face twisted with barely-contained annoyance. Her jaw clenched as she glared at Blaine, but she said nothing. 

Blaine noticed and felt a spark of satisfaction. *Well, this is entertaining.* 

But Blaire wasn't one to back down easily. "You're so... *pretty*, Mr. Jackson," she said sweetly, her tone laced with venom. "If you hadn't told me, I wouldn't have guessed you're a man." 

The temperature in the room seemed to drop. Blaine's smile faded, his expression darkening in an instant. 

If there was one thing Blaine Jackson loathed, it was being called "pretty." This wasn't just a jab; it was a deliberate provocation. 

His eyes glinted, sharp and calculating. "Lucas," Blaine said suddenly, turning to him, his voice dripping with faux sincerity. "Did your sister have a full check-up after her accident?" 

Lucas frowned, confused. "Of course she did. Why would you ask that?" 

"Oh, I just think there's one thing you might've overlooked," Blaine said, his tone casual but his words deliberate. 

"And what's that?" Lucas asked, irritation creeping into his voice. 

"Her eyesight," Blaine declared with mock seriousness. "I'm starting to think she can't see properly. I mean, mistaking a man for a woman? That's not something you're born with—it's gotta be from the accident." 

With that, Blaine waved five fingers dramatically in front of Blaire's face, his movements slow and deliberate. Blaire's expression twisted into a mask of fury, her face flushed with humiliation. 

*Gotcha.* Blaine's inner laughter was practically audible. 

Lucas shot him a warning look, clearly unimpressed. But Blaire's earlier comments had stung even him. He didn't step in to defend her this time. 

"Lucas!" Blaire whined, turning to her brother, her voice tinged with faux innocence. "They're bullying me, and you're just going to stand there?" 

Her foot stamped the bed in frustration—a gesture she immediately regretted. Pain shot through her body as the plastered leg jostled, and she tumbled onto her back, crying out as her injured shoulder pressed against the mattress. 

"Blaire, are you okay?" Claire rushed forward, concern written all over her face. 

"Stay away!" Blaire snapped, tears glistening in her eyes. "I don't want your help!" 

Claire froze, hurt flashing across her features. "Blaire, I didn't mean to upset you—" 

"I said, stay away!" Blaire roared, her voice breaking. 

"Blaire, that's enough!" Lucas barked, stepping in and pulling Claire to his side protectively. His dark eyes locked onto his sister. "Claire was only trying to help. What's wrong with you?" 

"She's not even family!" Blaire shot back, her voice cracking. "Why should I care about her?" 

Lucas sighed, clearly exasperated. "Blaire, stop. You're being ridiculous." 

Blaire let out a bitter laugh, her frustration bubbling over. "Ridiculous? You've never cared about me! You're all about your new wife now. Why don't you both just leave?" She yanked the blanket over her head like a shield. 

Lucas's jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Blaine stepped in with a sly smile. "Well, Lucas," he drawled, "if she's insisting we leave, we might as well oblige." 

Claire hesitated, glancing at Blaire's trembling form under the blanket. "Blaire's just upset because of her injuries. I'm sure she doesn't mean it," Claire murmured, still trying to smooth things over. 

"Claire," Lucas said firmly, "let's go. Blaire needs time to cool off." He placed a comforting arm around her shoulders and guided her out of the room. 

Blaine followed, pausing at the doorway. He glanced back at Blaire, who was gripping the blanket tightly, her knuckles white. His lips curled into a knowing smirk. 

*Oh, Blaire,* he thought. *You've got quite the mess brewing, don't you?* 

As Lucas and Claire disappeared down the hall, Blaine watched them thoughtfully, his eyes glinting with amusement.