Chapter 10

James struck with full force. His fist connected, sending Savannah tumbling to the floor. Her cheek ballooned instantly, and with a nauseating cough, she expelled two teeth.

Even then, she persisted in her act. Her speech, impaired from the hit, became soft and pleading.

"I'm innocent," she whined.

"James, we've known each other since childhood... You know my character, don't you? I'm too gentle for such actions." She sniffled, tears streaming down her face. "Perhaps Jessica deliberately provoked me, trying to make me say those things!"

Her weeping was so believable, so fragile, that had I been male, I might have felt pity for her.

Especially considering James had once genuinely cared for her as if she were his real sister.

But to my astonishment, James seized her collar and hauled her upright, completely disregarding her manipulative tactics.

"Really?" he barked.

"You think I'd trust you, a deceiver, over my own sister?"

Savannah's gaze faltered, her assurance crumbling.