Chapter 3
464words
Brandon entered with an entourage. Seeing his beaten men being dragged out and Tiffany trembling, his face darkened instantly.
"What's happening here?"
Tiffany burst into tears and flung herself into his arms:
"Darling! I was just enforcing family rules when Catherine arrived, pointed a gun at me, and locked up your men! I was terrified!"
Brandon embraced her while fixing me with a venomous glare.
"Catherine, what trouble are you causing now?"
"Causing trouble?"
I pointed at the freezer still billowing white vapor:
"Brandon, why don't you step inside and experience minus eighteen degrees yourself? If Bella suffers permanent damage from the cold, will you take responsibility?"
Brandon frowned, unwilling to appear weak before a woman.
"Tiffany was merely upholding family rules. Breaking wine deserves punishment. You could have simply corrected her approach—why pull a gun?"
"Deserves punishment?"
I sneered. "She doesn't understand, and neither do you? Or perhaps you only have eyes for that tramp Tiffany and can't see the future heir of the Sterling family?"
"Enough!"
Brandon roared. "What right do you have to call her that? I am the future head of this family! I punish whoever I want! Bella isn't dead, is she?"
"Not dead yet?" I pointed toward Bella being carried away, wrapped in blankets.
Brandon glanced over, his eyes flickering momentarily before hardening again.
"Enough."
He waved impatiently. "Since she's been rescued, this matter is closed. Tiffany, let's go—don't waste time with these two crazy women."
Tiffany nodded obediently, though malice flashed in her eyes.
"Darling,"
she said softly, "since Madam is so upset, why don't I stay behind to care for Bella for a few days? That way it won't damage the relationship between you and your mother."
Care for her?
I narrowed my eyes, fingers caressing the gun handle.
"No need," Brandon kissed her. "Your hands are for counting money, not serving others."
He departed with his arm around Tiffany.
At the doorway, Tiffany glanced back at me.
Her look was pure provocation.
The room fell silent.
Bella finally caught her breath, collapsing onto the stretcher in exhaustion.
I walked over and tucked the blanket around her.
"Catherine…" her voice was hoarse, "you shouldn't have gotten involved for my sake. This family truly devours people alive."
"I know."
I squeezed her hand. "Since they don't play by the rules, they can't blame me for showing no mercy."
As I left the basement, the head of security fell in step behind me.
"Madam, Master Brandon is gathering his men. I believe he's planning to move against you."
"He's been wanting to make a move for some time."
I gazed at the dim lights. "Investigate Brandon's recent shipment at the docks. And notify the elders to be ready at a moment's notice."
"Yes, Madam!"
