Chapter 361
Chapter 361:
Erika’s expression shifted, her panic becoming visible. “You… have you fallen for her lies too?” she exclaimed, her voice cracking. “Kevin, everything she does is an act! Can’t you see she’s fooling everyone?”
Her face, streaked with tears from hours of crying, mirrored her desperation. Her swollen eyes and disheveled appearance made her seem utterly unhinged.
Crouching beside Kevin, Erika grabbed his hand and shook it violently. “Didn’t you hear what I told you? She stole from me! She took my credit, Kevin—it was mine!”
The sharp jolt sent pain shooting through Kevin’s already wounded head, making him wince in agony.
Her frantic screams pierced his ears, muddling his thoughts further. Earlier at the internet café, Erika’s tearful pleas had gone unheard as Kevin immersed himself in gaming with friends. Now, her accusations of stolen credit and betrayal only added to the chaos in his mind.
Irritation flared. Shaking off Erika’s grip, Kevin snapped, “Can you stop? You’re being annoying.”
Caught off guard, Erika lost her balance and fell backward, staring at Kevin in stunned disbelief. He was annoyed with her? Her younger brother, her last ally, was pushing her away? A fresh wave of tears blurred her vision as the realization struck. Erika felt utterly abandoned.
Her father, who once doted on her, now dismissed her. Her mother’s voice was powerless. Her elder brother, once her shield, now lavished affection on Fernanda. And Kevin, her baby brother, had refused to stand up for her. She had nothing left.
Erika’s world crumbled around her. Covering her mouth, she stumbled to her feet, tears streaming, and bolted toward the door.
Fernanda swiftly grabbed her arm before she could escape. Erika thrashed against the hold, her voice shrill and frantic. “Let go of me! Let me go!”
Fernanda’s fingers clamped around Erika’s wrist, an unyielding grip that left no room for escape. “Where do you think you’re going?” she asked, her voice low.
“Why do you care?” Erika spat, her words slicing through the air. “I don’t want to stay here, and I don’t want to see you! You all disgust me—I can’t bear to look at you for another second!”
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Fernanda’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Do you think that matters to me? If you run off, everyone will waste time looking for you, and frankly, I’m sick of it.”
“I never asked you to care! I don’t need you!” Erika’s desperation ignited into fury. She flailed wildly, her teeth sinking into Fernanda’s arm.
Ector moved swiftly, his strong hands yanking Erika away.
“Stop this madness!” His sharp tone sliced through the chaos, startling Erika. She froze, her wide eyes fixed on Ector like a cornered rabbit. Her elder brother, always gentle and kind, now loomed over her with a sternness she had never seen before. Ector’s face was tight, disappointment etched into every line. He looked at Erika as if seeing a stranger—someone petty, vindictive, and unrecognizable.
“I’m taking you home.” His voice softened but still carried an unyielding authority. With a curt nod to Fernanda, Ector grasped Erika’s wrist firmly and turned to leave. Erika stumbled after him, practically dragged toward the door. As it swung open, Soren stepped inside, his expression unreadable.
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