Chelsea's jaw tightened. She opened her mouth, then closed it, as though no words could fully capture her shock.
Ross glanced between them, eyes glittering with that maddening, effortless confidence.
"I have to admit, I almost admire your audacity," he continued, voice calm, even teasing. "But you really think you can threaten me? Really?"
The sisters shared a quick, horrified glance. This wasn't the reaction they'd expected.
They had prepared for anger, maybe denial, even some attempt at hiding the truth—but not this cold, unbothered indifference.
Not someone treating their mother, their father, their family, like objects on a chessboard.
Ross let out a soft sigh, stretching his arms slightly. "Honestly, if that's all you wanted to say… I'll be going. I still have a wedding to prepare, after all." His hand moved toward the doorknob, casual, deliberate.
And then—
"Wait!" Chelsea's voice shattered the quiet like a thunderclap.
