Xo Novel
25
The sting of Jessica’s cruelty gnawed at Shadow’s soul. She could feel the icy disdain in Jessica’s glance, fueling her anger even more. Determined not to let Jessica get the upper hand again, Shadow prepared to defend herself, bracing for the impending blow.
But before the confrontation could escalate, Jason, the silent figure in the room, erupted with authoritative force. “Enough! We have more important matters to attend to!”
Unwilling to back down, Jessica continued to whine, throwing a tantrum like a petulant child. Blaming Shadow for her own predicament, she complained about the incessant messages from her friends and the viral nature of their situation.
Shadow longed to retort, to defend herself against Jessica’s accusations, but she held her tongue. It was a waiting game, and Shadow knew the power of patience. No one suspected her true intentions.
Silencing Jessica with a raise of his hand, Jason demanded calm. In this family, his words reigned supreme, and Jessica instinctively respected his authority as both the head of the household and her father.
Frowning, Jason turned his attention towards Shadow, questioning her about the online video that had caused this turmoil. Shadow couldn’t help but feel a wave of resentment. Whenever Jason addressed her outside their family, he used her full name, treating her like a stranger. But in moments like these, when he needed answers or something from her, she suddenly became “Shadow.” The irony was not lost on her.
This family was poisoned to its core.
With a heavy sigh, Shadow lifted her gaze, feigning sadness as unshed tears threatened to spill. Softening her voice, she denied any knowledge about the video’s origins or its content, desperately trying to appear innocent and wronged.
She turned to Jessica, her eyes filled with feigned hurt, pleading for understanding. “Sister, please believe me. How could I do such a thing? Why would I harm you? We’re family, aren’t we? Shouldn’t we protect each other?”
Jessica scrutinized her suspiciously, searching for any signs of deception. Unable to find any, she turned back to Jason, seeking his judgment.
Jason, a seasoned businessman with a shrewd eye for reading people, meticulously examined Shadow’s apology. Something about her words struck him as disconcerting, implying a more sinister motive. Yet, he found nothing overtly unusual about her actions.
Still, she stood before him, flawed and cowardly, just as she had always been.
Even when Jessica had slapped her and prepared for another attack, Shadow hadn’t bothered to dodge. Any sane person would’ve blocked or defended themselves. But Shadow didn’t. She seemed utterly foolish, her mind beyond repair.
With a growing sense of belief in her words, Jason leaned back in his chair and spoke, his tone serious. “Yes, we are family. We must think of our family’s reputation regardless of the circumstances. Those people online have misunderstood your sister’s intentions. It is your responsibility to explain that it was all just a misunderstanding, that we stand united as a family. Isn’t that right, Shadow?”
Was it truly a misunderstanding? Jessica had insulted and belittled them, calling them sluts and dogs. And they had been forced into the Lances family against their will. How could all of that be misconstrued?
But Jason, like most businessmen, blurred the lines between right and wrong. He manipulated the facts to suit his own narrative, believing Jessica to be in the right and everybody else simply misguided. To him, they were nothing more than foolish pawns, easily controlled.
Shadow clenched her fists, her desire to scream and strike back growing stronger. But she remained silent.
Masking her true feelings, Shadow pretended to be startled by Jason’s words. Looking at Jessica, she promised, “Really? I will explain everything to them, sister. You have my word.”
A smirk played on Jessica’s lips, her disdain evident.
Shadow was nothing more than an obedient dog, perhaps even more submissive.
Lisa, however, harbored doubts. She studied her daughter’s back, sensing something amiss in her voice. Even in her reassurances, there was an oddity that unsettled her, casting doubt on the entire situation.
Jason smiled, his voice softer. “We will hold a press conference. You will say what we want you to say.”
Caught between her true desires and the expectations of her family, Shadow nodded obediently.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
Jason was satisfied with her compliance. “Good. Stay and have dinner before you leave.”
Shadow lowered her gaze, concealing the mocking and sarcasm that simmered beneath her eyes. “Of course, Dad.”