From Ruin She Rose novel Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Emily’s hands shook as she pulled on her clothes, her heart racing. Some habits never faded-she’d automatically locked the door, just like at St. Gabriel’s.

Andrew and Lucas found it wouldn’t budge, and that was why their knocks turned to furious pounding.

Emily straightened her hair and opened the door, only to find Lucas and Andrew standing rigid in the hallway, their expressions stony.

༡, -。,、,。

Lucas’s expression darkened as he saw her. “What took you so long? I’ve been knocking for ages.” ·

The automatic reply “nothing” died on Emily’s tongue. She moved aside with deliberate calm. “If Mr. Bennett is so concerned, why not come in and inspect things yourself?”

The opened medicine bottle still lay on the bed. For a fleeting moment, she imagined him noticing it-maybe even asking, “Does it still hurt?”

But Lucas’s scowl deepened. “Must everything out of your mouth sound like a challenge? Where did you learn to be so combative?”

Emily felt no surprise. Had Lucas not allowed it, Sean would never have dared to hit her in his presence. Whatever concern he showed now would be pure performance, and she knew better than to expect anything genuine.

She held their gazes without flinching. “What do you want?”

That icy stare made Lucas’s jaw tighten. “Don’t play ignorant,” he snapped. “You know perfectly well what you’ve done.”

Emily didn’t understand Lucas’ meaning. With the Bennetts, she could never tell what “huge mistake” they were accusing her of this time.

Andrew cleared his throat. “Emily, what were you thinking, attacking Sean like that? You even injured bystanders.”

His tone was measured compared to Lucas’ rage, but no less stern. “The Sinclairs are here demanding answers. Mother and Father are waiting in the living room,” he added.

The pieces clicked into place. Emily hadn’t anticipated the Sinclairs arriving so quickly, but she knew she’d be facing their wrath alone.

Not that she regretted it. Given the chance, she’d make the same choice without a second thought.

Without a flicker of concern for the coming storm, Emily brushed past the brothers and started down the hallway.

Lucas and Andrew had braced for protests-maybe even a scene. When none came, they shared one stunned look before rushing after her.

Adjusting his glasses, Andrew tried again. “This mess is yours to fix, Emily. Apologize to the Sinclairs and smooth things over, or even I won’t be able to protect you.”

Emily didn’t flinch at the accusation. She stopped mid-step and turned to face Andrew. “So you’ve already decided I’m guilty. Do you even know the full story?”

Andrew nearly collided with her when she halted. His frown deepened at her biting tone. “The whole crowd saw you attacking Sean. People said you looked like you wanted to kill him. Even Lydia said—”

“People said. Lydia said.” Emily’s voice sliced through his words. “Did it ever occur to you to ask what happened to me before 1/2

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