Paul’smalevolentgazesentachilldownmyspine.“You’reknownforcompassion.Whyframemewithoutevidence?”
Sierrastruttedforward,smirkingandadjustingherhairinaself-importantmanner.“Everyoneknowsit’syou—whyinvestigate?”

“Youtriedtoruinme,Natalie,butburnedyourself.Karma’sreal!”
Karma?Ikickedher,herscreamechoing.Colleaguespinnedme,forcingmetokneelbeforeher.
Theguardian’sfistsraineddown.Mylefteyeswelledshut.
SierraandConnorblockedthedoor.
Panicsurged—IfIdidn'tescape,I'dbeasgoodasdead.
Justastheguardiangrabbedachairtosmashmyskull,Ilungedathimandmadeabreakforit.

Atthedoor,Sierratrippedme,smirkingasIfell.
Thechairwasraisedhighaboveme,theairwhistlingasitdescended.
Aloudthud—butnopain.
Iopenedmyeyes.ThegirlIsavedhuggedme,sobbing,“Sister,youokay?”

TearsfellasIheldher.“I’mfine.Why’reyouback?”
Shetouchedmybruisedface,turningtoacouplebehindher.“Mom,Dad,thisisNatalie,whosavedme.”
“Ididn’twander—thebutlerditchedmeinfear!”
Thebutlerstammered,“Miss,you’reconfused!NatalieframedSierra,nearlykillingyou!”
Thegirlturnedtohimandsaid,“ButlerLee,youdraggedmeherejusttoseeSierra,theinfluencer.Andyouabandonedmewhenthebearcharged.”
SheturnedtoSierra.“Andyoupushedmedowntosaveyourself.WithoutNatalie,I’dbedead!”
Silencefell.Sierraforcedasicklysmile.“Kid,don’tlie.DidNataliebribeyou?”
“I’llbuyyoucandy—rethinkwhathappened.”
ThegirlrolledhereyesindisgustandslappedSierrahardonthehead.“Youtriedtokillme,andnowyouplaynice?I’mnotstupid!”
Enraged,Sierrapushedthegirlwithallhermight,sendinghersprawlingtotheground.
Thecouple’sbodyguardsswarmed,pummelingSierra,whoscreamed.
PaulandConnorrushedin.“Stop!Thisisamisunderstanding—assault’sillegal!”
“Noonetouchesmystaffonmyturf!”