Chapter 442

Brad’s face went full tomato at my comment. “Quit talking about wolves or puppies or whatever. Don’t insult me. We’re even now, okay? It’s in the past.”

Watching him squirm, trying to keep his cool, had me grinning. I took a step forward, and he immediately backed up, arms crossed as if I was about to throw hands. I snorted. “What’s wrong? Scared I’ll actually do something? Chill out. I’m just curious why you’re suddenly playing nice.”

“What’s wrong with that? Or were you hoping I’d still—” He stopped himself mid-sentence. “Don’t even try to bait me. And stop coming any closer, or I’ll record this for…evidence.”

I rolled my eyes at his empty threat. “Sure. Now spill. What did Wayne do to get you all obedient like this?”

His eyes darted around, avoiding mine. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Now move, I’ve got places to be.”

I stuck my leg out, blocking his path. “Cut the act. I know you’re working for him. Why else would you turn on your own sister?”

His face turned beet red again, this time from something other than embarrassment. I gave him a quick once-over. Head-to-toe designer. Sure, back when Tanya was maxing out Jace’s credit cards, it made sense, but now? No way he was affording all this on his own. Definitely Wayne’s money.

Brad and Tanya were the ultimate freeloading siblings, sucking up everything the Johnstons had to offer. “If you want answers, go ask Wayne yourself,” Brad snapped, clearly over me. He wasn’t going to crack. Wayne had definitely warned him to stay quiet.

I smirked. “All that crap you pulled on me before? I didn’t really care. Figured you were just a bored kid acting out. But I never thought you’d throw your own sister under the bus. That’s a new low, even for you.”

My words hit hard. His eyes flared, and he jabbed a finger at me. “Say that again.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Am I wrong?”

He clenched his jaw, but dropped his hand, too rattled to come up with a comeback. I wasn’t wasting any more time on him. Life’s too short to deal with Brad-level drama. So I turned on my heel and started walking away.

“Where are you going? What are you planning to do?” Brad, realizing I was headed toward Tanya, rushed to catch up. “I’m gonna have a little chat with your sister.”

His whole vibe shifted. “You’ve already done enough to her! What more do you want?” No matter what, he was still her brother. Blood runs deep, even when it’s a mess.

“You really think we did this to her?” I shot back. “You should be more worried about her biting her own tongue with all those lies.”

He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. I continued, “Tanya’s in this situation because of her own choices. If you actually care, maybe try talking some sense into her. Stop enabling her.”

Brad ran his hand through his hair, looking completely lost. “It’s too late for that. She’s gone too far.” “So, what, just because she’s stuck, she’s gonna drag everyone else down with her?”

Brad’s lips twisted like a pouty kid. “I can’t control her, but I swear, you’re not gonna hurt her.”

“She won’t get hurt if she stops making a mess of things,” I said, stepping forward. “Now, move.”

He hesitated for a second, but eventually stepped aside, letting me pass. I didn’t even look back as I headed straight for Tanya’s hospital room.

When I walked in, she was sitting up in bed, eyes glued to the TV. Not that she was really watching. She didn’t even look at me when I entered. The TV was showing a women’s table tennis match, and one of my favorite players was on.

“You’re into table tennis too? Wow, didn’t realize we shared a taste in both sports and guys,” I said, sarcasm dripping.

Finally, she turned to look at me. Her eyes flickered—surprise, maybe a little fear—but she quickly shifted back to her signature smug expression.

Chapter 443