Chapter 108: I’ve Got Your Back

My voice, laced with helplessness, betrayed my distress. Eric instantly understood.

“I’m in pain with you,” I started, but shook my head. “It’s fine. I’ll be out soon.”

Eric didn’t press, but his gaze remained fixed on me, afraid of missing any change in my expression. After a long silence, he said, “Then I’ll wait for you outside.”

“We’ll both wait by the door,” Levi added, raising his hand.

I nodded, accepting their offer. At the villa’s entrance, I exited the car, asking them to wait inside.

As I opened the door, Jack’s mocking voice echoed, “You’re finally back. I thought you didn’t even consider coming.”

Mom immediately shot him a reproachful glance. “What are you saying? She’s your sister.”

I walked to Mom, linked my arm with hers, and sat down. “Where’s Elsa?”

At the mention of Elsa’s name, Jack leaped up, pointing at me. He snapped, “How dare you bring up Elsa? If it weren’t for you, would she be crying like that? You’d better apologize to her!”

Hooked up and glaring at Jack, who was clearly being manipulated by Elsa, I couldn't contain my frustration. Though I had no expectations of him, I couldn't ignore him entirely. If something happened to him, it would devastate Mom and Dad. I might not want this brother, but I still wanted my parents to enjoy their later years.

“Wasn’t it you who told me to come back and apologize? Why can’t I mention it now? If you say I can’t bring it up, then I’ll leave right now!”

Jack fell silent, his neck stiff as he stared at me. “Since that’s the case, you’d better apologize to her. She’s been crying nonstop and has locked herself in her room. If her depression worsens…”

I scoffed and looked up at Elsa’s room. Raising my voice, I said, “Hasn’t she told you the reason? Just because she's ‘suffering,’ you think it’s all my fault?”

I raised my voice further. “Elsa, aren’t you going to come out and say something?”

As soon as I finished, Elsa’s door unlocked, and she emerged with red eyes. She did look like she’d been crying, but to say she’d been crying the entire time since my return was an exaggeration. Only someone as clueless as Jack would believe it.

“Jane, please don’t blame Jack. He just cares too much about me,” Elsa said, walking to stand beside Jack. They both looked distraught.

She turned to Jack, her voice choked with emotion. “Jack, Jane didn’t bully me. It’s my fault. I brought shame to the family.”

As she spoke, she began crying again. Her pitiful appearance made it hard not to feel sorry for her.

He quickly pulled Elsa into his arms and patted her back gently. “You’ve done great. You made it to the banquet on your own. You’re so much better than you think.”

Jack shot me a hateful glance, but his eyes softened when he looked at Elsa. “You’re so strong. If it weren’t for her, no one would have been able to help you. This is a ‘I’ve got your back’ moment.”

I watched Elsa with a calm smile, stepping forward. “Elsa, what else can you do besides getting Jack, that fool, to speak up for you? Don’t think you can manipulate me. Jack might be clueless, but I’m not.”