Chapter 22 Selectively Blind  Eric’s gaze was deep like the bottomless abyss. It seemed to pull me in.  As I realized how inappropriate this position was, I was about to step back when an enraged voice roared from behind, “What are you two doing?”  A strong force yanked my arm and pulled me away from Eric.  Once I steadied myself, I looked toward the furious Jack, whose face was flushed with rage. I frowned. “What are you doing here?”  “I’m your brother. Why can’t I be here?” Jack snapped. He glanced between me and Eric and raised his voice. “If I hadn’t come, would you two have gone ahead and crossed the line?”  My frown deepened at his words. I shook off his hand and snapped coldly, “Are you out of your mind? Eric was just helping me out. What’s with all the filth in your head?”  Jack snorted. “Don’t make excuses. The way you two were looking at each other says it all. Instead of visiting Elsa in the hospital after hurting her, you’re here flirting with Eric. I initially refused to believe the rumors spreading online, but now, I understand how shameless you’ve become. You’re beyond saving!”  Jack looked at me with utter disappointment as though I had committed some unforgivable sin. I finally understood why he was here; he’d come to stand up for Elsa.  My expression turned cold. “Did Elsa tell you I was the one who hurt her and caused her to be admitted to the hospital?” She enjoyed playing the victim, didn’t she?  Jack’s gaze flickered before he replied, “Of course, Elsa wouldn’t say that; she’s kind–hearted. But she fell ill after eating at your place. Why would she suddenly be in so much pain if it wasn’t something you did? Tell me the truth. What did you do to her?”  Though I knew Jack was utterly bewitched by Elsa, hearing those words from his mouth left me feeling chilled and disgusted.  I took a deep breath and retorted, “First of all, there’s nothing going on between me and Eric. Plus, did you have any objections when Elsa was being all lovey–dovey with Jeremiah? Are you selectively blind? She destroyed my marriage. How could you not bat an eye to that?  “Second, Elsa’s stomachache is her own doing. If you want to know why, ask her yourself. Don’t come here acting crazy in front of me.”  Jack’s expression darkened as I spoke. He instinctively defended Elsa, saying, “Elsa isn’t a homewrecker. She just got a little close to Jeremiah, that’s all. Plus, we’re all family. How could you talk about your sister like that?”  Enc, who’d been quiet, finally said in a sharp tone. Yet here you are, running over to accuse your    Selectively Blind  biological sister without knowing the full story. Elsa is an adopted daughter of the Browns. You talk to your biological sister with such malice while being so attentive to the adopted sister. Makes me wonder if you’ve got ulterior motives.”  Eric gave Jack a once–over and delivered a fatal blow. “Looks like you’re trying to start some forbidden romance.”  The air froze. I couldn’t help glancing at Eric and was so close to applauding. His words were like a knife stabbing straight into the heart.  Sure enough, Jack’s face paled almost instantly as the words struck a nerve. He clenched his fists as if to suppress his emotions and shouted, “Eric, what nonsense are you sprouting? Say one more word, and I’ll sue you for slander!”  Spin to Claim Your Surprise Reward!