Chapter 186

Amber snorted, her voice full of swagger. “What’s up, Huddy?”

Hudson pointed at himself in disbelief, gritting his teeth. “Huddy? Are you seriously calling me that?”

She’s really asking for it, huh? I wouldn’t mind teaching her a lesson, he thought.

“What else? Do you see anyone else around here called Huddy?” Amber shot back.

Youl Hudson sputtered.

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Forget it. Why am I wasting my breath on a brat? he thought.

“My sister’s always so busy: She never has time for me. I just want to grow up fast and help her out,” Amber said.

Amber gazed out at the distant sea, propping her chin on her hand, her expression unusually earnest.

She might have been young, but she actually knew everything.

The Hart family was nothing like it was a few months ago. Now, in Vallaris, nobody dared mess with them, and it was all because of Sienna. Amber always knew Sienna was incredible, but seeing it with her own eyes made her realize just how out of reach Sienna’s abilities were, as they were stuff most people couldn’t even dream of achieving in a lifetime.

Hudson glanced at her again. For all her bratty, spoiled attitude, this lively little girl actually looked kind of charming when she got all thoughtful and serious like that.

“That’s some gutsy ambition,” Hudson teased. “What, you planning to go head–to–head with your sister for the Hart Corporation? Gotta…”

Amber was stunned for a second, then shot back angrily. “What nonsense are you spouting now!”

Her mind went blank with panic. She’d never even thought about fighting her sister for anything.

How could he say something like that, she thought, both shocked and annoyed.

If Sienna heard this nonsense, would she think I was up to something shady, too? she worried.

“Am I wrong! You’re not even an adult yet, but you’re quite ambitious. Already thinking about snatching the family business? Tsk tsk, kids these days, seriously.”

Before Hudson could finish, Amber socked him hard with a punch.

Hudson clutched his bruised right eye, his face twisted in pain. “Amby, are you trying to get yourself killed? Who punches someone in the face, and right in the eye, no less! You really have some guts, picking a fight with me like you’re poking a tiger. Seriously, are you tired of living or what?”

“My food!” Hudson yelped.

Amber didn’t bother listening to his whining. She just stomped down hard on his leather shoe without hesitation.

Hudson howled in pain. After all these years, no one had ever laid a hand on him like this.

Amber, you really are something else, he thought, both exasperated and impressed.

Amber stood there with her hands on her hips, glaring at him, her little cowlick flattened down and refusing to pop back up no matter what.

“Hudson, if you dare talk nonsense and slander me again, I’ll beat you to death,” she threatened.

“You! You’re just completely unreasonable!” Hudson sputtered, practically fuming.

He was so mad he could barely breathe, but there was no way he could actually go toe-to-toe with a girl. And she’s not even an adult yet.

“Damn the cursed…” he muttered under his breath.

“Are you looking at me? Keep staring and I’ll dig your eyes out,” Amber shot back.

“You…” Hudson’s temples pulsed, and he clenched his fists in frustration.

Amilær strutted past, her head held high. “Huddy, keep up. You’re my bodyguard now?”

Nph. Feels so great. I finally got my revenge! Amber thought, feeling a rush of satisfaction.

Can’t afford to hire him! Hah, look at him now, following me around for free whether he likes it or not! Amber thought, feeling totally triumphant.

Sienna. I really love you, Amber thought, her heart full of warmth for her sister.

Hudson gritted his teeth, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.

He kept chanting in his head, She’s Sienna’s little sister. Sienna’s real sister…

“Miss, my boss would like a word with you. Please come with us,” a voice said.

Amber had barely taken a couple of steps when a group of tough-looking men cut her off, making it clear they weren’t to be messed with.

Hudson immediately stepped in front of her, shielding her. “If you know what’s good for you, get lost.”

Amber ducked behind Hudson, instantly sensing danger. These people have something to do with Sienna. Is Sienna in danger? she wondered, her heart pounding.