e letting out an exasperated sigh. "

o, big brother. That's not a good way to welcome your little sister.

ys welcome, Ivy, and I missed you. But I w

to see Mom and Dad first thing. Came here this morning, thinking

d quietly beside Ryan, looking slight

oice was dripping with disd

apologetic glance before answering. "

e? Ryan, please tell me you're joking. Since when d

the situation already. "Look, Ivy, it's a

guess, you're just having your fun with her. She

re and spoke up. "Excuse me, but I'm not some fling. I

talks?" she sneered. "Listen, sweetheart, I don't know wher

nterrupted, his voice firm.

back at her brother. "Really

"And you, Iris, don't spe

en aback. "But

t through the room. "Ivy, go to y

is with a warning glare. "This isn't over," she whispe

, Iris exhaled slowly, trying to ga

bottle of whiskey and pouring himself a glass. He threw it back

er get used to her," Iris

is eyes dark.

er lips pressed into a

t offer her any. "Good. Because I w

ng me like I don't even exist, Ryan. We're sup

his hand. "I don't care what you

t do your part and don't make th

wallowed it down, determined not to let him se

I'm doing your mother a favor.

at his watch. "We're going to see my p

tton on the wall. A few seconds later, there was

ed, her head

make sure she's prepared for tonight. If she does

ded nervousl

k but said nothing as she fo

of the luxurious surroundings. "Wow," she muttered, r

s Iris. The wardrobe is full of designer clothes an

ing as she saw the collection of dresses, shoe

med, laughing softly at I

f owning luxury brands-Christian Louboutin, Versac

red, pulling out a shimmering

you a bath. You'll want to relax before the dinner tonight. Trust me

f the mirror, holding the dress up to herself. "I guess there

rah reemerged. "Your ba

and walking toward the bathroom. "And please, j

a moment before sm

c thoughts out of her mind. The warm bath soothed her, but her mind raced with thoughts abou

reaking sound echo

n, her heart racing.

as no r

ly. The creaking sound was followed by the

out of the tub, not even thinking to grab her

, her bare feet slapping against the cold floor as she rushed

gure standing in the cor

th catching in her throat as th