Autumn smiled at Julian. “Right back at you, Mr. Carter. Compared to me, you’re even worse, don’t you think?” She hadn’t loved Julian in a long time. Whatever little shred of feeling had remained was completely destroyed by him on her mother’s memorial day. Now they were worse than strangers, and she had no reason to be polite anymore. Julian’s eyes narrowed, his gaze carrying a dangerous edge. She knew him well enough to recognize the look-this was how he showed his anger. But this time, she wasn’t going to soothe him. Not this time, not ever again. Thinking back on the days when she used to grovel for his attention made her feel nothing but foolish. At that moment, Simon pushed the door open and stepped inside, his expression grim. Autumn noticed at once-the way he looked at Luna had changed. It seemed her older brother wasn’t completely blind after all. He still had enough sense to tell right from wrong. Keith’s dark gaze locked on Julian. “What’s the matter, Mr. Carter? Do you have a problem with my woman?” The words were brief, but the meaning was clear-Autumn was his. Anyone who had an issue with her could take it up directly with him. Julian realized it too. Pressing his lips tightly together, he said nothing more. No one could afford to cross the Sinclairs. For someone insignificant, it wasn’t worth making an enemy of the Sinclair heir. 1 Jack caught the unspoken warning as well. He gestured toward Jasmine. “Miss Far, please come with us.” Though reluctant, Jasmine had no choice but to get up. As she did, Luna leaned in to whisper something in her ear. Jasmine curled her lips faintly, then walked quickly out the door. Autumn couldn’t be bothered with whatever scheme they were cooking up. She needed to go with the officers to give her statement, then get home and rest. The day had been exhausting—her checkup, tending to her grandmother, and now dealing with this circus in the evening. It was draining. Still, it hadn’t been without reward. At the very least, she’d managed to shake Simon’s blind devotion to Luna. And more importantly, she’d vented her anger at last. So even in her exhaustion, her mood was surprisingly good. The Lewis Estate After Jasmine was taken away by the police, the dinner broke up and everyone returned to the Lewis estate. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn find✦novel.netIt was only then they learned the truth-that Ginny really had fallen ill and been hospitalized. What Autumn said had been true all along. Simon’s sharp gaze swept over Luna. Keeping his voice even, he asked, “Luna, didn’t you say Autumn was lying? That Grandma wasn’t sick? So, what’s going on now?” He’d been half in doubt about Autumn’s words before, but now the facts were laid bare. He couldn’t ignore them anymore. The sister they’d always spoiled turned out to be the one scheming and manipulative. He couldn’t understand why she would do something like this. Yes, Ginny didn’t care for her, but that wasn’t an excuse for what she’d done. noveldramaAnd now, he couldn’t help but wonder-how many other things had Luna hidden from them? The thought was chilling. But Luna already had her excuse prepared. She blinked, her eyes reddening as she looked at Simon. “Brother, I never said Autumn was lying. I only said I hadn’t heard about Grandma being sick. “How was I supposed to know Autumn was telling the truth? I was away with Hector and Mom and Dad on vacation. We just got back and went straight to the Lyric Lounge. We didn’t know anything!