Jeremiah’s face turned cold as he glared at me. “Lainey, apologize to Margaret!”
I held the pendant tighter. “She tried to steal something that’s mine.”
Margaret whispered pitifully, “Sister’s always right, isn’t she? I’m just the worthless trash she says I am. I should’ve known better… I’m sorry, Sister…”
Jeremiah growled, “Lainey, apologize to Margaret now, or I won’t forgive you.”
When I stayed silent, his eyes dropped to my hands, where I clutched it like a lifeline.
Without warning, he stepped forward, forced open my fingers, and yanked hard, the string snapped.
A red mark bloomed around my neck from the force.
“Give it back! That’s mine!” I lunged to retrieve it, but my legs gave out and I collapsed to the floor.
Jeremiah frowned and said coldly, “You pushed Margaret earlier. Consider this your apology.”
“Based on what—”
Before I could finish, Margaret picked up the pendant and smirked at me.
“This really is lovely. I’ll respectfully accept your gift then, thanks for your generosity, Sis.”
Jeremiah’s expression eased slightly. His eyes swept over me with thinly veiled disgust.
“You should learn from Margaret. Look how gracious and calm she is.”