Clara gripped my freezing hand, her eyes filled with guilt. "Jayce, I’m so sorry... It’s my fault for not protecting you, for letting these reporters take advantage of the situation. Don’t be afraid—I’ll suppress the news. I swear, I won’t let anyone tarnish your name. I promise, I will never let you suffer again."
How laughable.
The same sister who swore to shield me from suffering had inflicted the greatest humiliation of my life.
She knew—better than anyone—that those reporters had already captured everything they wanted.
My reputation was ruined. I would forever be branded as a disgrace, shunned like a rat in the streets just as she wished. Trampled into the dirt.
For Henry’s sake, the two people closest to me had destroyed me completely.
The shock was too much. My battered body couldn't take it anymore, and I passed out.
Just before losing consciousness, I heard Clara's panicked screams as the specialists, who had been waiting just outside, rushed in.