Sydney bit down on her trembling lips, refusing to let the tears fall.
Savannah noticed her and smiled faintly. “Oh, Sydney, you’re home. Why so quiet? Can’t stand to see Chicago and me?”
Preston lifted his head, and his gaze fell on Sydney. His once relaxed features quickly twisted with displeasure.
“Come on, Sydney. Savannah is your sister. She and Chicago just returned to the country, so they’ll be staying here from now on. As the older sister, you should be more understanding. Don’t try to compete with her in everything.”
Sydney’s lips curled into a bitter, mocking smile. “Preston… Do you even know what day it is today?”
He frowned but didn’t respond.
Her eyes flared red as she forced the emotion down. “It’s Julien’s birthday, too.”
Her Julien lay alone in the cold cemetery, and his father hadn’t even looked at him. Yet here Preston was, celebrating Savannah’s son.
Was this man even human?
For a brief moment, guilt flickered across his eyes.
Savannah and Chicago had just returned to the country today, and it was the boy’s birthday. There were too many things going on; Preston had forgotten it was also Julien’s birthday, too.
“It’s Chicago’s birthday. I couldn’t leave…” he explained.
Before he could finish what he was saying, Sydney laughed bitterly and turned away.
She didn’t want to hear how much Preston adored Chicago—that only deepened her grief for Julien.
She returned to her room. Savannah followed, dripping fake concern.
“Sydney,” she said, “I know Julien’s death is hard for you. But he was born with a congenital heart defect. His life was suffering, death… was a release for him.”
Sydney shivered. Julien was her deepest wound, and Savannah deliberately tore at it.
She couldn't bear it any longer, she raised her hand and slapped Savannah in the face without hesitation.
“What are you doing?!” Preston’s cold voice cut through the air.
Savannah clutched her face and leaned into him. “Preston, I was only trying to show concern for her. And yet… she hit me! Does she not want me and Chicago to stay here?”
Preston’s eyes darkened. The next second, his hand came down on Sydney with full force.
It was so strong that the world spun in Sydney’s eyes, her ears ringing from the blow.
“From today,” Preston announced, “the master bedroom goes to Savannah. You move to the guest room!”
Feeling something wet by her ear, Sydney reached up and touched warm, sticky, and red liquid.