"Aw, my poor sister's crying! I'm so sorry, Kathryn. I had no idea that seeing me here with Ashton would upset you this much. I should've just taken care of my own wound," Tiana said, her voice laced with fake sympathy.

I ignored her, so she turned her attention to Ashton. "Ashton, maybe it's time you show a little concern for your son. Kathryn might be using Bryan's fake illness to manipulate you into coming back to them, but you can't change the fact that you're still his father."

I blinked, her words sinking in.

Fake illness?

What the fuck is this woman talking about?

I spun around, grabbing Tiana's arm tightly and forcing her to stand. "What did you just say?"

She shrugged with a dismissive smile. "Bryan is faking his illness, and you're using it to manipulate Ashton. Come on, quit playing your innocent card."

I clenched my fists, glaring at her, my eyes bloodshot. I could feel the heat rising through my entire body. I'm about to explode. And this time, I knew I wouldn't be able to hold back.

One more accusation about my son, and I'd make her regret it.

"Take back what you said about Bryan." I commanded, my voice low.

But she only smirked, ignoring the gravity of my words. "Why would I take it back, Kathryn? We all know it's the truth. Stop denying it."

So all this time, Ashton believed Bryan wasn't ill—that I was just fabricating his disease.

I took a deep, steadying breath.

"Take it back!" I yelled, my voice echoing as I stepped backwards.

"I won't take back anything, Kathryn! Bryan is faking his illness! He isn't sick! You're just using him to get Ashton's attention!" She shouted defiantly.

That was it.

I snapped.

A surge of heat pulsed through me as I raised my hand. A small fireball sparked in my palm, fueled by the fire power I was born with. Without a second thought, I hurled it toward Tiana, the flames grazing her left cheek, leaving a minor burn.

"Ah! Are you trying to kill me?" Tiana screamed in pain, stumbling to the ground. But I didn't flinch.

"You can say anything you want about me, and I would let it slide. But speak ill of my son again, and I swear I won't hold back!" I growled.

Ashton immediately stepped between us, shielding Tiana from me.

I took a step forward this time, my gaze unforgiving. "Am I trying to kill you? No."

I moved closer.

"But am I capable of it? Yes, Tiana. Yes, I am."

Kathryn's Point of View