Chapter 35

I didn’t even bother hiding the defiance on my face. Selene clenched her jaw, trying to stay composed. Finally, she spat, “Fine. When we get him back, I’ll give you two hundred thousand.”

I tilted my head. “One million.”

Her eyes nearly popped out of her head. “Why don’t you just rob me instead?!”

She looked like she wanted to scream but knew she couldn’t. Deep down, she knew Justin wasn’t someone who could be left alone in a police station. His temper was too unpredictable, and with every hour he stayed locked up, the risk of something going wrong only grew.

Lilith leaned forward urgently, “Mom, just give her the million. Avery needs help now!”

Selene exhaled sharply through her nose. “You’re the only reasonable one,” she muttered bitterly, then turned to glare daggers at me. “I’ll pay you after we get him back.”

I pulled up my QR code. “No credit accepted.”

Her jaw ticked, but she scanned it anyway, fingers trembling with rage as the transaction went through. Then she stormed off with Lilith in tow, leaving me behind.

They slipped into the back seat, naturally assuming I’d ride in front like some hired help. Classic.

Selene’s voice floated from the back. “Lilith, even if you’re not stepping out of the car, keep your sunglasses, hat, and mask on. If any of the Shadow Wolves spot you, they’ll know it’s you instantly. You were trending for days after the last episode.”

Lilith nodded obediently. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll stay hidden.”

“Good girl. After we pick up Avery, we’ll drop you at the airport. Your new manager’s already waiting.”

“But, Mom… I thought you were flying with me?”

Selene huffed dramatically. “I’ll take your Avery home first, then come find you later.”

Lilith snuggled into her side. “You’re the best, Mom.”

Their sugary voices and theatrical affection made my stomach turn.

The driver caught my eye in the rearview mirror, a quiet pity in his gaze. He knew the truth: I was the real daughter, but the fake princess was still their favorite. Blood didn’t matter. Not to them.

To them, I was an outsider—good for errands, silence, and sacrifice.

Selene snapped, “Drive faster.”

We arrived at the station in no time. As Selene reached for the door, adjusting her oversized sunglasses, she turned to me. “Mia. Get out.”

I stayed put. “Lilith gets out, I get out. She’s in the car. I’m in the car. Remember? I’m a celebrity too. Shadow Wolves scare me just as much as they scare her.”

“You—!” Selene slammed her hand against the car door, then stormed around and tried to yank me out.

But a woman who’s never broken a nail doesn’t stand a chance against someone raised in survival mode.

“You really want to brawl at the police station?” I raised an eyebrow. “Go ahead. I’ve got nothing to lose. But you do.”

People were starting to look. She hesitated—then turned to Lilith. “Lilith. Get out. Now.”

Lilith clung to the seat like her life depended on it. “You said I didn’t have to—”

“GET. OUT.”

Her tone was sharp, desperate, losing control.

Terrified, Lilith scrambled out of the car, nearly tripping on her skirt as she bolted for the building. I opened my door and calmly followed, my heels clicking like war drums behind her.

A Warrior recognized us and escorted us through to the interrogation room. Justin was slouched in a chair, pretending to sleep. But the second he heard our footsteps, he looked up—and his entire face lit up when he saw me.

“Sis… you came.”

Lilith bristled. “Avery, Mom and I are here too. Why are you acting like Mia’s the only one who showed up?”

Selene folded her arms. “Exactly. What’s gotten into you?”

But Justin barely glanced at them. His attention was locked on me.

He had been furious last night when he found out I called the police. But as the hangover faded, reality had crept in. He could’ve killed someone. Maybe even himself. The more he thought about it, the more he wondered… Had I been trying to protect him?

“Sis,” he said softly, eyes searching mine, “you called the cops because you were afraid I’d crash, right?”

I met his gaze and told the truth. “No. I was afraid you’d kill someone else.”

His face crumbled. “No, you… you must care about me. You do, right?”

Selene snapped. “What did you just say? Mia called the police on you?!”

“She did it for my own good,” Justin mumbled.

“For your own—are you out of your mind?! If she cared about you, she’d have brought you home, not dragged your name through the mud!”

Justin opened his mouth, but the words died there.

Selene sneered, “You know what she asked for in exchange for picking you up? A million. She’s only here because she wants your money. Does that sound like family to you?”

I didn’t deny it. I wasn’t ashamed.

But I wasn’t going to let Lilith off the hook either.

“I asked for a million. Sure. But Lilith wanted you to fund her entire TV series. You think that’s free? That’s at least ten million.”

Justin turned, slowly, to look at Lilith. His expression cracked. “Is that true?”

Selene cut in before Lilith could speak. “Of course it is! Lilith is your sister too. She’s launching her career. As her big brother, you should support her.”

Justin laughed bitterly. Not because it was funny—but because he finally understood.

“Funny. Mia’s your real daughter. She’s a celebrity too. But is giving her a million too much? Yet you’re ready to bankroll a whole production for someone who isn’t even blood?”

Selene reeled, then barked, “She grew up in the countryside. What does she even need that kind of money for?!”

That was it. The final nail.

Justin’s face hardened.

“Then fund Lilith’s career yourself,” he said coldly. “I’m done.”

“Avery, please don’t fight with Mom,” Lilith whimpered, clinging to his arm. “I don’t need the series. I’ll quit—”

He shoved her hand away. “Don’t ever call me again. I only have one sister. Her name is Mia.”

Then he grabbed my arm and tried to lead me out.

I shook him off. “I’m not doing this for you,” I said sharply, then turned and walked out without looking back.

Selene ran after him. “Justin! Don’t leave like this—come home with me!”

She yanked him toward the car, shoving him inside and slamming the door shut.

And just like that, the show was over.

But no one left smiling.