Reporters

Mike's POV

I stood in my bedroom, staring out the window at the long driveway where Brianna's car had just disappeared.

My hands were still clenched into fists.

That woman. That cruel woman.

I'd heard stories about toxic family members. Seen them in business deals, at social events. People who used guilt and manipulation like weapons.

But seeing it in person... seeing the way Bree had shrunk in on herself, the way her voice had gotten so small and broken... it had made something twist in my chest.

Something I didn't want to feel.

I'd told myself Bree was like Olivia. A liar. A manipulator. Someone who'd trapped me for money or status or whatever game she was playing.

But Olivia had never looked like that. Olivia had never trembled or whispered or looked like she wanted to disappear into the floor.

Olivia had been confident. Smooth. Always in control.

Bree was... different.

I pressed my palms against the window frame, trying to push away the thoughts crowding my mind.

The way Brianna h