?Chapter 84:


    Dragging himself into the chair across from her, Jarrod looked like he’d been hit by a truck. Calling it a rough night didn’t even begin to cover it.


    After that insane phone call, sleep had be a lost cause. Jarrod had spent every miserable hour tossing and turning, reying the disaster in his head. Even if Maia had picked up a few self-defense tricks, there was no way, and no reasonable exnation, for how she managed to overpower three grown men.


    “Pathetic. Everyst one of them,” Jarrod said bitterly, the words slipping out before he could stop himself.


    Rosanna’s ears perked up instantly at the crack in hisposure. “Pathetic? What are you talking about?”


    Pretending to be innocent, she blinked and let out a gasp, as if a sudden realization had hit her. “Oh no… you didn’t really send someone after Maia, did you?”


    A sideways nce at Rosanna told Jarrod that he wasn’t going to get away with silence.


    Dragging out a long sigh, he raked a hand through his hair.


    Rosanna truly was far too sharp for her own good. Keeping anything from her was impossible. But to be fair, Jarrod had never really intended to keep it a secret.


    Ruining Maiapletely had never been the goal. His n had been straightforward — getting a few incriminating photos, leaking them to the right ces, and watching her world copse. Once the scandal hit, the man standing behind Maia would cut ties without hesitation.


    Losing both her backer and her reputation, Maia would have nowhere left to run. Eventually, desperation would drive her back to the Morgan family, humbled and broken.


    In the long run, Jarrod figured that time would smooth over the disgrace. A few quiet yearster, he could still marry her off to some respectable nobody. It would be enough to guarantee that she had a roof over her head and food on her te.


    It had seemed like a perfect n — a neat way to tame her and secure the family’s grip. In his mind, it was genius. Two birds with one stone.


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    He had even nned to tell Rosanna everything once it worked out. Now, with everything falling apart, humiliation burned too hot to speak easily.


    Reading the hesitation in his eyes, Rosanna leaned closer, her voice sharp. “If you really think of me as your sister, you’ll tell me what happened.”


    The wordsnded like a punch. Jarrod drew in a steadying breath before answering, “I had a few guys posted around the ck market. Nothing major — just meant to rattle Maia a little if she showed.”


    Jarrod looked away, his face tight with frustration. “It blew up in my face. She fought back, beat those three men up, and went back safe and sound. And of course, those guys were enraged. They called to curse me and blocked me.”


    “What?!” Rosanna eximed, jolting upright as her hands mmed onto the table.


    Jarrod blinked, caught off guard by Rosanna’s sudden outburst. A small frown tugged at his brow as he studied her face, confusion flickering in his eyes. Something about her reaction didn’t add up.


    Catching herself, Rosanna quickly masked the sh of panic, smoothing her expression into something softer. Forcing a weak chuckle, she said, “Jarrod, how could you? She was once your sister, remember?”


    A wave of relief rushed through Jarrod. It made sense now. Rosanna was just shocked by the idea of him targeting Maia. Sweet, gentle Rosanna had always struggled to ept harshness.


    Chuckling darkly, he waved her off. “Sister? I don’t have a sister like that.” In his mind, Maia’s furious words from the night before rang out loud and clear. “I don’t have a brother like you!”


    The memory sent a fresh jolt of anger through him, tightening his chest.


    Turning back toward Rosanna, Jarrod softened his tone as he said, “You’re the only sister that matters now. If Maia ever dares toy a finger on you again, I swear I’ll make her regret it. Damn those useless bastards I hired. Couldn’t even get the easiest job done!”


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