Chapter 30 He Changed


    The half-used medicine swas still scattered on her bed. She wondered if, after seeing it, he might ask, “Are you hurt?”


    But Liam’s expression only grew darker at her words. “Can you stop with the attitude? Who taught you to talk like that?”


    She wasn’t surprised.


    If he hadn’t silently agreed with Simon-if he hadn’t allowed it-how would Simon have dared to hit her like that right in front of him?


    Even if he asked about her injuries now, it would be nothing but crocodile tears.


    Tracy looked at the two men with a calm, indifferent gaze. “Do you need something?”


    Liam hated that look in her eyes. His tone grew harsher. “You seriously have the nerve to ask? You know what you did.”


    Tracy didn’t. Not exactly.


    In the Jackmans’ eyes, she would never know what unforgivable thing she’d supposedly done.


    Then Andrew spoke up. “Tracy, how could you attack Simon in a setting like that? You hurt several innocent people, too.”


    His tone wasn’t hostile, but it was firm. “Now the Dunns want an exnation. Mom and Dad are waiting in the living room.”


    Tracy finally understood what they meant.


    She hadn’t expected the Dunns to act so fast. She also knew nothing good was waiting for her outside-no one would stand by her. Still, she didn’t regret it.


    If she could go back, she’d still fight. No hesitation.


    Without a hint of fear, she stepped past the two of them and walked toward the door.


    The Jackman brothers, expecting a scene, were caught off guard for a moment-then quickly followed.


    Andrew adjusted his sses. “Tracy, this was your fault. When you see the Dunns, just apologize. Try to calm things down. Otherwise, I won’t be able to help you.”


    Hearing “your fault” from his mouth didn’t surprise her.


    But she still stopped walking and turned her head toward him. “If you’re so sure I’m the one at fault, then tell me-do you actually know what happened?”


    Andrew hadn’t expected her to stop so suddenly-he nearly ran into her.


    Hearing her snap back with that sharp, unapologetic tone, he frowned. “Everyone saw you hit him. They said you looked like you wanted to kill Simon. Even Erin said you …


    38


    “They said? Erin said? But have you ever asked me?” Tracy cut him off. “Did you even care what happened to me before I hit him?”


    Andrew froze, stunned by her retort.


    Her eyes stared straight at him, like they could see right through.


    His heart skipped a beat.


    Tracy used tosh out, deny everything, and use Erin of setting her up. She’d nevere at him with this kind of biting sarcasm.


    She’d changed-sharper now. She almost had him second-guessing himself.


    But his gaze turned cold again. “Simon might be reckless, but he knows his limits. Even if he crossed a line, he was just trying to stand up for Erin. That’s no excuse for what you did in public.


    “We raised you in this house for 20 years. We taught you manners. And two years away is all it took for you to forget?”


    Hearing that, Tracy felt a bitterness that didn’t surprise her anymore. Of course she knew it would be like


    this.


    She was used to Andrew dismissing her side of the story and judging her with no interest in the truth-so his words didn’t hurt.


    Her tone grew even colder. “If you’ve already decided I’m at fault, then stop pretending you want to help.”


    Otherwise, she might actually throw up.


    Liam finally lost patience. “Andrew is trying to help you! What’s with the attitude? When you got into fights as a kid, who always stood up for you?


    “Are


    you saying you don’t need him now? Stop acting like you’re above it!”


    Back then, Tracy’s bold and outspoken nature made her a target among other kids. She never backed down and always ended up in fights.


    And every time, it was Andrew-barely a teen himself-who shielded her when other parents came knocking.


    But now, with the Dunns at their door, Andrew was the one dragging her out to apologize-telling her to bow her head, to beg for their forgiveness.


    Same person. How had he changed so much?


    Tracy’s eyes glinted with mockery. “You said it yourself. That was when I was a kid. Now that you’ve decided I’m guilty, don’t call it helping me.


    “I don’t need it.”


    Done wasting words, she turned and strode toward the living room.


    Liam was furious. “What the hell is that supposed to mean? Is it wrong that we care about her?!”


    Andrew’s expression darkened, but all he did was sigh softly. “She’ll understand one day. When she grows up, she’ll see we meant well.”