章 18: She Is My Step-Sister

"It's nothing, Ivan," Briena said softly, lowering her teary eyes as if trying to hide her tears.

Ivan turned to Natalie, who was still glaring at Briena as if slapping her once was not enough. "Why did you slap her?"

"I don't need to answer that to you," Natalie shot back, her anger now directed at him as well.

"Don't be angry at him," Briena interjected weakly, playing the victim. "You've already slapped me, and I forgive you for that."

"Do I need your forgiveness?" Natalie retorted angrily, her icy voice full of warning, "If something happened to grandpa, I will make sure to dig a grave next to his and bury you there so you could continue to apologize to him even after you die."

Briena visibly shivered at Natalie's threat, clutching Ivan's hand as if seeking protection from her sister's wrath. "I… I'm sorry…"

"You better be," Natalie snapped before turning to leave.