Chapter 688 - 687

688 Chapter 687

James was full of concern, carefully watching “Keera’s” expression as he spoke, worried she might get upset.

But seeing her face remain completely expressionless, he awkwardly coughed before saying, “Cousin, if you really don’t want to apologize, just let it slide. People forget things quickly, and in a few days, this will all blow over.”

Keira waved her hand dismissively, not interested in responding, and turned to head back to the Horton residence.

But just as she turned, she noticed Marisa and Selena lurking nearby. They quickly ducked out of sight when they realized they’d been caught. Keira’s brows knit in irritation. They had clearly been snooping.

Given the distance between her and Uncle Olsen and the Sect Leader earlier, it was doubtful those two had heard anything of substance. But seeing the suspicious way Selena was eyeing her, it was clear they were guessing something.

Suddenly, Keira turned toward James and raised her voice, “Do you also think I’m embarrassing the family? Do you expect me to apologize? Well, let me tell you—it’s not happening!”

James blinked in confusion. “What? No, that’s not what I meant. I was just—”

But before he could finish, Keira cut him off, “I might not come from some grand family like you all, so I don’t understand the ‘sacrifices’ you make for family interests. What I do know is that Holly is my friend, and I’m going to stand by her!”

James was even more bewildered. “Cousin, what are you even talking about? I—”

“Enough! I’m not apologizing, not even if Dad and the Sect Leader show up and demand it! You’ve already cut ties with me, so why are you still trying to interfere?”

With that, Keira spun around and stormed into the house, slamming the iron gate shut behind her with a loud clang.

James stood there, stunned.

He exchanged a puzzled look with Charles. “What just happened?”

Charles was equally baffled. “No clue!”

As they stood there, trying to make sense of things, the sound of pistachio shells cracking echoed from behind them. They turned to see Erin approaching, casually munching on snacks.

She stopped in front of Charles, grinning. “You guys really can’t figure it out?”

James and Charles immediately asked, “What’s going on?”

Erin smirked. “Keira’s on her period, and her mood’s all over the place. You two just had the bad luck of catching her at the wrong time.”

With that, Keira spun around and stormed into the house, slamming the iron gate shut behind her with a loud clang.

Charles was equally baffled. “No clue!”

James stood there, stunned.

As they stood there, trying to make sense of things, the sound of pistachio shells cracking echoed from behind them. They turned to see Erin approaching, casually munching on snacks.

He exchanged a puzzled look with Charles. “What just happened?”

She stopped in front of Charles, grinning. “You guys really can’t figure it out?”

James blinked in surprise. “Oh.”

Charles sighed in relief. “That explains it.”

Erin patted them on the shoulders. “Alright, time to head home. Nothing to worry about! I’m heading inside.”

She walked past them to the iron gate and knocked. When the guard saw her, he immediately smiled. “Miss Martin, please come in!”

Erin nodded and handed him a handful of pistachios. “Thanks for the hard work!”

Her sweet, charming demeanor was impossible to resist.

Meanwhile, Keira, now back inside, was glaring at Selena and Marisa with obvious irritation.

Selena crossed her arms and remarked, “Keira, don’t take this the wrong way, but what you’re doing is really bringing shame to the family. The Olsens have already distanced themselves, and even the Freeman Sect has cut ties. If you keep this up, the Hortons might decide they don’t want you either.”

Marisa nodded in agreement. “Exactly. You’re married now, so you should listen to Lewis more and think about the Horton family’s reputation. You’re not the Olsen family’s star anymore. You need to start considering your future standing.”

Keira raised an eyebrow, about to retort, when a voice cut in from behind her, “I hear that back in the day, some women had to bind their feet. I guess nowadays it’s not the feet—they’re binding their brains.”

Marisa’s face stiffened.

Keira glanced over to see Erin standing beside her, still munching on pistachios. Erin continued, “It’s embarrassing just looking at you. No wonder you’re only good for being a side chick, slinking around like that. You want to be a homemaker? Fine, but keep it to yourself and stop dragging others down.”

With that, Erin stepped forward, brushing past Marisa and Selena.

Keira’s lips twitched into a faint smile as she followed Erin. She had to admit that Erin’s sharp and lively personality made her a perfect ally. With her around, Keira hardly needed to say a word.

The two walked past Selena and Marisa and headed back to old Mrs. Horton’s room.

…

Three days later, late at night.

Keira and Lewis had both dressed in black, ready to head out.

Lewis whispered, “Professor Barry Brandt is attempting to sneak back into the country tonight. I don’t trust the situation, so I’m going to help with the extraction.”

If the operation failed, Barry’s return to Crera could be delayed indefinitely, which would drag out Keira’s chances of clearing her name even longer. That was why she and Lewis decided to take action.

They were just stepping out when they saw Erin grinning at them from the doorway. “Heading out? Take me with you!”