Scarlet’s POV

I didn’t understand what Brie meant by ‘ruining her plans’ until she yanked me by my hair, dragging me toward father’s study. Every step sent shards of pain through my scalp, every tug a reminder of my powerlessness. My struggles were meaningless. She held me in a tight grip as she dragged me over roughly.

By the time we reached the door, I had surrendered to fate. She shoved me inside. I nearly fell, but the firm arms of Xander caught me. I recoiled instinctively, his ...