Goodbye Saintess (by Edelweiss W.S.) novel Chapter 198

**TITLE: The Unseen Kingdom That Followed Me Into Every Dream by Alyndra Meron Valeen 198**

The air was thick with disdain, a palpable tension that clung to the room like an unwelcome fog. Claire, however, seemed unfazed by the disdainful glares directed her way. Instead, she turned her attention to me, her voice tinged with a mix of pride and irritation as she began to unveil the characters in this twisted family drama.

“See that brat over there?” she gestured with a flick of her wrist, her expression twisting into an exaggerated grimace. “That’s Jack—short for ‘jackass half-brother,’ I suppose. He’s the unfortunate result of my dad’s poor choices and that shameless homewrecker he decided to shack up with.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm, and I could sense the history behind her words, a deep-rooted animosity that had festered over the years.

“And that annoying girl over there?” She pointed again, this time her finger jabbing the air with emphasis. “That’s my cousin Sandy. She’s always been a thorn in my side. Ever since my dad ditched my mom and Jack came into the picture, it seems Sandy has taken it upon herself to make my life a living hell.” Her lips curled into a scowl, and I could see the weariness etched on her face.

Claire continued, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “In the past, these two only bothered to show up at Grandma’s birthday if there was money involved. They hardly ever came, which is why I’m utterly baffled by their presence today. I just wanted to enjoy the day in peace, but I can’t stand the idea of them attacking you alongside me—”

Before she could finish her thought, the shrill voices of Sandy and Jack sliced through the air, sharp and mocking.

“What the hell, Claire? We were talking to you! Show some respect instead of whispering into your boyfriend’s ear!” Sandy’s tone was accusatory, laced with a hint of jealousy.

“Oh, wait. I get it. You’re a simp for him, Claire! He’s got you wrapped around his finger with the promise of his half-assed performance tonight, doesn’t he? You’re such a thirsty, sad bitch!” Jack’s sneer was venomous, and I could see Claire’s expression darken, a storm brewing behind her eyes. Who would have thought her own half-brother could stoop so low?

“How dare you?!” Claire’s voice was a low growl, her anger palpable.

I met his gaze with an unwavering stare. “Nobody needs an ID to smack down an asshole who deserves it. And honestly, what the hell is the McKay Group? I’ve never even heard of it. But let me make this clear—if you threaten me again, I’ll gladly sock you right in the face.”

Jack’s teeth ground together in frustration. “That’s it! You’re not leaving this place now!” His bravado was fading, replaced by a desperate need to assert dominance.

Sandy, sensing the brewing storm, interjected, her voice a mix of caution and frustration. “Wait! Are you daft? This guy’s just a macho poser. He’s trying to goad you into a fight because that’s all he’s got! Why give him the satisfaction?” She turned to Jack, her tone urgent. “Stay focused, Jack! This isn’t just Grandma’s birthday. This is the day Victor meets Claire. You don’t need to throw hands when you know Victor’s going to crush him later!”

The tension hung thick in the air, the promise of conflict looming just beneath the surface.