Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 188

“He needs you right now. Only you can save him. Can you really just stand by and watch him go?”

A brother? The word tasted bitter on Sandy’s tongue.

She’d never even exchanged a single word with this so-called brother, and now the first thing her birth family asked of her was to give up a kidney? She lived with the White family for 18 years, and no matter how tough things got or how many times Frank lost his temper, at least her foster father had never tried to sell her off piece by piece. He never asked her to bleed herself dry for someone else.

But her real parents were somehow even worse.

“Every surgery has risks. What if I die?” Sandy’s voice was calm, but inside, she was trembling.

Milana wiped away her tears and hurried to reassure her. “Sandy, we would never let that happen. That’s why we’re doing everything to get Miracle Hands involved. Dean said as long as Miracle Hands does the surgery, you and your brother will both be safe. You’re both our children. If your brother wasn’t in such danger, we’d never ask you. Sandy, you’re such a good girl. I know you can understand how hard this is for me and your father.”

Sandy felt her heart go completely cold. So it didn’t matter what she wanted. This was going to happen whether she agreed or not.

“What if I don’t want to?” she asked quietly.

Milana’s face went stiff, the tears drying instantly. The air in the room tightened, heavy and tense.

When Sandy gave even the smallest sign of giving in, Milana’s strict expression softened, and a thin smile appeared. “I knew you were a thoughtful girl. Lydia sprang this on you with no warning, so of course you’re shocked. I understand. Your face still hasn’t healed. I think it’s better you just go to your room, rest, and think about it. When your father gets home tonight, we’ll need to set the surgery date.”

Sandy’s lips twisted into a faint, mocking smile. Was this her way of telling her not to even think about running?

“Okay.” Sandy kept her voice steady, nodded, and turned away without another word.

Just as she reached the doorway, Milana called after her with a gentle, almost pleading tone. “Sandy, as long as you say yes, your father and I will make it up to you with your wedding. We’ll make sure you have everything you deserve, so the Lane family won’t ever look down on you. Your brother will be grateful for the rest of his life. Even after you’re married, the Smith family will always be here for you.”