The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 289

Just as the two are locked in a tense standoff, Nikolai and Alec walk through the door, with Deanna following closely behind.

The moment they enter, they see Jake and Jade locked in a heated confrontation. Instantly, Jade's eyes turn bright red. Her usually clear eyes brim with glistening tears. The rims of her eyes flush pink, her nose reddens, and her lower lip trembles violently, as if she is fighting a losing battle against her overwhelming grief. Tears spin in her eyes, threatening to trace down her luminous skin at any second. She looks so profoundly wronged, yet so stubbornly brave—a sight designed to shatter any man's heart.

Seeing this, everyone instinctively assumes Jake is bullying her. Because in their eyes, someone as pure and resilient as Jade would never break down without good reason.

"Jake, what the hell are you doing? Jade has been through enough trauma lately, and now you're making her cry again?" Alec is the first to rush forward. He pulls Jade down onto the sofa, gently cradling her face as he tenderly wipes away her tears.

"If you have a problem, communicate like an adult. Don't take your workplace frustrations out on Jade," Nikolai adds, his usually cold demeanor cracking in defense of his sister.

Though Nikolai rarely intervenes in Jade's life, it doesn't mean he doesn't care for her. In fact, it makes him the least affected by Jade's trail of destruction, and his impression of her remains pristine. Out of the three brothers, he is the only one who has never harbored a single doubt about her character. So naturally, he firmly believes Jake is unreasonably berating their fragile sister.

"Exactly, Jake. Whatever it is, talk it out. Why did you make Jade cry?" Deanna watches her youngest son wipe Jade's tears, feeling a fleeting sense of unease, but she can't quite pinpoint why it bothers her. Dismissing the thought, she sits down next to Jade, taking her hands affectionately. "Jade, sweetheart, what happened? Is your brother just having a bad day at the office and using you as a punching bag?"

"No... no, I'm fine. Mom, please don't blame Jake. It's my fault." Surrounded by their protective devotion, Jade finally feels the intoxicating high of being the center of their universe again. She shakes her head with practiced grace, playing the role of the kind-hearted martyr who refuses to throw her brother under the bus. She quietly absorbs all the blame.

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