The Tower Reversed: Back to 18 (Venus) novel Chapter 13

**TITLE: One Step Changes Everything**
**By Ruby Parker**
**Chapter 13: Moving Into the Haunted House**

“Y-You b*tch!” Percy’s voice trailed off, swallowed by the roar of the police car as it sped away, taking him with it.

Finished.

“Percy!” Megan cried out, her high heels clicking frantically against the pavement as she sprinted after the vehicle. But the unforgiving ground betrayed her, and she stumbled, her resolve crumbling halfway through her desperate chase. Frustrated, she pivoted sharply, her eyes narrowing as they landed on Venus.

“Venus! If you have a problem with me, then just say it! Why would you frame my son like that? He’s only fifteen! Do you honestly think he knows what an illegal substance even is?” Her voice trembled with a mix of anger and desperation, each word punctuated with the weight of her maternal instinct.

Venus stood there, a picture of calm indifference, as if the chaos swirling around her was nothing more than a distant storm. “He broke the law. How is that my fault?” Her tone was cool, almost clinical.

Megan’s heart raced, her anger morphing into righteous indignation. “You knew he didn’t understand what he was doing! He was tricked into hiding those things in the basement! Why didn’t you tell us sooner? If you had, the police wouldn’t have taken him!”

Her voice escalated, rising above the din of the moment. “You stay quiet! And you called the cops yourself! You wanted my brother thrown in jail! Venus, do you even have a heart?”

Tears spilled from her eyes, a torrent of emotion as she shouted, her fury boiling over like a pot left too long on the stove.

This wretched girl! If I had known this brat would cause such chaos, I should have found a way to rid myself of her long ago!

“If something happens to Percy in there, I swear I’ll fight you to the death!” Megan’s voice cracked, her chest heaving with the force of her rage. But before she could utter another word, her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed, fainting on the spot.

Harvey was there in an instant, catching her just before she hit the ground. His heart ached for Megan, a twisted knot of fear and anger forming in his chest. He shot a venomous glare at Venus, his voice low and dangerous. “You useless brat! You’d better pray that Percy’s okay. If anything happens to him, I’ll throw you out myself and make sure your wretched foster father comes to pick you up!”

Without waiting for a response, he scooped Megan into his arms, panic propelling him upstairs.

Axel lingered behind, his phone pressed to his ear as he spoke with the attorney, his gaze never wavering from Venus. The house was a chaotic mess, but she remained eerily composed, as if she were watching a play unfold rather than participating in a real-life drama.

It was no surprise she had called the police. She had orchestrated this entire scenario, fully aware of how it would culminate.

Axel ended the call, frustration flickering in his eyes. He turned to Venus, his voice sharp, cutting through the tension. “Why are you so cruel to Percy?” he demanded, his tone laced with disbelief. “What could possibly make you hate your family so much that you’d ruin a kid’s life? He’s not even eighteen, Venus.”

Venus lifted her head, her small, pale face revealing the toll of years spent in neglect. Her eyes, too calm for comfort, met his. “Family? You honestly think I’m family to you people?”

Axel faltered, taken aback by her words. “Of course you are. You’re a Burn. Your name is already in the family record.”

But as he spoke, he felt a surge of anger swell within him, ignited by the calmness she exuded. She had never been this distant before; it was as if she had transformed into a stranger, watching from the sidelines rather than being part of their chaotic family.

Venus had always been the one who cared too much, her every action driven by a desire for approval. Even the slightest careless word could send her into a tailspin of anxiety. If she craved their acceptance so desperately, why was she now so willing to sever ties?

How had she changed so drastically in just one year?

Axel struggled to reconcile the girl he once knew with the person before him now. She seemed like a ghost of her former self.

Venus allowed a faint smile to grace her lips, her voice dripping with nonchalance. “Don’t you feel a little guilty saying that? In this house, I’ve been ignored and belittled more times than I can count. I’ve never been treated like real family here. To all of you, I’ve always been the enemy.”

“Don’t say that,” Axel replied, his voice firm yet tinged with concern. “Even if the whole family doesn’t like you, that doesn’t mean you should take it out on Percy. He’s just a kid—”

“So what?” Venus shot back, her tone mocking. “Being underage isn’t a free pass. He broke the law, and he should pay for it. If everyone keeps covering for criminals like him, this world is truly doomed.”

Axel frowned, frustration bubbling to the surface. “It’s not as bad as you make it sound. Percy’s still young. With the right guidance, he can change.”

Venus let out a small, derisive laugh. “Oh sure, he’s young. But since your family can’t teach him right from wrong, let juvie do it. I’m only helping him become a better person.”

Axel was momentarily speechless, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the air.

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