The Tower Reversed: Back to 18 (Venus) novel Chapter 9

**One Step Changes Everything**
By Ruby Parker

**Chapter 9: Axel, What Are You Barking About?**

Megan’s brow furrowed with concern as she gazed at the scene unfolding before her. “Could it be that there’s been some sort of mistake?” she pondered aloud, her voice laced with worry. “Venus may have her shortcomings, but she’s just a fragile girl at heart. How could anyone believe she’s capable of robbery?”

Neil, sprawled across the couch with his legs crossed and a medical file resting in his hands, let out a bitter laugh, one that echoed through the room. “Why not? She’s the most disrespectful and troubled girl I’ve ever encountered.” His cheek throbbed, still stinging from the slap he had received earlier, even despite the ice pack he had pressed against it.

“Axel, forget about her,” Neil continued dismissively. “Let her sit in jail for a few days. Maybe that’ll give her time to reflect on her actions.”

But Axel couldn’t shake the image of Venus walking away, her back turned to him, leaving their home without a single glance back. There was something hauntingly poignant about that moment that tugged at his heartstrings, a feeling he couldn’t quite articulate.

“I think I should go down to the station,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, filled with uncertainty.

“Absolutely not!” Harvey burst into the room, his face flushed with indignation. “Axel, make the necessary arrangements. The moment that disgrace walks out, send her straight back to the countryside. I’m utterly tired of being embarrassed by her antics!”

Megan stepped forward, her hand gently resting on Harvey’s back, trying to soothe his agitation. “Darling, please calm down. Don’t let this get to you; your blood pressure has been rising. Venus is the way she is because of that terrible environment she grew up in. She’s still so young—there’s still hope for her. Perhaps we could consider sending her to juvenile detention for a while; it might help her?”

Harvey’s expression softened slightly, his anger wavering as he took her hand, emotion flooding his eyes. “You’re far too kind, my dear. That brat has insulted you countless times, yet you still show concern for her.”

“She’s just a kid,” Megan replied sweetly, her voice warm and compassionate. “One day, she’ll grow up and truly grasp how much we’ve done for her.”

Harvey nodded, a sense of resignation settling over him. “Then do as Megan suggests, Axel. Send Venus to juvie.”

To him, having Venus as a daughter felt like the gravest error of his life—a stain that would never wash away.

He longed for her to be gone, far removed from him and the family, forever.

Axel nodded silently, the weight of the decision heavy on his shoulders.

The following morning, he made his way to the police station, intent on posting bail.

He envisioned finding Venus in a disheveled state, dirty and miserable, curled up in a cell, desperately awaiting his rescue.

Yet, as he stepped through the door, he was taken aback, his breath catching in his throat. The bright lobby was teeming with people—officers and civilians alike, all gathered around someone in the center.

It was Venus. She was palm reading.

“Your lifeline is broken and scattered,” she told one man, her voice confident and alluring. “You’re impatient, easily stressed. You should keep an eye on your heart health. Within a year, you could face serious issues. Better to get checked early.”

She turned to another individual. “Your career line dips too often. There are too many ups and downs—you win less than you lose. Don’t start a business; you’ll just end up losing money.”

“You want your ex back? I can see it in your expression—the heart rules you, not your mind. You keep falling for the wrong kind of man. Until you focus on yourself, your luck won’t change. Concentrate on your own growth, and your career will finally take off.”

Axel stood at the periphery of the crowd, his heart racing as he watched her speak, almost as if she were a self-proclaimed oracle, divining people’s fates from thin air.

A woman in the crowd bristled, her voice rising. “My boyfriend is great! He just likes to have fun. Just tell me when we’ll get back together!”

Venus regarded her lazily, one eyebrow raised in skepticism.

The woman had been arrested for harassing her ex in the dead of night, her tears flowing freely as she rambled on about how wonderful he was and how she simply couldn’t let go.

Venus listened quietly, absorbing the woman’s words. According to her, this “wonderful” man had only ever fed her sweet lies and empty promises—never following through with actions.

“He doesn’t support your emotions, he doesn’t help you financially, and he doesn’t even dedicate time to you,” Venus stated calmly. “He fails on all fronts. What exactly do you love about him? And let’s not forget—he hit you.”

The infatuated woman sniffled, her voice wavering. “It’s okay. Love heals pain.”

The room fell silent, all eyes on her. Huh?

“She’s hopeless,” someone murmured, shaking their head in disbelief.

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