Chapter 6 Scheming Step-brother

Jenny's heart, which had been pounding in anticipation of Julius's punishment, suddenly felt heavy with confusion. Did her father think their altercation was mere childhood play? Her fingers brushed her cheek, where Julius's ring had left a mark, reminding her of the truth.

"You're right, Father," Julius said smoothly. "It was inappropriate. I won't let Jenny provoke me into it again."

"What?" Jenny blurted, her eyes darting between them, her hand still on her cheek. "That's not what happened—Julius attacked someone today at school, right in the hallway! You want to talk about representing the family well? How does it look that he," she gestured toward Julius, whose expression had become carefully blank, "is going around beating people up? Not to mention shouting at Richard in front of everyone!"

Jenny paused to gather her thoughts, ready to explain that her bruise was no result of playful sparring but a deliberate attack when Julius cut her off.

"The person she's talking about was a boy who was taking advantage of her in the hallway. Honestly, what I did was minor compared to the situation's impact on our reputation. And Richard, well, his behavior has seemed questionable too. Jenny might enjoy the attention, but I am looking out for the family's name."

"Protect this family?" Jenny asked, trying to maintain her composure. She stood up, clenching her fists. "Richard is the one who protects this family!"

Julius stands abruptly, placing his hands on the edge of the desk and smiling in a way that sends a chill through Jenny. His cold eyes dart between her and their father. "Is that what you're calling it?"

"Enough!" their father exclaims, slamming his palms onto the solid mahogany desk. The impact causes the golden awards to clatter and the pens to rattle within their luxurious holder. Julius steps back cautiously while their father glares furiously at both children. His gaze eventually lands on Jenny, making her bruised cheek throb more intensely.

"Sit down," he commands, and Jenny immediately complies. Julius takes a moment to adjust his robe before carefully resuming his seat. Their father glances briefly at Julius before returning his focus to Jenny, as if pondering the truth in Julius's words.

"You," Father continues, gesturing toward Julius but keeping his eyes on Jenny, "need to work on controlling your temper. While I appreciate your efforts to protect your sister, you must keep our allies on our side, son."

The affection in his voice leaves Jenny feeling hollow. Though her father typically shows her kindness, he invariably sides with Julius when there's conflict. She can feel Julius's smug gaze burn into her before he turns away.

"And you," Father addresses Jenny, weariness lining his face. The bags under his eyes and the furrows on his forehead and cheeks underline his exhaustion. He entwines his fingers before speaking again. "Focus on your studies. Stop involving yourself with boys at school. I can't risk the perception that I failed to raise my children properly. The last thing I need is for you to become pregnant before my re-election campaign."

Jenny stares at him in disbelief, but he doesn't seem to notice. Instead, he turns his attention back to both of them, sighing once more, as if this conversation is just another burdensome task on his to-do list.

"Neither of you will speak to your mother about this," he instructs. "She's dealing with enough, and I worry that hearing about your fights and," he glances at Jenny, "unacceptable behavior might worsen her health."

Pain jolts through Jenny's cheek as she realizes she's clenching her jaw. She tries to relax, but the anger makes it difficult to stop gritting her teeth.

"Fine," she replies flippantly, standing up. Jenny knows her tone might reinforce her father's view of her as disrespectful and unworthy, but she can't help it. "I won't tell Mother, since you seem to have this under control."

She strides out of the room, hoping her voice didn't betray her shakiness. She continues moving, descending the stairs and walking down the hallway until she reaches her bedroom door.

Almost reaching her refuge, she's startled when Julius catches up to her. She doesn't hear him until his hands are squeezing her throat.

The gasp trapped in her chest catches against Julius's firm grip. His hands are rough, tightening with each second. Jenny's hands automatically fly to his, clawing desperately, trying to break free. Julius responds by slamming her against the wine-colored wall, her head pounding as it connects with the surface.

For a moment, everything goes black. When she regains her senses, she opens her eyes to find Julius's brown eyes burning into hers. Desperately, she resumes struggling, her feet sliding on the polished hardwood floor.

"What did I tell you, little sister," he whispers into Jenny's ear, sending a chilling shiver down her spine. Dizziness sets in from the lack of air and the throbbing headache.

"What made you think Father would believe a little whore like you?" Julius presses on, his voice dripping with venom. "Especially when his pride and joy, his own flesh and blood, says otherwise."

Julius eases his grip slightly, locking eyes with Jenny. She notices the harsh lines around his eyes and the redness encroaching on his irises. Long lashes frame them, giving the crazed look an eerie intensity.

His thin lips part, revealing teeth clenched fiercely. Jenny feels his foul breath mix with a cologne she's come to despise.

"You are trash, nothing more." His spit lands on her face. Jenny barely hears him over the pounding in her head. She's struggling to breathe, to keep consciousness. She sees the madness in his eyes. Normally neat hair falls out of place. His skin glistens with a slight sheen, contrasting its usual glow.

"You were picked up out of pity. Nobody loves you. You're worthless to this family." His words sting like physical blows.

Despite her mother's love, Jenny can't help but feel Julius's words cutting deep. She isn't a true part of this family, just as he claimed. If she were, she'd have the strength to free herself instead of struggling ineffectively.

She's unsure if her feet are still kicking.

"Say it. You are trash, and you will never, ever, tell anyone what happened again," Julius demanded, his grip around Jenny's throat mercilessly tight. Unable to nod, she managed only a faint wheeze. He leaned in closer, his voice a low growl. "Say it."

"I am trash," Jenny finally rasped, "and I will not say anything." Julius's grip eased slightly as a feral, cruel smile spread across his face. "Good girl," he taunted, releasing her.

Jenny collapsed to the floor, desperately gasping for air as pain coursed through her body, her vision blurred. Julius's shadow loomed menacingly over her, and the cool wood beneath did nothing to comfort her.

"Look at you," he sneered. "Panting like a dog in heat." Despite her efforts, Jenny failed to lift herself. "Pathetic," he continued, "but at least now you know your place."

Reaching down, Julius grasped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. His touch was deceptively gentle. "On the floor, beneath the rest of us," he declared before striding away, his velvet robe flowing behind him.

It took Jenny a minute to catch her breath and another two to gather the strength to stand. She stumbled into her room, her feet sinking into the soft carpet. Dizzy and unsteady, she felt the plush fabric against her bruised face. At that moment, she couldn't bring herself to care. Tears streamed down her face, unchecked and violent. Whether her body shook from Julius's attack or from her sobs, she didn't know. All she understood was that peace had vanished from her life.