Chapter 27

Jason's POV

The plane touched down in the early hours of the morning. Exhaustion and rage tugged at every inch and corner of my body. I had cut my work trip short because of the urgency in Bree’s voice when she had called me and I was still trying to process everything she had told me.

I was angry, very, very angry after Bree had filled me in on what happened and I could not even focus on anything else. Jake, that stupid bastard had been released and he had the audacity to go there. Near Andrea.

My mind raced, torn between rage and fear but the only thing I was repeating in my head was- Jake would pay, he had to no matter what. I didn’t know why I was so worked up and angry but I was.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair as my car pulled up to the house. Violet was beside me, typing away on her phone and making calls, probably trying to reschedule my appointments. I could barely hear her, my sense of reasoning was clouded with anger.

As we got closer to the house, I couldn’t shake the unease I felt. I suddenly remembered what happened before I traveled- the barbecue- a day that hadn’t gone as I had planned, to say the least. I had tried to fix the awkwardness between us but if anything, it only seemed like I was making it worse.
Bree and I had barely spoken since then until she called me yesterday to my surprise.

I stepped out of the car as soon as the driver pulled over, my eyes automatically darting towards the front door as I wondered how things would go today. She was my daughter and I had messed up in so many ways in the past but I really wanted to make things right. Things will be awkward for sure, that I know.

The familiar fragrance of polished wood and fresh laundry greeted me, but it felt emptier than normal and the usual noise and talk from the girls was not to be heard. Maybe Polina wasn’t back yet.

Violet trailed behind me, her heels clicking against the floor, but her presence did nothing to fill the silence.

“Bree should be downstairs by now,” I said more to myself than anyone as I headed to the living room trying to calm myself down and not let my anger show. She wasn't there.

I found Bree in the kitchen, nursing a cup of coffee. She looked up as I entered, her eyes flickering with something I couldn’t quite place. Was it relief? Or did she feel the wariness I felt whenever I was around her these days? I was tired of being distant from her.

“Hey,” I said, keeping my tone light, though the tension between us was thick and I was feeling different emotions ranging from anger to fear inside of me.
“How’s she doing?” I asked.

Bree sighed, setting her mug down.
“She just fell asleep a couple of hours ago. She’s been… not great.” She hesitated, her eyes flicking away from mine, as if she didn’t want to say too much.

“After the pool incident… she was shaken up to say the least. And, I’m just glad she was able to finally sleep.” she explained.

I nodded, trying to focus on the conversation, but my mind kept jumping between thoughts of Andrea and the awkwardness between Bree and I.
“You did the right thing by calling me,” I said gently, stepping a bit closer.
“But tell me everything. What exactly happened before Jake showed up?” I asked.

For an instant, I thought Bree was going to ignore me as her eyes narrowed slightly. But, her voice became tense with annoyance as she spoke.
“It was Marissa. She was running her mouth, saying all these disgusting things about Andy… accusing her of things that didn’t even happen. She was basically trying to paint Andy as someone who wanted Jake’s attention and that she deserved what happened.” she explained.

Anger flared up inside me, sharp and hot. Of course Marissa would stoop that low. Her family, the Dunley’s were just as stupid and cruel as she was.
“The Dunley’s have always been difficult to fight,” I muttered, running a hand over my face.

“They have so much influence, so many connections. It won’t be easy to keep Jake locked away if they decide to interfere.” I said, growing frustrated already. I hated anything that had to do with them.

Bree’s expression darkened. “We can’t let them win. Not after everything Andy’s been through.”

I nodded, my mind already racing with possibilities. I could pull some strings, reach out to the people I knew, but the Dunley’s… they were powerful. It wouldn’t be easy to work around their power. But I will try. For Andrea’s sake. For Bree’s sake.

Violet's piercing, disdainful voice cut through the air before I could continue.

"Is this really such a big deal?" She asked as she leaned against the kitchen counter with her arms crossed over her chest.

“I mean, girls get scared all the time. It does not seem important since nothing happened at all, right?” she said and I raised a solid brow.

My amazement stopped me for a second as I fixed my gaze on her. Did she really say that? I could feel Bree stiffen beside me, and for the first time in a while, we were completely in sync. Both of us felt the same wave of disgust wash over us.

“Violet,” I said slowly, my voice low and controlled, though my patience was rapidly wearing thin. “Why would you say something like that?”

Violet shrugged, as if she couldn’t be bothered to care. “I’m just saying, maybe everyone’s overreacting. Jake didn’t hurt her this time, right?”

My jaw clenched, and I stepped toward her, my voice dangerously cold now.
“That’s enough. I don’t want to hear another word from you about this. You don’t get to downplay what happened to her.” I warned.

Violet's eyes narrowed a little, but she covered it up with a tight smile. "I meant nothing when I said that-“

“I don't care what you meant," I stated in a stern and non-argumentative tone. “For the remainder of the day, I don't want to see you. You’re dismissed. Go. Now.”

She paused, obviously taken aback by the abrupt dismissal, but I couldn't stand her attitude any longer. At last, she turned on her heel and left, her footsteps reverberating across the hallway.

Though my nerves were still tense, the tension in the room seemed to subside as soon as she left. I massaged my temples, attempting to control my annoyance. Although Violet had always been a good assistant, it surprised me that she didn't feel any sympathy for Andrea's situation.

Before I could gather my thoughts, Bree’s voice broke through the silence.

“Dad.”

I froze.

She had called me Dad.

The words hit me unexpectedly. I turned to face her, and for the first time in years, there was a softness in her expression. Before I could say anything, she spoke up.

“I was thinking… maybe we could go out for lunch tomorrow. Just the two of us. Like old times.” she said and my eyes widened in surprise.

I stared at her, trying to process it all, my mind struggling to keep up. Lunch? Like old times? She wanted to spend time with me? I was so sure I had ruined things.

But before I could say anything, she turned around and walked out the kitchen, leaving me alone with my.own thoughts.