Chapter 213
213:
Joselyn’s nerves frayed, but then a wild idea flashed across her face. Without warning, she seized Yolanda’s arm, her grip firm. “Yolanda, why don’t you take the blame for Katie? I promise, we’ll pull some strings and get you out in no time. You won’t have a single stain on your record, and our family will think the world of you.”
Yolanda stared at Joselyn, jaw clenched in disbelief. Joselyn’s so-called solution was outrageous.
Brendon shot to his feet, his voice sharp with outrage. “Absolutely not! Why should Yolanda pay for Katie’s mistake?”
But Yolanda forced a gentle, selfless smile, playing her role to perfection. “Brendon, let me do it. I just want to help your family.”
Brendon’s tone softened, but his stance didn’t budge. “No. I won’t allow it.”
Yolanda edged closer, affection glimmering in her gaze as she slipped her arm around him. “I can’t stand by and watch your sister’s life get destroyed. Let me go instead—then you can work your magic and get me out fast.”
Yolanda put on a convincing performance, determined to make Joselyn and Brendon believe she was willing to take the fall for the Dawson family. She figured this way, Joselyn might finally treat her with respect—and maybe Brendon would love her even more.
Joselyn’s voice trembled, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “Brendon, even Yolanda is willing to take the fall for Katie. Why are you still hesitating?” She clung to him, desperation etched across her face. “Your sister is set to marry into the Hubbard family. If she’s convicted, do you really think they’ll still consider her? She’s your only sister. One scandal will wreck her future, ruin her education, and drag our whole family’s name through the mud.”
Brendon had stood his ground at first, but Joselyn’s words sank in like slow poison, corroding his resolve. The company was barely staying afloat—if this scandal spiraled any further, the entire business could collapse. His jaw tensed, brows knitting as the weight of their financial troubles pressed down on him.
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Watching him hesitate, Yolanda misread his silence, assuming he was reluctant to let her bear the blame. A sly smile flickered at the corners of her mouth. She’d turned Joselyn’s schemes upside down with just a handful of well-placed words.
“Brendon, really, I don’t mind. I can handle this. Just… don’t look down on me after it’s all over,” Yolanda said softly, her voice trembling for effect.
Brendon wrapped his arms around her, his tone gentle and reassuring. “How could I ever look down on you? Don’t be silly.” Then, his resolve hardened. “Alright. Let Yolanda take the fall for Katie.”
Yolanda froze. The blood drained from her face, icy shock rippling through her limbs. She’d simply put on an act—never serious about being the scapegoat. Had her plan just disastrously backfired?
“Yolanda,” Brendon’s gaze fell on her, his eyes heavy with sympathy and aching tenderness.
Yolanda bit back the torrent of curses rising in her throat and mustered a soft, sugary smile. “Yes?”
“I’m really sorry you’re going through this,” he murmured, brushing a kiss against her forehead.
“Just say the word, and I’ll do whatever you need.” She wore the mask of a selfless martyr flawlessly, though she shredded him and Joselyn to pieces in her mind. Agreeing to take the fall had been a mistake. She never imagined Brendon would actually agree with Joselyn’s proposal. But it was too late to walk away now.
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