Chapter 89

Lea's performance was so clumsy that even Thea couldn't help but notice it. She wondered whether Frank was blind or deaf. How could Frank let such obvious, self-serving remarks pass him by without catching on? Lea said she messed things up? Yeah, it looked to Thea that she really wanted to wreck this family gathering! Thea's gaze fell on Lea, and a single, piercing look made her shrink back. Her face flushed, and her lashes drooped as she avoided meeting Thea's eyes. "From now on, you're not welcome in this house," Thea declared to Frank, her tone leaving no room for argument. "My boundaries and standards are non-negotiable. If I ever invite Emma over again, I don't want to see Lea present." Frank opened his mouth to protest, but before he could utter a word, Thea had already risen and headed upstairs. Her words had been aimed directly at Lea, who felt as if she had dug her own grave. Still playing the part of the pitiful victim, Lea looked at Frank with a contrite expressi