Chapter 39

Lydia lost her composure in an instant. She stormed forward and smacked Charlotte's hand away with a sharp flick. "What do you think you're doing? Who gave you permission to touch him?" she snapped. They had arrived too suddenly, and the door had been left slightly ajar. Charlotte, too focused on treating Brian, hadn't noticed anyone come in. The shove caught her completely off guard. Her hand was forcefully knocked aside, and she stumbled back, nearly losing her balance before catching herself. She looked up, straight at Lydia's face. The sight brought a rush of memories crashing over her. Back at the Perry residence, Lydia had constantly smeared her name, hiding behind a mask of false pity while turning everyone else against her with whispers and sneers. The humiliation, the loneliness—it all came roaring back. The feeling still made Charlotte sick to her stomach. Charlotte's expression darkened while her eyes were filled with a sharp, simmering hatred. "Can't you see I'm trea