They had driven far from the mansion when Dranred suddenly hit the brakes.
The car jolted to a stop, his hands gripping the wheel tight before he slammed it in frustration.
Rosette flinched at the sound. She clutched her seatbelt, sensing the heat of his anger even without seeing it.
"I don't understand," he said, voice trembling with fury. "Why would you go with someone you didn't even know? You hate being around strangers, don't you?"
"B-because he said you sent him," Rosette answered softly.
"That's still not an excuse," Dranred snapped. "You can't just trust anyone who says my name!"
"I believed him," she said, her voice breaking. "He sounded like he knew you. I was uncomfortable, but I thought—because it was you—"
"That was stupid," he cut her off sharply. "So anyone who says they know me, you'll go with them? Don't you know how dangerous that is?"
Rosette's voice rose, trembling. "Someone like me? What does that even mean? Do you think I'm pitiful because I'm blind? Do you think I'm helpless and foolish?"
Dranred froze. "Rosette, that's not what I—"
"I thought you were different," she said, her voice cracking. "I trusted you."
Her hands fumbled for the seatbelt. She unlatched it, reached for the door, and stepped out before he could stop her.
"Rosette!" he shouted, rushing after her. "Don't be stupid—where are you going? You don't even know this road!"
But Rosette was already walking away, her cane tapping lightly against the pavement, her movements shaky but determined.
"That girl…" he muttered, exhaling hard before running after her.
He caught up and gently grabbed her arm. She stopped, stiffening at his touch. He sighed deeply and let go.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I was angry because I was scared. I thought my grandfather had done something to you."
He stepped closer, his tone softening. "Next time, don't go with anyone you don't know, even if they say I sent them. I'll always call you myself, all right? That's why I gave you a phone."
Rosette said nothing. She hadn't thought of that. She'd trusted the man simply because he'd mentioned Dranred's name — because she trusted him.
"Come on," he said gently. "Let's go back to the car. I'll take you home."
He reached for her hand to guide her back, but she didn't move.
"Rosette?"
"What did my family ever do to your grandfather?" she asked quietly.
Dranred fell silent. How could he tell her that her parents had done nothing wrong — that they were only victims of his grandfather's cruelty?
"Let's go," he said at last. "It looks like it's going to rain. Estelle and James are probably worried."
He placed one hand lightly on her back, the other guiding her hand as they walked back to the car.
"I'm sorry," Rosette said suddenly.
"For what?" he asked, pausing as he opened the car door.
"For worrying you," she whispered. "And for making you angry."
"It's natural for me to worry," he said gently. "You're like family to me. Like a little sister."
The words struck her harder than any scolding. Little sister.
She turned her face away as he closed the door.
He didn't notice the quiet tear that slipped down her cheek — or how her heart broke just a little more at the thought that to him, she would never be more than that.
When Estelle returned to where she'd left Rosette, neither she nor the hospital guard could find her sister. Estelle's worry spiked. Bryan joined the search, combing the nearby corridors, but there was no sign of Rosette. They called James — he was at practice — and told him Rosette was missing.
They were about to head to the station to file a report when Dranred's car screeched to a stop in front of them. Dranred jumped out of the driver's seat and hurried to the passenger side. He helped Rosette down and guided her toward them.
"Rosette!" James shouted and then turned on Dranred. "You have some nerve." The words came out hot, and without warning he punched Dranred in the face. Dranred crumpled to the ground; Rosette gasped as she was nearly released from his arm.
"James!" Rosette cried, alarmed, then went to help him. But James pushed her back. "Stay away from my sister. Don't you get it?"
Dranred, seated on the pavement, shoved a hand against his mouth to stop the blood. "James—" he started.
"Don't be angry at him," Rosette began, trying to intervene. "He did nothing—"
"You!" James snapped, glaring at his sibling. "When did you get so stubborn? I told you what his family is like. I thought you'd stay away." He grabbed Rosette's arm. Dranred saw the pain in Rosette's face.
"James, enough." Dranred rose, wincing and pressing his hand to his jaw. "Don't take it out on Rosette. If you're angry at me, fine — but leave her out of it." He took James's hand gently, steadying him.
James scoffed. He let go of Rosette and shoved Dranred again. He raised his fist for another blow, but Bryan stepped in and held his hand back.
"Oh, really? Fine," James sneered, releasing Rosette. He turned on Dranred and shoved him hard in the chest. Dranred stumbled back, barely catching his balance. James raised his fist for another strike, but Bryan stepped forward and caught his arm.
"James, stop it. People are watching," Estelle said, hurrying to Rosette's side. "She's here now. Let's just go home."
"Don't you ever come near my sister again," James growled, glaring at Dranred. "Next time, I won't stop at one punch." He turned to Rosette. "Come on." He took her by the arm and led her away. Estelle followed, with Bryan behind her.
"Estelle," Dranred called softly. She froze, then turned — and without a word, her hand struck him across the face.
"Isn't it enough that your family already hurt mine?" she snapped, her voice breaking. "Why can't you just leave us alone, Dranred?"
"Stop it," Bryan said gently, pulling her close. "Let's go." He led her toward the car.
Dranred stood where he was, watching them until the car disappeared down the road. His hands clenched into fists. He hated how powerless he felt — unable to protect Rosette, unable to stop what was coming.
His grandfather had started moving again. And now, he knew exactly where the children of the slain officer were hiding.