Sallie's POV
When Webster brought up the upcoming event, I didn't even pause to consider it. "I'm busy that day," I told him, cutting off any discussion before it could start.
Webster wasn't backing down though. He stepped directly into my path, blocking the hallway. "This isn't a request. You're going."
I looked at him, genuinely puzzled. "You hate having me around, Mr. Noah. Why force this? Unless you get some sick pleasure from watching me ruin everyone's mood."
Webster seemed ready to say something, then caught himself. "It's a family gathering," he said finally. "You're family. That means you show up."
Two years back, hearing those words would've sent my heart soaring. I would've circled the date and counted every hour until it arrived. Now they just sat heavy in my chest.
These were the same people who'd told me I didn't understand my position, who'd forced me to abandon my own name. Now they wanted to call me family. The contradiction was almost funny.
