"Easy there, Louise. Don't be too rough on the kid," Erik's voice dripped with fake sympathy, though his eyes sparkled with malicious anticipation.
He was thinking how his niece wasn't the brightest, but she never pulled her punches. Even if she couldn't destroy her completely, she'd sure as hell embarrass her.
"Uncle Erik, you're too nice. Girls like her don't deserve any mercy," Louise spat, her disgust crystal clear. "Recently, she made me look like a fool on the street in front of everyone."
Annie giggled behind her hand, hooking her arm through Louise's. She threw me a dismissive glance and sighed dramatically. "Louise, don't get yourself worked up. I'm sure Irina didn't mean anything by it—"
"Cut the crap," I interrupted, my smile sharp as a blade. "I meant every single word." My gaze locked onto Erik's. "So the great Dr. Erik couldn't even spot a pressure-point seal? Real impressive."
