The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 20

But her fraying nerves and pounding heart were rapidly corroding the last shreds of her sanity.

"I don't need a hospital... Jonah, I'm perfectly fine."

"Go. Why wouldn't she go?"

Vivian stared murderously at the two people on the ground, spitting ice. "The hospital relies entirely on Amara to boost its revenue. Forget getting shoved or slapped; if she even breathes slightly out of rhythm, she needs a full medical team."

"That's enough!"

Jonah had reached his absolute limit. His face was a mask of pure fury. "Vivian, apologize!"

The lethal threat on his face made it crystal clear—if she didn't apologize right now, he was going to destroy her.

Before Vivian could even open her mouth, Dominic's frantic, explosive voice echoed from behind her. "What is going on here? Huh? Vivian, what the hell did you do to Amara this time?!"

He had finally managed to corner two massive industry titans to discuss a business deal, only to have this hysterical screaming match completely ruin the night!

And of course, when he rushed out to look, it was his eldest daughter causing a scene again!

The more Dominic thought about it, the angrier he got. "Vivian, she's your sister! You constantly trample all over her! Aren't you afraid karma is going to strike you dead?!"

Vivian said absolutely nothing. A massive lump swelled in her throat as she stared at her father with bloodshot, devastated eyes.

He was exactly like Jonah. Without asking a single question, he instantly branded her the villain.

Accusations. Blame. Fury. Resentment.

These two men were supposed to be her closest, most trusted family. Yet, without fail, they universally chose to protect Amara.

Was she truly the one who was sick and broken?

Dominic stared at the brutal handprint on Amara's face, his heart shattering in agony for his youngest daughter.

He unleashed another ferocious wave of abuse. "How many times have you put your hands on Amara? How can you be so vicious?"

Vicious.

Vivian stared straight into his eyes. After a long, agonizing pause, she sneered. "And what if I say no? Are you going to retaliate on her behalf?"

Jonah's expression faltered, a brief flash of shock cutting through his eyes.

"Vivian..."

The mockery on Vivian's lips grew completely unhinged. Jonah was probably stunned that she knew, right? If she hadn't overheard that kidnapper on the phone, she never would have connected the dots.

"The grudges of the older generation shouldn't be dumped on her. I understand that you don't like her, but... can you please stop doing things to hurt her?"

Jonah's voice was still brutally cold—half vicious threat, half desperate coaxing.

"As long as you leave her alone, I promise she will never bother you again."

Hearing that, Vivian completely lost it. She burst into hysterical laughter. It was supposed to be a hilarious joke, yet tears streamed uncontrollably down her radiant cheeks. "Jonah, don't you realize... it is always Amara who provokes me first."

Jonah's brows crashed together. Without missing a single beat, he snapped, "Amara wouldn't do that."