Althea let out a hollow laugh. "Oh, stop it. Don't try and act like a saint. If there had to be one person in this entire world who valued family less than me, that would have to be you, Easton."
"I genuinely don't have any idea what you mean, Thea. Obviously, I value family—"
Althea laughed more, the sound still lacking mirth. As she met Easton's genuinely confused gaze, her laughter seized and her eyes sharpened coldly. "Please don't make me sick with that act of yours. You know what?" She turned away her head, prepared to leave. "I can't bear to look at you anymore—"
Easton grabbed her arm, his grip tight and determined to not let her go. "No, you have to tell me! What is it that makes you hate me so much that you would conspire against your own younger brother?"
