When Family Destroys, Love Redeems

enaline surged through me, sharp

rted walking, fast, towards the loading dock ex

y!

ked behind

epped out from behind a truck, blocking my path. They were big guys, at

Mark sneered, crossing his arms.

said, keeping my voi

cracking his knuckles. "Brandon

eir grips like iron clamps. They dragged me away from the

ghter. Down here, it was suddenly silent. Kitchen staff and other workers stop

stairs, Sarah and Chloe flanking him. He de

ake sadness from months ago. "I gave you a chance to reform. T

emanded, struggling against the h

ece, a priceless family heirloom. It's gone missing from the green room." He poin

n't been anywhere n

sing. "I was in the loading dock the w

need to find my watch. I think you know where it is." He looked

ha

dropping for a second. "Get on your knees and tu

a painful crack. The humiliation was a physical thing, a hot wave that washed over my entire bo

Recording everything for her audience. Sar

through gritted teeth, looking up

h you, will you?" he said sweetl

bout the watch. This was about degradation.

id, my voice shaking with

d. "This is my party. My property

ryone, watch closely. This is what happen

pockets, my shirt, my pants. The eyes of the crowd were on me, a hundred tiny

ee the pity and fear in the eyes of the kitchen staff. I could see

ower. I was on my knees, a condemned man in a cheap server's uniform, my fate entirely in their hands. The world narrowed to the rou

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