Chapter 96 Resentment
Julia had known everything all along.
Finished
Even though the crew had asked everyone to turn in their phones, she handed over one and secretly kept another for herself.
Whenever the cameras weren’t rolling, she’d sneak off to check the internet.
Mostly, she just wanted to check what people were saying about her.
Luckily, the internet still seemed to be on her side.
But Jean’s popularity was way higher than hers, completely overshadowing her.
She also came across a few clips of Jean and Easton together….
Watching those videos made her furious–and jealous.
Jean was clearly holding Easton back, but he still kept indulging her, constantly stepping in to handle her problems.
And now, Jean was trapped here.
Julia felt like she deserved it. Save her? Not a chance.
Besides, Julia was on her own now–she had gotten separated from Olive too.
The tunnel was pitch–black. If two people didn’t stay close together, it was way too easy to get separated.
The rescue team probably hadn’t even realized she was missing. And worse, her walkie–talkie was in Olive’s bag-
So really, she wasn’t in much better shape than Jean.
I could barely keep myself together, she thought. Why would I waste energy on her?
“I… I got separated from them too…” Julia bit her lip and put on a pitiful expression. “I don’t think I can help you…”
“You got separated too?” Jean frowned, her face turning serious.
“I’m really tired right now. Dizzy, too. I’m sorry, I just can’t help you…” Julia’s voice was low as she spoke. Then she turned away, slowly walking off, her silhouette fading into the darkness.
Wait, Julia!” Jean called out, raising her voice. But all she could do was watch as Julia disappeared
into the shadows.
Chapter 96 Resentment
Finished
Jean didn’t dwell on it. No one could be relied on now. She’d just have to figure it out on her own.
Julia kept pushing forward through the darkness.
She held onto her flashlight like it was the only thing keeping her grounded.
Honestly, her situation was still better than Jean’s–at least she could move freely through the tunnel.
If she got lucky, maybe she’d actually find a way out.
Jean, though? That was a different story….
A flash of icy resentment flickered in Julia’s eyes.
Let her suffer, she thought. The worse, the better.
Just as the thought crossed her mind–suddenly, something snagged her foot.
She stumbled hard and lost her balance. With a loud thud, she hit the cold, wet
vet ground.
A sharp pain jolted through her leg, and Julia let out a quiet gasp as the strong smell of blood hit
her.
She didn’t even need to look–she knew her leg was bleeding. Seriously? Just
my luck
She sucked in a few sharp breaths, her brows pinched tightly together, her face pale with pain.
Then suddenly–a beam of light landed right on her Moments later, she heard footsteps,
hurried and unsteadied
“Julia!” someone called out in surprise. She lifted her head slightly and saw a rescue worker’s worried face.
But her gaze slipped past him, drawn to the tall figure coming up just behind.
Easton. He was following the rescue team, quickly closing the distance between them.
The second he realized it was Julia on the ground, a flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes- barely noticeable, but there.
It was Julia. Not Jean.
He and the rescue worker had been searching this whole area for Jean. And instead, they ran into her by accident.
“You okay, Julia?” The rescuer crouched beside her, speaking with gentle concern.
Chapter 96 Resentment
Finished
Easton stood off to the side, rigid and silent. He didn’t step forward, didn’t ask if she was okay. His perfect features were calm and distant, impossible to read.
That hit Julia harder than she expected.
He never acted that way with Jean. He was always kind to her, protective, and looked out for her. But when it comes to family, I’m the one who’s really his sister–even if I’m the one who has to stay in the shadows and can’t be acknowledged.
That thought sent a wave of emotion crashing over her.
A rush of emotions surged through her–frustration from the pain, resentment from Easton’s indifference, and the quiet, aching sorrow of her hidden identity.
It all twisted together inside her, tight and unbearable. And for a moment, it made her want to
scream.
Julia’s hands clenched before she even realized it, her eyes turning red with tears. Her lips. trembled as she spoke. “I fell… My leg’s bleeding…”
At her words, Easton frowned. He quickly turned to the rescue worker and said firmly, “Her injury needs to be treated right away. Get her out of here. I’ll go find Jean myself.”
“That works. We’ve got to bring both girls back safe anyway,” the rescuer nodded in agreement. “But if anything comes up, let me know. I can send someone to back you up.”
Easton gave a quiet nod. “I’ve got it. I won’t do anything reckless.”
julia stared at him, stunned. Her whole body started shaking even more.
She didn’t even know what exactly had set her off. The truth was, she and Easton were barely more than strangers now.
But hearing him hand her off to someone else–while he chose to go after Jean himself….
That lit something deep and furious inside her.
Her chest tightened. Easton didn’t care that she was hurt–he only cared about Jean.
The moment she realized it, a wave of anger rushed through her.
More than anything, she suddenly hated Easton. Not Jean–Easton.
The brother who shared her blood–but treated her like she didn’t matter at all.
Easton had no idea what was going through Julia’s head. As soon as he saw the rescuer lift her up with practiced case, he turned and headed deeper into the tunnel with just his flashlight in hand.
Jean had disappeared right in front of him. And the thought of it hit him like a punch to the chest, cold and unforgiving.
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Chapter 96 Resentment
Finished
But he stopped himself right there. Regret wasn’t going to fix anything. He had to stay sharp. He had to find Jean.
He’d search every inch of this place if that’s what it took to find her.
