A Second Life, A New Power novel Chapter 349

Back in the master bedroom of the Pitt residence, Michelle sat on the bed in her silk pajamas, frowning in worry. She asked, "What if Demi actually holds a press conference and spills everything?"

"She won't," Stephen said coldly, arms crossed. "I'm betting she won't dare."

But even as he said that, he got up and went straight to the study, where Daniel was still up.

"Keep an eye on Demi," he ordered. "Find out if she's really planning that press conference."

...

Meanwhile, back at Demi's hotel room, Harold and Thomas were standing awkwardly near the door, visibly uncomfortable.

Neither expected Stephen to be that blunt or unbothered about throwing Demi under the bus. Now, they were worried she might actually go through with it and air their dirty laundry at the press conference.

"Emi," Thomas softened his voice, trying to coax her. "Dad's really upset. Can't you just... let it go already? Stop making this bigger than it has to be?"

"We're trying to meet you halfway," Harold added, putting on his best reasonable big brother act. "But you have to meet us halfway, too. Otherwise, we're going to end up on opposite sides for good. Is that really what you want?"

"Yes," Demi said without hesitation, her voice flat and cold.

She could see right through them. They still thought she cared about being accepted by the Pitts—thought she could be manipulated with some half-baked family fantasy.

Too bad the girl who once craved their love and validation had died in that fire. The one standing in front of them now? She only wanted the truth out and the past buried.

"You..." Harold's expression darkened. "Fine. Be stubborn. You'll regret this later. Let's go, Thomas."

He dragged Thomas toward the door.

Thomas hesitated, glancing back at Demi—but her face was unreadable, her eyes distant and cold.

At that moment, he truly believed she might go through with it.

"Harold, we should talk to Dad," he said the second they stepped into the hallway. "Tell him to delete that post. She's serious."

"What, you think we can change his mind?" Harold snapped. "She's bluffing. She's just trying to pressure us into kicking Ana out. That's what this is really about."