A Second Life, A New Power novel Chapter 394

"Oh please, Ana, save the tears. Who are you trying to fool? Acting like Demi bullied you when it's been you and your whole family bullying her this entire time and probably in the future, too. Don't think we can't see what's going on!" Maria snapped.

Daniel's expression darkened instantly. "Ms. Dane, this is a private matter for the Pitts."

His voice had dropped to a warning tone.

"Did anyone catch that? Daniel just said the word Pitts. Was he trying to say this is a family matter?"

"That matches what people were speculating earlier—Demi really is part of the Pitt family."

"If that's true, and they've been treating her like a maid, that's absolutely disgusting."

"They either gave her away or lost her when she was little. That has to be it."

Demi tugged gently at Maria's arm, trying to signal her to stop. She didn't want Maria dragged into this. But Maria didn't back down.

"I'm her friend. She has no family here to stand up for her. She's outnumbered—one against your whole family. And I've been watching you all take turns setting her up, pressuring her with guilt. So, as her friend, I'm stepping in. That's not too much to ask, is it?" Her smile was cold, sharp with sarcasm.

Daniel frowned. "Who set her up? Who pressured her?"

"Oh, great question." Maria's smile widened, but her voice turned icy. "When we were by the river, who was it that pretended to lose a bag and asked Demi to fetch it? That current was strong. Were you trying to get her help—or trying to get her killed?

"Don't come at me with that 'she can swim' crap. Being able to swim doesn't mean there's no danger."