Irina's POV
Everyone in the room stared at Mindy with icy indifference. Not a single word was spoken.
I tightened my grip. I'd never cared for Mindy anyway, and this felt like perfect payback.
"Alexander, help me," Mindy gasped, her face twisting in pain.
Alexander clearly wasn't fond of her, but he kept up appearances. "Ms. Brent, release her," he said quietly.
I'd listen to Alexander—I still needed his cooperation.
"Ah—" Mindy stumbled backward when I let go, momentum carrying her off balance.
"Alexander, look what she did to me—" Mindy whined like a wounded animal.
"How many times do I have to tell you? We're not close. Stop calling me Alexander." His voice carried a sharp edge of irritation. "And who gave you permission to come here?"
He'd never accepted Mindy and never would. Alexander had only one sister.
Mindy's lip quivered, her eyes turning glassy. "Dad's swamped with work, so he sent me to check on Grandpa. Plus, he wants me to bring you all home—"
