Page 102 of The Secret Heir Next Door

How could this happen? Chaz’s words, his threats, they’re all I can think about. And Logan’s family… how much of it was just him, and how much was them?

I lean against the counter, my palms pressed hard into the cool granite, trying to ground myself. I can still feel Chaz’s presence, like a stain in the air. My hands are shaking, and I hate that I can’t just shrug it off. I’ve dealt with men like him before, but this… this is different. He’s Logan’s brother, which makes it feel personal, like a betrayal by proxy.

Logan’s voice pulls me from my spiraling thoughts. He’s talking to his parents outside, and even through the door, I can hear his fury. I know he’s on my side. I know he’s trying to protect me. But I can’t help wondering how deep this goes.

Are they all like this?

Logan’s family—their entitlement, their arrogance—it’s something I’ve always known was there, but this is a new low.

If I stay with Logan, will I always have to fend off their drama and chaos just to exist in his world?

That’s not a life I want to live.

And then there’s Logan. He’s been perfect—supportive, attentive, everything I thought I wanted. But now, all I see are the similarities. The brothers don’t look alike, but they have the same confident stance and swagger. They are equally entitled.

Are they really that different?

Has Logan ever used his position and name to intimidate someone the way Chaz tried to intimidate me?

Has he ever propositioned a woman and tried to use his power to get what he wanted?

The thought makes me feel sick, and I push it away. No. Logan isn’t like that. He wouldn’t hurt me. He’s never once made me feel small or powerless. But now, with everything that’s happened, I can’t help but wonder how much I really know him. How much of what we have is real, and how much is just the fantasy I’ve built around him?

The broken bell above the door now gives a tinny clang, and Logan walks back in, looking shaken but determined. He’s trying to smile and reassure me, but I can’t meet his eyes. I don’t know how to face him right now, not when all I can see is Chaz’s shadow hanging over us.

“You okay?” Logan asks softly. He reaches out, and I flinch before I can stop myself. Logan’s hand pauses midair, and he looks at me, hurt flashing in his eyes. “Serena?”

I force a nod, swallowing back the lump in my throat. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just… still processing, I guess.”

Logan takes a step closer, but I back away, my stomach twisting with guilt and confusion. I don’t want to be afraid of him, but I need space. I need to figure this out on my own.Logan notices, his expression tightening with concern. “Serena, I promise you, I didn’t know Chaz would pull something like this. I would’ve stopped him.”

“I know,” I say quickly, but my voice sounds unconvincing, even to my own ears. I want to believe him, and I do, but I can’t turn away the whispering doubts.

Logan sighs, his shoulders slumping as if the weight of everything is finally catching up to him. “Let me take you out to dinner tonight. We can get away from all this for a little while. You don’t have to deal with this alone.”

The offer is sweet, but it feels like too much right now. Being around Logan feels like a constant reminder of what just happened, and I don’t know if I can keep pretending like everything's okay. “I appreciate it, Logan. I really do. But I’m not feeling up to it tonight. I’ve got this headache, and I just… I think I need to sleep it off. Alone.”

I see the disappointment flicker in his eyes, and I hate myself a little for putting it there. But I need this. I need some time to sort through my emotions without him hovering over me, waiting for me to be okay. He nods, trying to hide the hurt. “Yeah, of course. If you need anything, just call me, okay?”

I give him a small, forced smile, nodding. “I will.”

He watches me for a moment longer as if he wants to say something else, but he holds back. Instead, he just presses a quick kiss to my forehead and leaves, and the second he’s gone, the shop feels even more empty. I let out a shaky breath and lock up for the night with trembling hands.

When I get home,the silence is overwhelming. I kick off my shoes, toss my keys onto the kitchen counter, and sink onto thecouch, pulling my knees up to my chest. My phone buzzes, and I glance at it, surprised to see Emily’s name flashing on the screen. I hesitate for a moment, then swipe to answer.

“Hey, Em,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “What’s up?”

Her voice is bright, almost too cheerful, and I can tell she’s calling with news. “Hey, sis! Guess what? I just got off the phone with Levy. You’re not going to believe this, but you don’t have to vacate the shop anymore. The sale fell through. He said you can stay in the building.”

I sit up, my heart skipping a beat. Relief floods through me, but I’m still wary. “What? Are you serious?”

“Yeah. Apparently, the buyers backed out at the last minute. So you’re safe. For now, anyway.”

I close my eyes, exhaling slowly as I let the news sink in. “That’s… that’s incredible. I can’t believe it. I thought for sure I’d have to find a new place.”

“Yeah, me too,” she admits. “But hey, it’s great news, right?”

“It is,” I say, though my voice doesn’t match the words. There’s still a lingering unease I can’t quite shake.

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