Sam didn't want to feel like he was running away. His pride wouldn't allow it. But Joanne's mention of Brian Cooper made his stomach twist. That name, sharp as a slap, hit a nerve.
Brian had opened his eyes. Made him see what little worth the world saw in him. He showed him the path forward.
And now Joanne, the cousin he believed had manipulated their grandfather to steal what should've been his, was mocking his savior. That was all she did. She considered herself the smartest person in the world and did whatever she pleased. She considered him beneath her.
He wanted to bring down her arrogance. He wanted to shout back. Wanted to tell her he would get what was owed to him. That he wasn't finished. He was going to win.
But before a single word left his mouth, the rottweiler crouched beside Joanne lunged forward with a thundering bark.
Sam's heart stopped.
Then his legs moved.
He spun on his heels and bolted.
