---
Fizz whispered to John with admiration, "She just bullied the bully."
Ray tried one last attempt, voice stiff. "Why are you doing this?"
Rhea looked at him without softness. "Because you are my cousin, and I do not want your mouth to ruin my business."
Ray blinked. "Your business."
Rhea's gaze slid toward John for half a second, then back to Ray. "Yes."
Ray's pride twitched like a wounded animal. He grabbed his coat and turned toward the door. "Fine," he muttered. "But if I get blamed for anything, I will set something on fire."
Fizz waved. "Set your ego on fire."
Ray glared at him. "I hate you."
Fizz smiled. "That is normal."
Ray stepped out and slammed the door hard enough to make the candle on the desk tremble.
The room became quieter instantly.
John exhaled slowly. "You didn't have to threaten him."
Rhea's voice stayed calm. "Yes I did."
Fizz nodded sagely. "Family is complicated. Threats are love with sharp edges."
