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Part 48
The ride home was quiet.
The black car moved smoothly through the streets, but inside, the atmosphere was thick with unspoken thoughts.
Kylie sat near the window, arms crossed tightly, her reflection staring back at her. Normally, she would've filled the silence with some sharp remark, maybe even taunting Anna. But tonight, her voice was missing. The earlier incident still echoed in her mind — that boy's smirk, Nick's fury, Anna's steady hands offering her water.
Her heart beat faster each time she replayed it.
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Ethan Breaks the Silence
"Are you okay now?" Ethan's voice came suddenly. His tone wasn't cold or jealous like before — it was calm, steady, protective.
Kylie shifted, caught off guard. "…Yeah. I'm fine."
Anna, who sat beside her, glanced at her subtly, as if to confirm. Kylie noticed and hesitated before adding, softly, "Thanks to… both of you."
The words felt heavy on her tongue — gratitude wasn't something Kylie Sinclair handed out freely.
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Anna's Gentle Response
Anna gave a small smile, not triumphant, not superior — just kind.
"You don't need to thank us. Anyone in your place deserved help."
Kylie looked down at her hands, unsure how to respond. No snark, no comeback came. For the first time, she didn't feel like competing with Anna. She felt… seen.
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The Drop-Off
Ethan's black luxurious car pulled up outside the grand Sinclair estate. Lights glowed across the massive property, the gates opening automatically as if bowing to her presence.
Normally, Kylie would've strutted out, head high, letting her wealth speak louder than words.
But tonight, she paused at the car door.
She looked back at Anna, their eyes meeting — not with rivalry, but with something softer.
"…Anna," Kylie said, her voice quieter than usual. "What you said back there… about not staying quiet… maybe you're right."
Anna's expression softened. "You're stronger than you think, Kylie. Just remember that."
Kylie held her gaze for a moment longer, then gave a tiny nod.
"Still… thank you. Both of you."
Her eyes flickered briefly toward Ethan as well. For the first time, she offered him a small, genuine smile before stepping out.
The gates closed behind her, but strangely, it didn't feel like a wall anymore.
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Back in the Car
As the car drove away, Anna leaned back against the seat. Ethan's grip tightened on her hand, his jaw still firm — but there was relief in his eyes.
Nick smirked faintly from the side.
"Well, that's a miracle. Kylie Sinclair actually said thank you."
Anna rolled her eyes lightly. "She's not as heartless as she pretends."
Ethan stayed quiet, his eyes on the road, but deep down he agreed. Tonight had changed something — not just for Kylie, but for all of them.
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That night, for the first time, Kylie Sinclair didn't fall asleep thinking of competition. She fell asleep remembering Anna's words… and feeling strangely safe because of them.
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