Irvin's POV
I barely caught my breath before Mom detonated.
"You're saying the girl I spotted at your place that day—that innocent-looking girl—is that bastard's sister?" Her voice shattered with shock.
I held steady. I'd been waiting for this moment. Even so, hearing her spell it out so bluntly made my gut twist tighter.
"Mom—"
"Irvin, have you lost your mind?" she cut me off, spinning to face me completely. Her gaze swept my features like she could decode the truth from my expression. "That family destroyed your brother."
"She wasn't involved," I replied, maintaining an even tone. "She's not him. Davina is blameless."
Mom's head whipped back and forth, retreating as if my words physically struck her.
"Does that even matter?" she snapped. "She's his blood, for crying out loud! That entire family is toxic, Irvin. Out of every woman in Meridian—hell, everywhere else—you choose her?"
She started moving in circles, fingers tangled in her hair.
