" I don't know who got into his head , but he said 1 bullied someone at school . He came at me with scissors like he was actually gonna kill me . If you and Mom don't come back soon , you might never see me again ." Jackson had expected Kayla to argue or deny it all . He'd already prepared a lecture . But the second he saw her looking so pitiful and scared , the words caught in his throat . For a moment , even he wasn't sure whether Tristian had told the whole truth . After all , as far as Jackson knew , Kayla might've been a little spoiled , but she wasn't the kind of girl who'd pick on the weak . Kayla , on the other hand , was smirking in her mind . ' Yeah , crying gets you what you want . Marianna taught me that one .' Tristian's face turned cloudy . He snapped , " Kayla , you're really asking for it ." He stared at her , thinking with confusion , ' What the hell happened to Kayla ? She used to be so easy to control . Now she's flipping the script in front of our parents like she's some innocent victim . Does she really think she's the one being wronged ? ' For the first time in his life , Tristian realized he didn't recognize the sister he'd grown up with . But Kayla flinched like he'd just struck her , her eyes going red as tears welled up again . Her body trembled like she was barely holding it together . Bailee Perry , their mother , caught Kayla's pitiful looks . Her voice rang out through the video call . " Honey , are you okay ? What the hell is going on with Tris ? Did he hurt you ? Hand him the phone . I'm about to tear him a new one ." Kayla turned toward the camera , flashing Tristian a sweet smile that didn't reach her eyes . Then she looked back at her mom and gave a small , hesitant shake of her head . " Mom , don't yell at Tris , okay ? You and Dad barely stay at home . I don't wanna make him mad again . You don't know just how scared I get . " Even as the words left her lips , her eyes sparkled with amusement - mocking , almost daring Tristian to lose it . Tristian's hands curled into fists at his sides . His face turned almost purple with rage . He opened his mouth to explain , but Bailee didn't believe a single word . By the time the call ended , Tristian hadn't managed to say a damn thing . All he got was a full - on verbal beatdown from Bailee and a tidal wave of frustration crashing down on him . " Kayla , you know damn well I'm the one who's suffering , and you're really gonna spin it like I'm the bad guy ? " Tristian shouted at Kayla . Kayla reached up and wiped a single tear from the corner of her eye . Her expression was all wide - eyed innocence . " Did I lie ? Or is it just that you think whoever cries harder must be telling the truth ? " Inside , her thoughts were biting . ' Marianna did the same . She shed tears , and you trusted everything she said , 910 Tue , Oct 14 Chapter 13 56 vouchers thinking I'm the devil , huh ? " Doesn't matter what I say , and you've already picked your side . You never believed me . So why does it piss you off so much when I pull the same stunt ? You have double standards ? Tristian's eyes bulged . He looked like he might actually explode , His fists trembled , knuckles white , barely keeping himself in check . His voice was low and deadly . " Kayla , you fooled them for now . But when they come home and see what you've done , you'll get what's coming " Kayla blinked innocently , " What are you even talking about ? I'm so weak , remember ? No way I could take you in a fight . " You really think Mom and Dad will believe I shaved your hair ? Are you trying to pin it on me ? You think they will buy that ? Good luck with that ." Tristian's stomach dropped . Last night , he'd sent the servants away and turned off the living room cameras to keep things private . He hadn't wanted witnesses . And now , with no proof , there was nothing he could show their parents . He spat inwardly , ' Damn it ' He opened his mouth , then closed it again , totally lost for words . Kayla saw it all , and it was glorious . She grabbed her backpack and strutted out of the house . Kayla could feel Tristian's glare burning into her back , yet it didn't bother her in the slightest . Bring it on , Tristian . Let me see what tricks you've got left . I can't wait , she thought , her chin lifted . But as she walked out the door , a new thought crept into her mind - one that made her uneasy . AD