Hazel's fingers tightened around the small paper bag.
All her life, she had despised clichés; a manipulative fiancé, a treacherous best friend. Stories like these had always sounded pathetic to her, so she always avoided those useless plots.
Now, standing with a burning cheek, staring at Holly, who Sophie claimed was her stepsister, she felt something cold crawl up her spine.
First a cheating partner, now a pathetic stepsister. The clichés annoyed her.
"What did you just say?" Holly finally recovered from her shock. Her expression darkened. "You really—"
"You seem to enjoy saying ridiculous things," Hazel smoothly interjected. "Among other things. But I dislike repetition, and I detest wasting my time, so let's make this very clear."
Her gaze dropped briefly to the small paper bag in her hand, then returned to Holly.
"Whatever is inside this, I'll have it looked at," she continued calmly. "The next time you feel the need to 'deliver' something to me, you will call ahead like a civilized person, not creating a spectacle out here. And you will never put your hands on me. Again."
Holly let out a short, incredulous laugh. "You must have lost your mind—"
"Don't worry, I'm in a generous mood today," Hazel added like she wasn't interrupted. "So I'll overlook your… barbaric display."
Holly stared at her like she was speaking nonsense.
"And I'll repeat it because I want to be absolutely certain you understand me. The next time you behave like this, you will remain exactly where you belong. Outside. And I will personally ensure you're reported for disturbance."
Holly's expression slowly fell apart. "You... Are you threatening me?!" Her voice rose in disbelief. It made no sense.
Avril had never spoken back at her before, talk more of issuing threats to her face.
Hazel smiled slowly. "Sophie?"
"Y-Yes, Mrs. Avril." Sophie appeared almost instantly, like she'd been standing within earshot.
"Please see to it that Miss Holly leaves immediately—"
Holly flared. "Are you out of your goddamn mind?!"
"...If she continues to cause a scene, call security."
"Y-Yes, Mrs. Avril."
Hazel turned to walk away.
"HEY! YOU—!" Holly's composure shattered completely. She pointed a trembling finger at Hazel. "HOW DARE YOU WALK AWAY?! STOP THERE, I DIDN'T GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO LEAVE!"
Hazel kept walking.
When she saw that she was almost inside, "HEY! I'M TALKING TO YOU!" She furiously reached out and almost grabbed Hazel, but Sophie stepped in front of her.
Her brows furrowed in disbelief. "MOVE!"
"I'm afraid I can't do that, Miss Holly," Sophie met her gaze. "You need to calm down. You're being too loud."
Holly's eyes widened. "Too loud?! Are you insulting me?!"
"I would never, Miss Holly. I'm sorry if that sounded like one. But if you take another step or attempt to touch Mrs. Avril again, I may be forced to call security."
Holly stared at her stunned. "YOU ASKED YOUR WORKERS TO INSULT ME, AVRIL?" Her voice rose with each word so that Hazel could hear. "YOU CAN RUN BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE! THIS ISN'T OVER! YOU HEAR ME? YOU'RE FINISHED! COMPLETELY FINISHED!"