The silence that followed my words was deafening, a thick, heavy blanket that smothered the room. Jason’s confident façade flickered, his mouth a thin line, faltering as he processed my response. His parents exchanged confused glances, and for a brief moment, Brooke’s smirk slipped, revealing a flicker of uncertainty.
Jason attempted to regain control. “Emily, don’t be ridiculous. We’ve made the necessary arrangements. You can find somewhere else to go.”
I leveled my gaze at him, unwavering. “This is my house. I bought it before we even met. And yes, I paid off your debt, but do remember, it’s your name on those papers. You see, Jason, I might have paid it, but legally, you still owe that money. Should you choose to leave, you’ll be leaving a free man with nothing to his name.”
