No Way Back by Anna Mac

Chapter 9 Jane On The Dance Floor

Peter’s childhood friend, Larry, spread his hands wide as he leaned against the couch, watching Peter down one glass of beer after another.

Larry rolled his eyes when he saw that Peter wasn’t responding and continued to drink. Suddenly, Larry reached out and grabbed Peter’s arm, saying, “All right, that’s enough. Don’t drink yourself into a stupor. I’m not taking you home like that. Your dad will bite my head off.”

“It’s just beer. I’m still in control,” Peter replied, but he didn’t continue drinking. Instead, he leaned back against the couch and looked up at the night sky, feeling the breeze coming off the river.

Larry fiddled with his pink tie and shot a flirtatious glance at any attractive woman who happened to pass by. With his stylish outfit and glistening purple diamond earrings, he exuded the confidence of a young man who knows how to attract women’s attention.

However, it was clear that the women were more drawn to Peter. The Fowler family had excellent genes. All seven of Jack and Anna Fowler’s sons inherited their parents‘ great genes, and each had his own unique charisma.

Peter’s features, including his high, straight nose and sensually cold lips, were chiseled with the precision of a master carver. Though his hairdo was simple, his good looks were undeniable.

“Every time we go out, the girls never pay attention to me. Boo hoo hoo,” Larry said jealously, shooting Peter a glance.

Peter didn’t respond, continuing to keep his eyes closed.

Seeing that Peter was honestly bothered, Larry put away his playful grin. “I saw the news that’s been trending. Is that what’s got you so worked up? Are you worried that would hurt little Maddie’s feelings?”

“That’s part of it,” Peter replied, his eyes fixed on the drink in his hand.

“And the other reason is that yesterday our whole family misunderstood Jane and hurt her deeply. She said she wanted to sever ties with us and has already packed her bags and moved out,” Peter continued. Larry arched an eyebrow. “You wouldn’t think she’s the one behind the trending news, would you?”

Peter didn’t respond, lost in thought.

“Well, think about it this way,” Larry said, trying to lighten the mood. “It’s a blessing in disguise. The Fowler family had given up on Jane long ago, and now she’s back, which I don’t think was a nice surprise for your family, right? Plus, You do like Maddie more, don’t you?”

Peter let out a sigh. “Yeah, that’s true. Maddie was adopted when she was just a baby. We grew up together and had a strong bond. But as for Jane… I don’t have the same feelings for her. I even think it would be better if she never returned so Maddie wouldn’t get hurt.

Larry clapped a hand on Peter’s shoulder. “Well, there you have it. Jane’s out of the picture now. She’s cut ties with the Fowler family. You should be happy. Come on, let’s drink to it.”

Even though Peter knew he should be happy, he was still burdened by the thought of Jane leaving the Fowler family yesterday because Anna was unwilling to change her mind. He couldn’t get over the fact that he had misunderstood her and that they were related, even though he didn’t want to admit it.

If Jane were really to blame for everything, he would have been happy for her to leave.

leaving,

about Jane. He heard that she

said that she would return once she had calmed down, and everyone, except

family was

of a familiar figure out of the corner of his eye

her. Jane gave her a small smile

Jane changed into a white lady’s blouse paired with jeans

quickly became the center of attention.

was taken aback, wondering

existence in college when he learned that Jane was his sister that had been missing for

Jane first came to the Fowler family, she was timid, fearful, and

noble or elegant. At that

hurt Madelyn’s status, so he never treated Jane well. Jane looked the same from the outside, but she was acting in a very different

woman. Peter; even you’re staring.

couldn’t take his eyes off of her. The normally calm Peter was suddenly seething, “That’s my sister,

How could she be so different from the photo!” Larry

Peter was drunk and mistook someone else for Jane. However, after looking again, Larry couldn’t help but gasp, because he found that the

look like she was someone else entirely. Jane didn’t notice Peter and Larry. She walked straight to Lila, saying, “Sorry, Lila, for keeping you waiting.” Lila shook her head. “I just arrived here, too… Hey, Jane, how come you seem to have

in white, and her long black hair flowed freely, making

broken up, she was concerned that the news would have a negative impact on her

a smile. She just came to realize the true nature of so–called family ties

a little worried about you, but now you seem

let’s toast my new life… Or should I say ‘escaping from the wolf

Bloody Mary in front of Lila, clinked glasses with her, and then took a big

cold liquid, mixed with alcohol, stimulated

with the nighttime river view, the breeze, and her best friend by her side, Jane felt

on to things that were

to her the whole time, picked up

a scoff, “Looks like your

neutral since he had nothing to

as heiress of the Fowler

1. up.

Larry knew Peter