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.

accused and leaving, he felt like the Fowlers owed her

keeping an eye out for any news about Jane. He heard that she hadn’t been to classes, and nobody seemed to

return once she had calmed down, and everyone, except for Anna, seemed to have

that having Maddie in the family was enough, and all of the Fowler

Peter caught a glimpse of a familiar figure out of the corner of his

gave her a small smile

into a white lady’s blouse paired

through even without makeup, and she quickly became the center of attention. Her eyes were like stars, and they

aback, wondering aloud, “Jane. Is that

never paid attention to Jane. He first learned of her existence in college when he learned that Jane was his sister that had been missing for 19

timid, fearful, and too humble, which made Peter really

all noble or elegant. At that time,

never treated Jane well. Jane looked the same from the outside, but she was acting in a very different way at the moment. She exuded an air of assuredness, and

you’re staring. That’s rare!” Larry

Jane walked into the rooftop bar on the second floor, Larry couldn’t take his eyes off of her. The normally calm Peter was suddenly

so different from the photo!” Larry said

else for Jane. However, after looking again, Larry

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

long black hair flowed

she was concerned that the news would have

She just came to realize the true nature of so–called family ties and became her true

now you seem to

“Cheers, let’s toast my new life… Or should I say ‘escaping

up the Bloody Mary in front of Lila,

cold liquid, mixed with alcohol, stimulated her

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

held on to things that were never hers, to

to her the whole time, picked up on it and

with a scoff, “Looks like your family didn’t treat her very

had

would kill to be in Jane’s position as heiress

1. up.

Peter