A Second Life, A New Power novel Chapter 335

Right after Thomas spoke, he shot Harold a disapproving look. "Harold, don't say stuff like that. Just apologize to Demi."

Harold let out a cold snort. "I don't care what anyone says—what happened today was Demi's fault. Annie's still stuck in the hospital, and look at her, laughing it up, playing games like she didn't just stand there and do nothing. Clearly, she doesn't feel the slightest bit guilty."

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me." Maria slapped her thigh and stood up.

But Demi grabbed her arm and stopped her before she could go off.

"This is a family matter... between us and Demi. Please stay out of it, Ms. Dane," Harold said. His tone sounded polite on the surface, but the warning underneath was loud and clear.

He'd almost said, "This is a Pitt family matter", but changed it just in time.

"Are we still playing or not? If you're not here to play, do us all a favor and leave. Don't ruin it for the rest of us!" George snapped coldly.

It was obvious who he was talking to. Harold knew it, too. His expression darkened, but he forced a cold laugh. "I'm in."

He walked over and sat down beside Thomas with heavy steps.

"Your turn, Demi," George said, switching right back to a pleasant smile.

Demi nodded and flicked the ladle like it was nothing. It spun slowly and stopped right on Harold. There as no doubt she'd aimed it on purpose.

She wanted Harold to understand that coming after her and disrespecting her friends came with consequences.

"Harold," Demi said flatly, skipping the usual truth-or-dare formality. "Since you're so stuck on who did what today, let me ask you this—were you trying to kill me that day? Was it intentional?"

Of course, no one reminded Demi to pose that "Truth or Dare" question.

"We weren't trying to kill you. It was just an accident. How could you think that of us? We're—"

He swallowed the words 'your family' and snapped, "Demi, you're unbelievable!"

"Then swear on it. Swear it wasn't on purpose," Demi said coldly.

"I..." Harold opened his mouth, but nothing else came out.

"Say something, Harold," Thomas urged, clearly nervous.

Harold didn't speak. He was completely torn. He hadn't meant to kill her, not really. But what if he swore and got struck by lightning like Ana did? How would he explain that? But if he didn't swear, it would look exactly like he had something to hide.

"Enough. Your turn. Spin the ladle," Nigel said coolly, cutting through the silence.

Harold hesitated for a few seconds, then finally reached out and spun it—his mind racing, trying to find a way out of the mess.

Meanwhile, Thomas just stared at him, stunned.

He didn't want to swear on it… Was he really part of it?

A chill ran down Thomas' spine. He couldn't stop thinking about it now. The day of the fire—there were four of them. Why did none of them notice Demi didn't get out of the car? Why didn't anyone realize the door had been shut?

He used to think it was all a terrible coincidence. But now, watching Harold's reaction, something dark crept into his gut. Did Harold really trap her in that burning car… just to protect Ana?