Liam stepped into the room, kicking the door shut behind him.
Mom said you were gone, he said. Here to steal the silverware?
Chanel stood tall. I'm taking my documents. That's it.
Liam laughed. You don't own anything here. Dad paid for those degrees.
He lunged for her pocket.
Chanel dodged. She moved with a speed that surprised him.
The noise attracted attention. Victor, her father, and Isamar appeared in the hallway.
Victor pushed the door open. What is this noise?
Liam pointed. She broke in! She's stealing!
Victor looked at Chanel with disdain. Empty your pockets.
Chanel refused. These are my legal IDs. You can't keep them.
Isamar leaned against the doorframe, holding her phone up. Maybe she's hungry, Dad. Make her cook for it.
Victor nodded. The maid is sick. Go down and finish making dinner. Then you can leave.
They expected her to submit. Chanel had always submitted.
Chanel looked at them. The absurdity of it made her laugh. A short, dry sound.
I am not your servant, she said clearly.
Victor's face turned red. You live on my dime-
Not anymore, Chanel interrupted. You kicked me out.
She moved to push past Liam.
Liam grabbed her arm. His fingers dug into her bicep, bruising the skin.
Do as you're told, bitch, Liam hissed.
Isamar was recording. Chanel could see the red light on the phone.
Chanel looked at Liam's hand on her arm. A memory flashed. Self-defense class. Junior year.
Let go, she warned. Her voice dropped.
Liam tightened his grip. Or what?
A sharp, searing pain shot through Chanel's bruised ribs as Liam's grip tightened, but beneath the pain, a cold memory clicked into place: a self-defense seminar her sophomore year. Target the small bones. Use your body weight, not your strength. Her mind went quiet, shutting out everything but the target. Ignoring the scream from her own muscles, she shifted her weight onto her back foot, raised her other leg just enough, and brought the heel of her boot down with focused, desperate precision onto the delicate arch of Liam's instep. Hard.
Liam howled in pain. He let go, hopping on one foot.
Victor was shocked. You dare attack your brother?
Chanel backed into the hallway. Don't touch me again.
The dynamic had shifted. The prey had just bitten back.
