Reconciliation

Carissa turned to see Nikki striding towards them, her eyes blazing. Lucas sneered. "Oh look, it's David's crazy sister. Stay out of this."

Nikki didn't flinch. She slapped him hard across the face, forcing him to release Carissa. "Touch her again and I'll have you behind bars."

Lucas, stunned, raised his hand as if to hit Nikki, but she stood her ground. "Do it," she dared him, her voice low and dangerous. "And see how fast the cops get here."

He glared at her, his fists clenching and unclenching. "You haven't seen the last of me," he spat before storming off.

Nikki turned to Carissa, her expression softening. "Are you okay?"

Carissa nodded, still shaken. "Thank you, Nikki."

"Don't mention it," Nikki replied, her voice steady. "No one messes with people related to me."

Carissa took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of gratitude and confusion. "People related to you?"

Nikki smiled gently. "Yeah. You heard me right. "