Alexander's hand stung from the impact, but the satisfaction of seeing Leticia's cheek redden was fleeting. Her indifferent reaction only fueled his frustration further.
"You think this is a game?" he spat, his chest heaving with anger.
"I am trying to protect our family's honor, and you're throwing it all away!"
Leticia stood up slowly, her chair scraping against the floor. She faced Alexander, her eyes cold and unyielding.
"And what honor is that?" she asked quietly.
"The honor of being a Princeton? The expectation of perfection and obedience?"
She stepped closer to him, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
"I've lived countless lives, Alexander. I've seen empires rise and fall. Our family's legacy means nothing to me."
Alexander stared at her incredulously, his mind reeling from her confession. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. For the first time in his life, he was at a loss for words in front of his little sister.
Alexander's hand stung from the slap, but his anger only grew at Leticia's indifferent reaction. He grabbed her arm roughly, yanking her to her feet.
"You think I'm joking?" he snarled, his face inches from hers.
"You're going to shape up and start acting like a Princeton, or I'll make your life a living hell."
Leticia looked at him calmly, her eyes devoid of fear or emotion. She slowly reached up and removed his hand from her arm.
"I'm not afraid of you," she said softly.
"And I won't change who I am just to please you or our family."
Alexander released her abruptly, stepping back with a disgusted sneer.
"You're pathetic," he spat.
"Not even a slap in the face can snap you out of this selfish stupor."
Leticia sat back down and resumed eating her breakfast as if nothing had happened. She glanced up at Alexander dismissively.
"If that's all you wanted to discuss, then I suggest you leave," she said coldly.
"I have better things to do than argue with you all day."
Alexander stared at her for a long moment, his chest heaving with anger.
Alexander's gaze flicked to the small creature in Leticia's arms, a sneer twisting his lips.
"That thing is disgusting," he muttered, wrinkling his nose.
"You're just as pathetic as it is."
Leticia stroked Tun Tun's fur gently, her eyes never leaving Alexander's face.
"He's more than you'll ever be," she said calmly.
"At least he knows how to love and be loved."
Alexander's face turned red with rage. He opened his mouth to retort, but a sudden commotion from the foyer interrupted him. Raised voices and the sound of shattering glass echoed through the house.
"What the hell is going on out there?" Alexander growled, storming towards the kitchen door.
Leticia remained seated, unconcerned by the chaos unfolding outside. But than she walked out of the massive kitchen and went to her bedroom. The villa was massive and had an elevator inside it as she pushed the third floor she closed her eyes.
Ellena's eyes widened in shock as she watched the video, her face paling. She stammered nervously, trying to explain herself.
"Miss Leticia, II can explain! I didn't mean to"
Leticia held up a hand, silencing her instantly. Her eyes flashed with a cold fury that made Ellena shrink back.
"You had one job," Leticia said softly, her voice dripping with venom.
"One simple job to keep my room clean and organized. And this is how you repay me?"
Ellena trembled, tears welling up in her eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Miss Leticia! It won't happen again, I swear!"
Leticia stood up slowly, her movements graceful yet menacing. She walked around her desk, stopping just inches from Ellena. She looked at Ellena and slapped her across the face and grabbed cash which was 200 Krugers. She threw it at her face and stepped on it.
"You have an hour to get out of here," Leticia said as she walked out of her room she felt like going out now.
"Tun Tun come here," Leticia said.
As Leticia stepped out of her room, Tun Tun hopped onto her shoulder, nuzzling against her neck affectionately. She sighed deeply, trying to shake off the lingering anger from the encounter with Ellena.
"Let's get out of here for a bit," she murmured to Tun Tun.
Leticia headed downstairs, ignoring the commotion that still echoed from the foyer. As she reached the bottom of the staircase, she saw a group of servants huddled together, whispering urgently amongst themselves.
"What's going on?" Leticia asked coldly, her tone leaving no room for evasion.
One of the servants turned to her, his face pale and frightened.
"It's..."
"Don't care hand me car keys," Leticia said as she held her palm out.
The servant quickly handed Leticia the keys to her sleek, black sports car parked in the driveway. She snatched them from his trembling hand without a word, striding towards the vehicle with purposeful steps. Tun Tun clung tightly to her shoulder as she slid into the driver's seat and started the engine.
The powerful purr of the car's motor drowned out the sounds of chaos emanating from her villa. Leticia gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles turning white as she sped off down the winding driveway, leaving behind the turmoil and expectations that weighed heavily upon her.
As she merged onto the open road, Leticia felt a sense of freedom wash over her.
"Big Sister sister are you angry?" Tun Tun growled out.
Leticia glanced at Tun Tun, her expression softening slightly at the concern in his voice. She reached up and gently patted his head, her fingers sinking into his soft fur.
"No, little one," she murmured.
"I'm not angry with you."
She sighed deeply, her gaze returning to the road ahead.
"It's just... sometimes I get tired of everything. The expectations, the responsibilities, the constant judgment from others."
Tun Tun nuzzled against her hand comfortingly, his wings fluttering softly.
"You don't have to pretend with me," Leticia continued quietly.
"I know you understand how I feel."
She fell silent for a moment, lost in thought as she drove. Finally, she spoke again, her voice determined.
"But enough about that. Let's go somewhere fun and forget about all our troubles for a while."
Tun Tun chirped excitedly at the prospect of an adventure.
"I want a spa," Leticia said.
Leticia smiled at Tun Tun's enthusiastic response. She steered the car towards a luxurious spa she knew in the heart of the city. The building was a magnificent structure with sleek glass walls, elegant fountains, and lush gardens surrounding it.
As they entered the spa, Leticia was greeted by the manager, who bowed respectfully.
"Welcome back, Miss Princeton," he said warmly.
"We have your private suite prepared, just as you requested."
Leticia nodded curtly, her eyes scanning the opulent lobby. She walked briskly towards the elevators, Tun Tun perched on her shoulder.
Once inside their lavish suite, Leticia stripped off her clothes and slipped into a plush robe. She settled into a comfortable chair by the window, watching as Tun Tun explored the room curiously.
A gentle knock at the door announced the arrival of their masseuses. Two skilled therapists entered, carrying an array of oils and lotions.
"Ready for your massage?" one of them asked softly.
"My lady can we tie your beautiful hair in a messy bun?"
"Do as you please get someone to do my pet Tun Tun," Leticia said.