Page 57 of The Friend Zone Experiment

“Said I threatened her when she got harassed,” said Renee. “I know the one.”

There wasn’t much Su Khoon could do to hurt her anymore, at least with mere words. He didn’t seem to realise that making someone lose all faith in you freed them from caring about your opinion.

“Don’t get me wrong. I never thought Jessie liked me,” she said. “But I don’t have a problem with her. You’re her husband, of course she’s going to be on your side. You have to admit, though, I might’ve been a better bet. I may not be a son and heir, but I am loyal.”

Su Khoon made an abortive swing, as though he was fighting off a monster in a nightmare. “What do you want? For me to pull out?”

Renee couldn’t resist. “I hope you were planning on using better protection thanthat.”

“Don’t be disgusting,” Su Khoon said curtly. He looked in his espresso cup, grunting when he remembered he’d emptied it over his own hand.

“I’m not the one bringing sex workers to the family home,” Renee pointed out. She glanced at the family portrait over the fireplace. “I can’t believe you were snogging her with Dad’s picture staring down at you. Men really are different.”

Su Khoon didn’t see the funny side. “You think you’ve won because of this? Go ahead, tell Jessie. Tell the whole world. You think I’ll hold back? I’ll make sure your boyfriend’s photos are all over the Internet.”

“Jason’s not my boyfriend anymore.”

Su Khoon ignored this. He leaned forward, his mouth a grim line. “First place I’ll send them is Dad’s inbox.”

“That’s what I came here to talk to you about,” said Renee. “Look, I know you don’t have the pictures.”

Su Khoon raised an eyebrow. “I thought you might try this. You sure you want to call my bluff? That’s a risky strategy for you.”

Renee leaned back in the armchair, crossing her arms.

“What I don’t get,” she said contemplatively, “is why you were in such a rush. Why not wait until Icouldn’tcall your bluff? Didn’t it occur to you I might be able to get ahold of Jason?”

For the first time, doubt flickered across Su Khoon’s face.

“I made him a better offer,” said Renee. “The photos are off the table.

“I mean, talk about risky strategies,” she continued. “It wasn’t a great plan anyway. I’m sure the photos would’ve come from an anonymous source. But if I did get Dad to believe you were behind it, how do you think that would have worked out for you?”

Su Khoon was pop-eyed. The flush fading from his skin returned in full force, creeping up his throat. A vessel throbbed in his forehead. “You—”

“No threats,” said Renee. “No shouting. Why don’t we try talking like civilised people for a change? Remember, you have no leverage here.”

Su Beng would probably have lobbed one of the marble lamps at her. Su Khoon sat snorting like a winded ox. He looked like he couldn’t quite believe Renee was saying all these things to him, and he was letting her.

Renee couldn’t quite believe it, either. She felt high on adrenaline, her pulse thrumming in her temple.

“What makes you think Jessie would believe you anyway?” said Su Khoon. “You have no evidence.”

“Er Ge,” said Renee. “Why do you think I waited outside with Eva for her Uber? I was amazed you let me go off with her. Didn’t you think we might, I don’t know,talk?”

This took a moment to sink in. Then Su Khoon reared up onto his feet, his face an ugly red. “If you think you’re going to get out of this house with whatever she gave you…”

Renee had chosen her seat carefully. She was nearest the door, no obstacles between her and a quick exit.

Her palms were damp, her heart racing. Fear constricted her throat, but she took a deep breath, pushing through it.

“I’ve told a friend where I am and who I’m with.” She was pleased to hear her voice was steady. “They’ll call the police if I haven’t been in touch in about an hour’s time.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. “Make that forty-five minutes.”

That took the wind out of her brother’s sails. He said, “You’re acting like—what do you think I’m going to do? I’m your brother.”

Renee stared at him. Su Khoon lookedhurt.

No matter how well-prepared she thought she was, she could never predict how anything would go with her family.