Clarence , who was closest , grabbed Claudia and yanked her back , shoving her away before she could swing again . Her lower back slammed into the edge of a cabinet , right where she'd been hurt yesterday . Pain ripped through her , and she sucked in a breath - but her hiss got swallowed by the chorus of outraged voices . No one noticed . All eyes were on Lydia's face . Zane shot Claudia a murderous look , then bolted for the first - aid kit . Jasper and Lottie crowded in on either side of Lydia , fussing over the swelling . Lydia herself was stunned . That wretch actually hit me ? Sure , Claudia had acted out before - but mostly with words . She'd never laid a hand on her . Their skirmishes always ended the same way : Lydia composed and triumphant , Claudia seething . She had never been humiliated like this . What had gotten into Claudia tonight ? Rage gnawed at her , but she put on a wounded , trembly voice . " Claudia , I know you don't like me . But what exactly did I do wrong today? " Wilson rounded on Claudia . " Why did you hit Lydia ? " Claudia let out a short , sharp laugh . " Then why did you hit me ? " She tilted her chin . " Violence first , verdict later . Didn't I learn that from you ? " Wilson flinched , thinking of the slap he'd just given her , but anger clawed right back over his face . " I hit you because you hired someone to run Lydia off the road . And you still want to deny it ? Is this what I taught you - hurt your own family , break the law , and feel no shame ? " " Hired someone ? " Claudia's mind jumped to last night's ' accident ,' and her mouth curved . " So ... where's the proof ? " Wilson jabbed a finger at her . " Proof ? You still dare ask for proof ? The driver already confessed -you bribed him . If Lydia weren't so kind and forgiving , you'd be in jail already . Do you understand ? " " So besides the driver's ' confession , you've got nothing . " Lydia cut in at the perfect moment , voice trembling just enough . " Claudia , I never knew you hated me this much . If you really can't stand me , I'll leave the Lancaster family . I'll leave Liberty City . I'll disappear from your life , okay ? Just don't keep making mistakes because of me , and don't fight with Mom and Dad over me . The Lancasters will always be your home . Yours alone ." 1/3 9:33 Tue , Oct 7 M " Watch your mouth ! " Wilson roared . " The only reason Lydia is even in this family is because of you . What right do you have to drive her out ? " Claudia's lips flattened . The words rose and stuck in her throat , cruel but unspeakable . Because she had no comeback . Lydia's mother had died for her . That truth had sat on her chest like a boulder for over a decade -costing her her parents , her brothers , her home , her future . She was guilty . She was the one who had to bow her head and pay . Zane came hustling back with the medicine , shooting Claudia's pale face a look of pure contempt . " If anyone needs to go , it's you . Having a vicious sister is shameful . Before , you were just rotten . Now you've broken the law . " Clarence's tone went hard . " Claudia , apologize to Lydia ." Claudia drew a steady breath . " I'm not admitting to something I didn't do ." Wilson , livid , raised his hand again . This time Claudia slipped out of reach . She looked at Lottie and Jasper , both silent . " You two think I did it , too ? " Nothing . Not a word . Claudia's smile turned brittle . " Got it . " She pulled out her phone and dialed a number she knew by heart . Facing them , she said , " Even if I were guilty , the law decides that - not your baseless verdicts . I'm not taking the fall ." The Lancasters stared , stunned . That wretched girl - she called the cops . Wilson dropped onto the sofa , panting with fury . Behind the ice pack , a flicker of panic crossed Lydia's face . " Family business shouldn't be aired out , " Wilson snapped . " Lydia already forgave you - she didn't want to push it . But since you insist - fine . Then you can live with the consequences . " Clarence hesitated , then said coldly , " If you're convicted , the Lancasters won't bail you out . Think it through . " Even now , none of them thought they were wronging her . They assumed she was only this bold because she figured there was no hard evidence . The arrogance was infuriating . Somewhere in each of them : If we can't teach her , the police will . 9:34 Tue , Oct 7 M ... : & 83 . Only Jasper stepped forward and caught Claudia's wrist . " Apologize to Lydia . As long as she doesn't press charges , you'll be fine ." Zane piled on . " Yeah . You slapped her twice for no reason . Hurry up and apologize . " Claudia's laugh came out low and cutting . " Those two slaps ? One paid back Dad's that I took on her behalf . The other was for the thugs she hired to go after me last night . Cause and effect , both of them . Why should I apologize ? " Lottie's eyes filled with disappointment . " The driver's confession is out , and now you're accusing your cousin of hiring thugs . Claudia , you're the one wronging her . She lost her mother because of you . No one expects you to worship her like a savior , but at least don't repay kindness with cruelty . You've gone too far , for too long ." No one asked where Claudia had been last night . No one asked if she was hurt . You can't fix prejudice for people who refuse to see . Claudia's chuckle went hollow . " Right . Of course . What else can I say ? I'm exactly the ungrateful villain you've called me all these years . And now you think you've finally seen the ' real ' me ? " Seeing her about to lock horns with her parents again , Jasper cut in , gentle but firm . " Claudia , if this is about me , I swear - there's nothing between Lydia and me . Please don't gamble with your future . Just apologize , and it ends here ." The driver had claimed he needed money for a sick relative . They all decided Claudia acted out of jealousy - thought Lydia was a threat , and did something reckless . Jasper and Claudia had grown up together , officially dated for three years , their engagement delayed again and again - yes , partly because of Lydia , but not how Claudia imagined . Claudia used to be pure and kind . Why couldn't she see him clearly now ? Why fight Lydia at every turn ? Claudia looked at the man who , on paper , was her boyfriend - the one who used to stand in front of her and shield her from everything . How many times had he picked the other side now ? " No. " Her voice didn't waver . " If you brand me a woman who paid to hurt someone , I'm not swallowing it . " Because Claudia refused to bow , the very day after she left the station , she got hauled back in- this time with the whole family in tow . Send Gifts 10 9:34 Tue , Oct 7 M ... 83 Shattered Rose He Held On Tight Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!