Lance hopped into his car but held off starting the engine. Instead, he rang Bettie, telling her to watch her back these days, never go solo outside, and always have backup.

“Why? What's up?" Bettie asked, intrigued.

Lance hesitated. "Keilani's dad's in town."

“Are you scared he'll come after me?"

“Better safe than sorry. Who knows what he's capable of," Lance explained.

Keilani used to get away with everything and Kaleb didn't bat an eye.

But now, things were different. Keilani faced consequences and that might mean Kaleb caused trouble for Bettie. Plus, Kaleb knew about them and brought Bettie into the mix, making Lance extra cautious.

"Got it. I'll watch my step," Bettie replied.

Bettie felt Lance's warning wasn't unwarranted due to his familiarity with Keilani's kin. There must be a history of grudges in that family, hence his caution.

Then, she ranted, "When I got home today, Sabrina hit me with news that Jennie had vanished. It nearly gave me a heart attack! Turns out, Keilani's brother swooped in out of nowhere with no heads-up. Rude much? This family is... I can't even. Keep your distance from them, okay?"

Having not revealed himself of being Keilani's elder brother, Lance was rendered speechless at Bettie's remark. He regretted sending Jennie back and letting her use his phone. Now, he was somehow taking the heat for his father's move.

With silence from the other end, Bettie probed, "Did you hear what I just said?"

“Yeah, but maybe you got it wrong. I've dealt with Keilani's brother before. He's nothing like her and he's actually real chill."

"Oh." Bettie cared less about Keilani's brother. "So, why'd he snatch Jennie?"

"Not him. Keilani's pops did. He was just responsible for taking Jennie back."

Bettie raised a brow. Doubtful, she asked, “Are you sure about all this?"

"Well..." A light bulb went off in Lance's head. "He had a spat with his dad over Keilani and came to vent.."

Bettie perked up. “What did he tell you?"

“Just that his old man's pushing to get Keilani out pronto, and he isn't cool with that."

Hearing Lance's take, Bettie felt for Keilani's brother. “You must support him and be there for him."