a Avi

arm, sticky liquid trickle down my temple. Blood. My vision swam, but through the haze, I saw the faces of my former colle

someone spat. "Trai

praying ceramic shards. Each blow, each verbal assault, felt like a physical extension of Gabe' s betrayal, chipping away at what little dignity I had lef

no words came out. My throat was raw from Gabe' s grip, and even if I could have spoken, no one w

t second, I thought I saw a flicker of something in his eyes-a hint of concern, perhaps, at the s

ered. "Get her out of my sight. And make sure she doesn't leave the villa. Not a single step. She has some explai

lared, making me cry out. They dragged me through the opulent hallways, past the expensive artwork and designer furniture, until they reach

d throbbed, the blood from the gash drying and stiffening in my hair. The untreated wound burned, an insidious fire spreading throu

g to tell him. I just stared at him, my eyes burning with a feverish defiance. "I didn't do it, Gabe," I would whisper, my voice hoarse and weak. "I didn't." He would just sneer, shaking h

der figure silhouetted against the dim hallway. Cortney. She stepped inside, her face illuminated

know, all of this could have been avoided if you'd just understood your place. Gabe was always meant for me. AG Designs, too. I just needed to... remove your influence entirely." She leaned closer, her breath smell

are about the pain, the weakness. I lunged, a guttural cry escaping my lips. My hand connected with her face, a satisfying slap that echoed in the small space. Cortney

e stood there, his eyes wide with a

bled to her feet, throwing herself into Gabe's arms, burying her