shed over me, hardening my resolve. I wouldn't let him have them. Not this. Not these symbols of my fa

his paddle, a silent declaration of victory. He thought he had won. He

striking with a decisive thud. "To the lady

d the carvings, but the victory felt

te the tremor in my hands. "I'm ready to settle the bill for

ened slightly, a flicker of unease passing through them. "I'm sorr

? My corporate account? I

ne this. He had manipulated the company's financial systems, used his access as m

forward, his voice low and concerned. He had follo

ick swipe, shook his head apologetically. "I'm sorry

louder now, laced with mockery. "The heiress can't pa

e, their judgment a physical weight. My hands clenched into fists, my

y dear," he said, his voice dripping with false concern, "it seems you're in a bi

d. It sailed through without a hitch.

my stomach churn. "Excellent." He then took the

, foolish hope that he might

box, presenting it to her like a king offering a crown

She took the box, opening it with delicate fingers. She pulled out one of the carvings,

eart, twisted deeper by

whispers, the stares, the mocking smiles of Jake

ide. To escape this s

hispered, his voice low and urgent beside m

our place. Or you might find yourself in a similar 'predicament.'" He then look

agony, tinged with a terrifying madness. It echoed through the silent room, causing

lead. I walked out of that auction house, leaving behind not

the heavy door behind me. My body trembled, but my mind was clearer

e estate for security, a habit from my early training. I scrolled

Jake! Did you see her face?" Dju

leave. She belongs to me, Djuna. Always has, alw

lways wanted. She' ll come crawling back now, wo

as nowhere else to go." Ja

s arrogance, his sickening possessiveness, echoing

s coming. I knew it. He would come to ex