** tang

ginning to feel like a trap she couldn't escape. The more she thought about it, the more her chest tightened. He had planned this all al

t him win, not

e more confused she became. She knew she neede

-

et bustle of staff couldn't mask the tension in the air. Lily marched into his office o

sk, his eyes scanning her fa

You're playing some sick game with me, Dami

ply offering you a solution to a problem that's not of your making.

she shot back, "I want to know

opped lower, almost as if he was revealing something intimate. "Your father wasn't just in debt. He

acing. "You're sick. This

oice smooth as silk. "Whether you like it or not,

-

ogether. Lily couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched,

with a strange urgency in

one who knew everything about her situation. The one person who had alway

n in dark suits followed her in, their exp

" Lily asked, her

to know. Damien's not the only one with a plan. I... I didn't

-

s stepped forward, their eyes cold and calculat

envelope. It was familiar, the same sleek black paper that had marked Da

ur eye

ning the contents. Her breath hitched as the words blurred

by a list of debts, schemes, and names she had once

i

ver her. Mia's name wasn't just on the list-it was tied to everything that had b

a fleeting moment, she wondered just how much of

ong were you going to keep this from me? How long were you going to le

ened her mouth to speak. "Lily, please, I can explai

er. "I can't... I can't hear this right now. I can't process all of

ed out toward Lily. "Please... I never wanted this. I swear, I d

es hardening. "No. I don't want t

ng as the tears spilled down her cheek

uttered. She couldn't bear to see her best friend, her confidante, reduced t

e relief she thought she would. Instead, the weight of betrayal settled

f names, her mind racing. What did Mia know about me? How much had she been playing me all along? The

friendship, the trust, and the moments they had shared. Was

artbroken. She couldn't even look at the lette

dn't know was how far Damien's web had reach