out of the main hall, down a long corridor that became more and more isolated with each step. Her i

there," Tom replied, his tone now vastly different from the friendl

ns. The doorman swung it open, and sounds seeped through the gap, eeri

has left the main hall," Alaric'

as she knows ho

home, though. I think she went

owning slightly.

his expression, offered

she goes has nothing to do with me. Do

what's..

ing them from what lay beyond. Her heartbeat quickened inv

'll get what you want," Tom said, hi

Uncle, is thi

ver it takes?" Tom's face was

sing her to stumble and fall to her knees on the carpeted floor.

his?" A man with a s

d make out a pair of shoes and trouser legs in front of

ognize her since you're new here, but she's known around thes

aped over the sofa, seemed intrigued.

is about to go under. She needs someone influential

d a bit of spice to their beauty in his eyes. Lena turned to look at Tom, eyes wide in

him. His rough fingers pressed into her thin cheeks, a smirk curling his lips. She was a lovely one, he tho

, she ca

f free from his hand, looking desperately towards Tom as he

owerful. If he's on your side, you could settle any lawsuit... mayb

ice shook as she begged him, terrified of being left alone in t

'd do whatever it took, so I brought you

ssing his arms, his voice growing annoyed. "Di

it. "I swear, I had no idea this was goi

roke into a sweat. "Let me just talk to her; sh

dn't mean... this." Lena's voice crack

r grew

frustrated sigh, Ridley finally wa

started, trying to s

everyone. "Are you trying to ruin me, Tom? You want m

y escaping the situation. Her legs felt as if

ou have nothing left. When an opportunity like this comes, why don'

I'm the one disappointed in you. How could you do th

ck soon, don't blame me for using their precious daughter to settle their debts. You don't l

collateral-namely, a valuable piece of land. But with the family's assets froz

r her refusal. Introducing her to Ridley had been a golden c

eal estate developments, and borrowed money from friends left be

back for that ten million. J

hances!" T

reached out. "At least that necklace

l chain dug into her skin, clin

nt her tumbling backward, landing hard on the flo

ain, venting all his pent-up

going a bit

froze at the sud