ora

of the Manhattan private hospital

ht since childhood, moving from one foster home to another, t

outside th

ips hovered just an inch awa

the slight crack in the door. It was

rked and froz

age from the stairwell," Ethan

laced with hesitation. "Sir, if we do that, it will completely cover up

f ice. "Ilene cannot have an intentional assault scandal t

eized in a v

and over my mouth, pressing hard against my lips to force the

hat had clouded my eyes for the past

meat grinder of pure logic. He wasn't just choosing her over me. He was

I didn't scream. I didn't a

ely, terrif

pulled out my phone. I kept the screen dimmed an

I pressed my phone flat aga

Ilene's voice now. She was crying, a fak

bed. "I was so scared. I di

on, and recorded every single word. I recorded the proof tha

udio file and immediately synced it

were harder and much firme

tal room and locked the door

eavily encrypted number. It belonged to a t

the voice

low and steady. "I need to initiate the hig

od. Do you need me to prepar

hattan rain was streaking agains

replied

he corridor outside. Leather shoes a

and wiped the call

er my pillow, slid under the

de a sharp clicking sound as

ght the freezing chill o

looked down at me. I opened my eyes slowly,

as feeling. He didn't

ers onto the nightstand. It la

agreement, and let's p