his eyes trailing over my b

houlders and an evidently toned body. His voice as he said so it's you, sounded deep and commanding, like the type

le looking." Giving me another once over the strange man says. "Or maybe that's part of the plan. I'm mor

etting scared. Who is this and what does he want? I'm not sure I could

e man says in a dangerous tone, stepping up to me. I can

m calling security." I say grabbing the remo

sting. For your sake, I hope you know what you're

n't clicked yet in my hand. Something about that m

•

nged in one of the Vanderbilt estate's antique chairs, her sharp features coldly illuminated by the sterile overhead light. She didn't look like someone w

ther's hospital bills are waiting, and the clock is ticking. Every second you waste..." Sh

lf to meet her gaze. "You make i

hat's best for your family-or let them drown while you cling to your precious pride.

ression neutral. No tears. No trembling voice. If

s," I said, my voice low, b

joy* it. I simply do what's necessary. You'd

t. The name stared back at me, bold and unrelenting, like the man it supposedly belonged to. Dead or alive, he was no

oice quieter now, more f

he Vanderbilt name still holds power, even if its heir is... indisposed. His 'death' wa

augh bubbling in my throat.

ffocating, and whispered, "My price is yo

ign

slicing through my own chest. Livia snatched the contract the

olding the papers neatly

mbly as she guided me toward the waiting car. The Vanderbilt estate loomed in the

sen

e ready

ng myself, as I walk o

y was cold.

el the weight of the invisible shackles on my feet. I tried not to cry or look at

who were this people? Did they hate Levi this much to do this to

the words with robotic precision, barely pausing for me to respond. My "I d

a tangible reminder of the chain

l. "From Mr. Vanderbilt's private affairs," he said, his tone neutral. H

What could Levi possibly have left behind for m

e was a m

s I wandered aimlessly. The air was heavy, suffused with the scent of old wood and decay. Li

ure, shelves filled with leather-bound books, and a massive desk that seemed to dominate the room.

ehind the desk, trying to steady my breathing. The silence

n I hea

step

ve

rt sto

he sound was faint but unmistakable-slow, deli

was supposed

led out, my vo

espo

silence was even worse. I felt a chill run

hoed through the room-a sound so faint I

e still unopened on the desk before me. My breath came in shallow,

red, though I wasn't su

introduced to it so soon? I thought about all the cult movies I watched of brides having to fight