His presence was suffocating, and the weight of his threat hung in the air, pressing

mmered, trying to keep my voice

a grin that made my skin crawl. "You think I don't have my ways? I'

thing, anything I could do to stop him. I couldn't let this man ruin everything, not when so much was at st

t," I lied, trying to play it cool, bu

out your marriage is just a business deal? That it's all a sham to save your dear mother and for yo

ed the truth, it wouldn't just be Kelvin who would suffer the damage. It would destroy my reputation

barely a whisper. I hated that I had to ask.

u see, Evelyn, I'm not a monster-well, not entirely. All I want is a small fav

s been greedy, always looking for ways to exploit others for his gain. But the tho

I said, trying to sound firm, but Ryan ra

dripping with malice. "And if you don'

at least on the surface. "Give me some time," I said, my

. "That's what I like to hear. I'll be i

I couldn't believe this was happening. Just when I thought I was free of Ryan'

ng. What was I going to do? There was no way I could ask Kelvin for money, not

disappearing when she saw my face. "Evelyn, ar

to hide my turmoil. "I'm fine,

t didn't push. "Well, eat u

Grace left me for my meal, I stared down at the plate in front

s trading one set of troubles for another. Ryan's threat loomed over me, and I knew it

n I was trapped in this web o

arker as the clock ticked. I couldn't stay

ut of the diner. I entered the car and told t

got to the door of the penthouse. I could hear moaning and deep brea

n't stand the noise and I went to sit in the livin

droom open. He came out with a lady, she was ta

ant me to spend the night?

been a lovely night with you and the d