Xavier’s eyes followed me like a hawk, sharp and unrelenting. Every movement I made, every breath I took, was monitored. He knew something was different, and no matter how much I tried to play the part-the devoted, compliant lover-I could feel his suspicion deepening. I couldn’t let my guard down, not even for a second.
This wasn’t just survival anymore. This was war.
I sat across from him at breakfast, trying not to choke on the tension. His eyes flicked over me as I stirred my coffee. I had to keep my composure-every moment mattered.
He didn’t need to know that I’d started snooping through his files, or that the burner phone in my pocket was full of messages from Ethan, warnings layered in code. And he definitely didn’t need to know about Isabella.
“You’ve been distracted lately, Alyssa.” His voice was calm, but there was a sharp edge to it, like a knife against skin.
I forced a smile, pretending not to notice the way his gaze drilled into me. “Just tired, that’s all.”
Xavier leaned back in his chair, swirling his glass of orange juice lazily. “Tired from what?”
I shrugged, keeping my expression neutral. “A lot on my mind.”
His smile was razor-thin. “Anything I should know about?”
I shook my head. If he found out I was planning my escape, he wouldn’t hesitate to bury me-and everyone I cared about.
“No, just… everything lately.” I gave a dismissive wave. “Ethan, my uncle, the business-sometimes it feels like I can’t breathe.”
“Don’t worry,” he said smoothly, his smile sharpening. “Soon, none of that will matter.”
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to meet his gaze. He knew something. Or maybe he just sensed my fear and was toying with me. Either way, I needed to move faster.
Later that night, I slipped into the office under the pretext of needing to make a call. I locked the door behind me and pulled out my burner phone. No new messages from Ethan. The silence made my skin crawl. I knew he was in danger, but it wasn’t just Ethan I had to worry about.
Isabella. She was still my only hope of getting Ethan out of prison-if I could trust her.
I pulled out the files I’d stolen from Xavier’s study earlier: a list of names, dates, and transactions linking Xavier directly to my father’s death. If I could get this to the right people, I could bring him down. But it wasn’t enough. I needed more. Evidence that wouldn’t just destroy Xavier but would clear Ethan’s name too.
The sound of footsteps echoed outside the office door. I tensed, shoving the papers back into the drawer and slipping my phone into my pocket. The door handle jiggled.
Xavier’s voice was calm, but I could hear the underlying tension. “Alyssa? What are you doing in there?”
I opened the door, keeping my expression as neutral as possible. “Just needed a moment alone.”
Xavier’s gaze swept over me, and for a second, I thought he’d push past me, searching the room. But instead, he smiled that cold, dangerous smile I knew too well.
“Careful, Alyssa.” His voice was a low murmur, full of warning. “Secrets have a way of catching up with people.”
I barely slept that night, my mind racing. I couldn’t stay here much longer. Every day I stayed, Xavier grew more suspicious, and the walls closed in tighter around me. I needed to get out. But where would I go?
Disappearing was easier said than done.
Just as I was starting to spiral, my phone buzzed. I reached for it, expecting a message from Ethan or Isabella-but the name on the screen made my heart stop.
My uncle.
I stared at the screen, a sick feeling settling in my gut. He’d been lying low ever since my father’s death, waiting for the dust to settle. I hadn’t heard from him in months.
I hesitated, then answered. I needed answers-no matter how dangerous they were.
“Alyssa.” His voice was smooth, too smooth, as if he’d been expecting me to pick up. “We need to talk.”
“What do you want?” I kept my voice flat, unwilling to give him an inch.
“What I’ve always wanted-to protect the family.”
I almost laughed. He was a snake, just like Xavier.
“I don’t need your protection,” I said coldly.
“You’re wrong, sweetheart.” There was a slight pause, then the real reason for his call came through. “I want you to come back-to take over.”
I blinked, stunned. “Take over what?”
“The business.” His voice was calm, almost affectionate, but there was an undeniable weight behind the words. “Your father’s empire needs a leader. And you, my dear niece, are the only one left.”
My blood ran cold. He wanted me to become him.
“You’re out of your mind,” I whispered.
“Think about it, Alyssa.” His tone turned coaxing. “With me by your side, you’ll never have to run again. You’ll have power-real power.”
“And what happens if I say no?”
His silence was answer enough. There was no way out-not unless I was willing to burn everything to the ground.
“I’ll think about it,” I said finally, my voice steady even though my hands were shaking.
“Good girl.” His voice was warm, almost paternal. “I knew you’d make the right choice. I’ll be in touch soon.”
I ended the call and sank onto the edge of the bed, my heart pounding in my chest. My uncle wanted me to take over the family business. Xavier was tightening his grip. Ethan was locked away, and Isabella… well, she was a wild card I couldn’t trust.
I was running out of options.
I reached for the burner phone, my fingers trembling. I needed to contact Ethan-I had to warn him. But what if the message had been right? What if I couldn’t trust anyone-not even Ethan?
I stared at the phone, feeling the weight of the choices pressing down on me. Stay with Xavier and lose myself. Accept my uncle’s offer and become everything I hated. Or run-and risk losing everything.
Before I could decide, my phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from an unknown number.
Tick tock, Alyssa. Time’s running out.
A chill ran down my spine as I stared at the screen. Someone was watching me-and they were getting closer.