Chapter 9
567words
She addressed Edward Harrison with deliberate precision.
"Saving your family's reputation isn't complicated. I can offer you another Eve Grant."
"Your son can marry her instead. I'll have all the legal documents altered. From this moment forward, she'll be the officially recognized Eve Grant."
"Your alliance with the Grant family stays intact, and those expensive invitations won't go to waste."
"You're completely insane!"
Jessica thrashed against her captors, her voice rising to a hysterical pitch.
"I'm Felix's mother! I was Charles's lover! You can't erase me like this, Victoria!"
Her struggles were futile against the iron grip of the guards. She could only watch in horror as her fate was casually bartered away.
Edward Harrison's gaze swept over Jessica's disheveled appearance, his lip curling with disgust.
"You expect my son to marry this… street trash? People will think we're collecting strays."
"Her worthiness isn't your concern."
Victoria stepped closer, her eyes glittering with menace.
"You heard what Sylvia said quite clearly."
"Eve is now the sole heir to the Grant fortune. Try to take her, and I'll destroy both our families before I let that happen."
Her words struck Harrison like a physical blow.
He hesitated, calculating his options before greed won out. He gave a curt nod.
"Very well. But ensure she's properly trained. The Harrison name can't be associated with scandal."
Jessica's wails died in her throat. She crumpled to the floor like a marionette with cut strings.
Victoria had always been ruthless—sacrificing Jessica was merely another business transaction.
I turned away from their grotesque bargaining, clutching the key Victoria had pressed into my palm. With trembling hands, I unlocked the door.
The room beyond was bathed in shadows, heavy curtains blocking all natural light.
Eve was bound to the bedpost, her slender frame curled into a protective ball. Angry red welts marked her wrists where the ropes had cut into her skin.
At the sound of the door, she jerked her head up. When she saw me, tears spilled down her cheeks like shattered diamonds.
"Mom…"
My heart shattered. I rushed to her side, fumbling with the cruel knots before gathering her into my arms.
Eve trembled violently against me, her entire body wracked with silent sobs.
"It's okay, baby. I'm here now. No one will ever hurt you again."
I stroked her hair, murmuring soft reassurances until her breathing steadied. Then I took her hand and led her toward the door.
As we reached the threshold, Edward Harrison blocked our path, his face stretched in a grotesque parody of hospitality.
"Ms. Woods, the engagement celebration is tomorrow. Why not stay as our honored guests? Share in the festivities."
"I think not."
I brushed past him, my voice arctic as I clutched Eve's hand tighter.
"My daughter's health is delicate. I'd hate for her to be exposed to… unfortunate influences."
Harrison's smile froze, the insult landing precisely as intended. He stepped aside without another word.
As we passed through the main gates, I glimpsed Victoria directing her guards as they forced a struggling Jessica into a waiting black sedan.
Jessica's eyes met mine, hollow with despair. She didn't even have the strength to cry out as they shoved her into the darkness.
I watched with grim satisfaction.
Victoria, Jessica, Felix—they'd all received their just rewards. And soon, it would be Edward Harrison's turn.
