119
Ciara’s Pov
My breath hitched as Tony’s piercing gaze locked onto mine. He took a slow step forward, his smirk widening.
“Running already?” he mocked. “Where’s that confidence you had with Zaverio? Thought you were untouchable?”
I clenched my fists and took a cautious step back, but then I saw them–Tony’s men. They had silently moved into position, blocking every possible exit. The balcony, the corridors, even the staircase leading back to the
ballroom
Trapped.
My heart pounded, but I forced myself to stay calm. Think, Ciara Think The music from the party was too loud.
No one inside would hear me scream.
Tony chuckled darkly, seeing the realization dawn on my face. “Oh, don’t stop now,” he taunted. “You looked so regal inside, standing beside Zaverio like you own the world. But here you are, just a scared little girl.”
I lifted my chin. “I’m not scared of you,”
Tony’s smile twisted. “Then prove it. Come with me. Tell me how Zaverio got those financial documents. Tell me everything you know about his plans.”
My glare was icy. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”
Tony sighed dramatically. “You always make things so difficult, Ciara. But that’s fine. I enjoy regrets.”
He flicked his fingers, and before I could react, two of his men lunged forward.
“No!” I screamed, thrashing as strong arms wrapped around me. “Let me go!”
My struggles were useless. Tony’s men were trained for this. They clamped a hand over my mouth, muffli
cries as they dragged me away from the balcony, down the dimly lit corridor, and into a waiting car.
The last thing I saw before the doors slammed shut was the dazzling glow of my party in the distance–so close yet impossibly far
When I came to, my wrists were bound behind my back, thick ropes digging into my skin. The room smelled of damp wood, the walls made of old bricks. A single flickering lightbulb cast eerie shadows around the underground cabin.
I forced myself to stay calm. Panicking won’t help.
The Divorced B
ze Maha Dusen
A door creaked open, and footsteps echoed against the floor.
Tony
He strolled in like he owned the place, his hands casually in his pockets, “Comfortable?”
I let out a dry laugh. “Is this supposed to scare me?”
Tony smirked. “Not yet. That depends on how cooperative you are.” He leaned against a table, watching me. “Let’s talk about Zaverio. Who is he, really?”
I tilted my head, amusement dancing in my eyes. “Are you scared of him, Tony? Didn’t you say you’d squash him like a bug?”
Tony’s expression darkened. “Don’t test me, Ciara.”
I leaned back against the chair. “Or what? You’ll kill me?” I let out another laugh. “That would be stupid. If anything happens to me, Zaverio will come for you. And he won’t come alone.”
Tony exhaled sharply through his nose, his patience thinning. “I’m giving you a chance here. Tell me what I want to know, and maybe I’ll let you live. Hell, I might even pay you enough money to last a lifetime. That way, you won’t have to marry another man for his fortune.”
I scoffed. “You think I married Zaverio for money?”
Tony shrugged. “Of course. Ever since you left me, you were under pressure. You left with nothing, and I know you. You hate feeling powerless. It was only natural you found someone rich enough to fund your lifestyle.”
I arched my brow. “And how much do you think he pays me for this ‘fake marriage‘? Since you’re so convinced I’m just another gold digger.”
Tony smirked. “Whatever it is, I’ll double it.”
I let out a cold, bitter laugh. “I’m not your little toy, Hailey, following you around like a lost puppy because you flash a little cash. My net worth alone is enough to pay your bills and feed your entire bloodline.”
Tony chuckled. “You talk big for someone tied to a chair.”
“And yet, I still have more power than you,” I shot back,
His smirk faltered for a split second. Then his phone rang.
Tony glanced at the screen, his annoyance disappearing as a slow smile stretched across his lips. He tapped the speaker button.
“Father,” he greeted.
Stefan’s voice came through, smooth and amused. “Tony. Tell me, do you have Zaverio’s wife?”
Tony’s smirk widened. “I do. She’s right here with me.”
There was a pause. Then Stefan chuckled.
“Good,” Stefan said. “Keep it that way.”
Tony frowned slightly. “Of course. I planned to.”
“No, Tony. You don’t understand,” Stefan said, his voice sharper now. “She’s not just Zaverio’s wife. She’s the
heiress of the Salvador Cartel.”
I watched as Tony’s expression shifted–shock flickering across his face.
“You’re lying.” Tony said.
But Stefan only laughed. “I never lie about things like this, son. The Salvador empire? It belongs to her.”
The color drained from Tony’s face.
And for the first time since this nightmare began, I smiled.
G
