A shiver of disgust runs through me as I move away from my family.
Theo is busy talking to a man I know is a famous theater director, so I decide to wander around to make the time pass faster.
My phone buzzes, and when I see Amos’s name on the screen, my skin prickles.
My first instinct is to ignore it—but I’ve never been a coward, and I’m not going to start now. Trembling, I read the message.
Amos:Is my name still on the guest list?
I wish I could say no, but I’m not that strong. Besides, I’m curious why he came.
Me: Yes.
I reply simply.
Amos:I’m on my way.
That last one I let go unanswered, because I have no idea what he’s doing here, so I choose to wait.
I’m torn. The wounded pride from how he treated me fights with the longing I feel.
I start pacing the ballroom—I can’t just stand still. Grabbing a glass of champagne from a waiter, I down it in one gulp.
I’m so anxious I don’t notice Ramon and Nora approaching. But then, nothing else matters—time seems to freeze.
Even with my back turned, I know he’s here.
Every part of me feels warm, but I force myself to keep a shred of dignity. Pretending indifference, I fight the urge to turn toward where I know he must be.
Chapter 48
I feel sick just thinking about seeing Nora again, but it’ll be even harder to control myself being in the same room as Ramon, knowing for a fact now that there’s a file with Lilly’s name among his things.
Yeah, I just got confirmation from Blood in a message: the bastard was the one going into her room at night. There are multiple videos of her and folders with her name on her stepfather’s computer.
I don’t know all the details yet, but my killer instinct is right at the surface.
I told my guy not to open the files—because I already have a pretty good idea of what we’ll find—and I’ll do whatever it takes not to expose her.
As much as I hate having to get this close to that sick fuck without being able to punish him yet, my priority is protectingher. For that, I’d walk through hell and strike a deal with the devil himself.
I walk into the mansion—a place I’ve only been once—and can’t hide my disgust.
I’ve always avoided the high society crowd. For the most part, they’re nothing but a bunch of shallow bastards—men and women who think money can buy anything or anyone.
But all of that fades the moment I start making my way into the ballroom, because I know I’ll see her any minute now. Right now, all my energy is focused on Lilly, and my entire body is tense with anticipation.
Her reply to my message wasn’t exactly enthusiastic—but then again, I was direct. Maybe I should’ve been more subtle, but I didn’t want to give her any room to reject me, so I kicked the damn door wide open.
I scan the room, like I always do when I enter any space, and notice there are more security guards than usual for this kind of party. I wonder if it’s because of all the celebrities here tonight—or because the host is afraid someone might come for him.
Men like Ramon never live in peace. They might have more money than they can spend, but when your life is built on exploiting other people’s suffering, you never know when a father, brother, boyfriend, or friend will show up looking for payback.
And from what I’ve seen so far, this bastard has plenty of reasons to be afraid.
The background music is pleasant enough, but the place is way too crowded for my taste.
I hate crowds.
