Riley’s POV
Zara <b>stood </b>there, almost in tears, her voice trembling. “<b>Riley</b>, please. Onest chance. Whatever you want–tell me. I’ll give it <b>to </b>you I swear.”
I closed my eyes and inhaled slowly, steadying the turmoil inside me.
When I opened them again, I was ready.
“Fine.” I said coldly. “Onest chance. But if you fail me again–if you lie, hesitate, or make excuses–we’re done. Forever. You’ll be nothing more <b>than </b>a stranger.”
She nodded eagerly, as if she’d been waiting her entire life to hear that from me. “Yes, of course. Anything. Just tell me what you need.”
I looked her dead in the eyes. You raised Scarlett for twenty–three years. She’s worn designer clothes, driven imported cars, traveled the world, and had every privilege thrown at her feet. <b>You </b>spent more than a fortune on her.
Zara blinked, unsure. “Are you asking for money?”
“I’m asking for the only thing you can give,” I said without emotion. “I want ten million credits. That’s all. Give me that, <b>and </b>I’ll forgive everything.”
She looked stunned. Ten million was <b>a </b>lot, even for her. Not impossible, but not something she could just hand over today.
But
what </b>I had demanded before–to cast out Scarlett and sever the blood–bonded tie of guardianship–this wa
<b>a </b><b>walk </b><b>in </b>the park
She was so terrified I might change my mind that she didn’t even hesitate. “Okay. I agree. I’ll get it for you.”
I nodded. “Good. Then <b>leave</b>. I’m tired”
She practically fled in relief, clinging to the promise of redemption like it was a lifeline.
I watched her and a small smirk curled at the corner of my lips.
That <b>was </b>always the n.
I never expected her to exile Scarlett. And climbing the sacred nine hundred and ny–<b>nine </b>stairs at <b>Ashfang </b>Temple? Please. I knew she couldn’t do it.
I gave her impossible choices first <b>so </b>that when I <b>finally </b>asked for the money she’d jump at the chance.
She would never have agreed to ten million upfront. Not when she couldn’t even bear to give me a proper allowance before.
But now?
Now, I <b>had </b>what I needed,
The next <b>day</b>, Mia returned <b>as </b><b>usual </b>to bring me food–but this time, she wasn’t alone.
Carman came with her.
She was only twenty, <b>but </b>she radiated a light I hadn’t felt in a long time. There was no <b>pain </b>in her eyes<b>, </b>no cynicism–just the brightness of a <b>young </b>she–wolf with a <b>future</b>.
I was only three years older<b>, </b>but in my reflection, I barely recognized myself. My eyes were hollow. My skin pale and bruised. My hands scarred
Carman’s gazended on my bandaged hand, and her eyes <b>filled </b>instantly with tears. She stepped forward and gently cupped my wrist, her fingers trembling. “Riley… What did they do to you…
The bruises were still vivid. The belt wounds from rie’s rage cut across my
y arms in ugly<b>, </b>swollen marks.
Carman’s <b>voice </b>cracked. “You can’t stay
y with them. The Vales <b>are </b>monsters. Leave them. Please,”
+8 Pearls
I knew she meant it. She <b>and </b>Mia were the only ones who ever visited me in prison. Not Kael. Not <b>Zara</b>. Not Theo.
Just them.
<b>And </b>for that <b>I </b>would protect them with everything <b>I </b><b>had</b>.
I gave her a small smile. “Okay, I’ll listen to you, Carman.”
Her eyes widened. “Really?”
I nodded. “Really.”
<b>But </b>before I walked away from the Vale estate for good, <b>I </b>needed to make sure <b>they </b><b>had </b><b>a </b>way out too. If Kael ever tried to use them against me again–I wouldn’t <b>survive </b>it.
So I shifted the topic. “How are your sses<b>?</b>”
She beamed. “Pretty <b>good</b>. <b>I’ve </b>been <b>making </b>the Dean’s List every semester.”
I felt a flicker of warmth. “That’s my girl. Do you want to study abroad?”
She hesitated. The light in her eyes dimmed.
I’d love to,” she admitted. “But there’s no way. Mom’s already doing everything she can just to keep me in school here. Studying overseas? That’s a luxury we can’t afford.”
I leaned forward. “What if–just what if–you didn’t <b>have </b>to worry about money? Would you go?”
Carmanughed softly, shaking her head. “In a heartbeat. But dreams don’t work like that, Riley. It’s just a fantasy.”
No. Not a fantasy.
A n.
Once I got that <b>ten </b>million, they were the first ones I’d send <b>away</b>. Carman would finish her education in another country- far from the Vale Pack. Far from ric. Far from Kael. Far from <b>pain</b>.
And Mia would go <b>with </b>her. She deserved peace.
I would tie up thest of my loose ends.
Once they were safe–no one could use them against me.
And then?
I’d burn the <b>rest </b>down<b>. </b>
Let the Valese for me if they dared.
Because <b>this </b><b>time</b><b>, </b>I wasn’t afraid to take everyst one of them with me.
Send Gifts
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