Author’s POV<b>: </b>
Maddox Jensen leaned back in his leather chair, swirling amber liquid in a crystal tumbler. The study’s warm lighting cast deep shadows across his weathered face as he fixed his son with a calcting state.
“So,” he said, his voice <b>casual </b>yet <b>probing</b>, “between Jade Morgan and Eleanor, which one do you prefer?”
Chris folded his arms, his posture deliberately rxed despite his bandaged wrists. “What?”
Maddox’s <b>lips </b>curled into <b>a </b>knowing smile. “I’ve seen how Eleanor looks at you. And this Morgan girl… there’s something about her.”
“Don t start,” Chris warned.
“If I <b>had </b>to choose,” Maddox continued, ignoring his son’s protest, “I’d prefer the younger one. Jade.” He took <b>a </b>slow sip of his drink. “She has decisiveness. Doesn’t shy away from pressure. More suitable for our family.”
Chris snorted. “Jade and I are friends. We’ve been through life–or–death situations together, but that’s it.”
<b>Maddox </b>nodded thoughtfully. “And what about <b>Eleanor</b>?”
“I barely know her, Chris admitted. “We’ve only met a few times through mutual connections.”
“Yet she flew across the world to save you.” Maddox’s tone sharpened. “That’s quite a gesture for someone you barely know.”
Chris sighed, rubbing his temples<b>. </b><b>“</b>Look, I appreciate what she did. It was brave and I owe her. But that doesn’t mean I have to be responsible for <b>her </b>feelings for the rest of my life.”
“I see.” Maddox drained his ss, setting it down with a soft clink. “Well, consider your options carefully. Family connections matter in our world<i>.</i>”
In the sunlit living room, Eleanor sat beside Jade on the plush sofa, her fingers nervously pleating the hem of her blouse.
“Have you been to the Jensen house before?” <b>she </b><b>asked</b>, her voice casual but her eyes
watchful.
“Yes,” Jade replied.
“What do you think of Chris’s father? He seems…” she hesitated, searching for the right word.
“I wouldn’t know. Today was the first time I’ve met him.”
Eleanor’s eyes <b>widened </b>slightly. “Really? I thought–She stopped herself, then lowered her voice. “He scares about him that feels… dangerous.”
Jade nodded hut offered noment.
me a little. There’s something
“<b>Can </b>I ask you something? Eleanor leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Do you think it’s inappropriate for a woman to pursue a man? Would Chris find it… unattractive if I’m too forward?”
said </b>honestly. “Some men appreciate directness.
Eleanor’s expression brightened instantly. “Right? Being proactive creates opportunities! Her confidence seemed restored.
Chris descended the stairs to the basement, a small te of bread in one <b>hand</b>. The security lights hummed overhead, casting a harsh Пuorescent glow <b>over </b>the reinforced door at the end of the corridor.
Punching in the code, he entered the secure room where Liana sat handcuffed to a metal chair. Her once immacte clothes were rumpled, her <b>hair </b>tangled, but her <b>eyes </b>still burned with defiance.
“Hungry?” Chris asked, holding up
the bread temptingly. “It’s been what–twelve hours since youst ate?”
Liana red but couldn’t hide the way her eyes fixed on the food.
Chris smiled coldly. “Only if you beg me,” he said, mimicking her earlier words. “Make me feel satisfied, and maybe I’ll give you something to eat.”
Liana’s jaw clenched, hatred radiating from her in waves.
“How does it feel? Chris circled her chair slowly, “Being on the receiving end? I’m thinking about getting a whip. Soaking it in salt water, just like you did. Don’t worry–I’ll have a doctor treat your wounds afterward. Wouldn’t want you dying too quickly,”
He paced behind her, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “What else? Oh right, you the favor.”
were
<b>so </b>kind to bring those women for me. I should return
Chris leaned down, his face inches from hers, a wicked smile ying on his lips. “Being the gentleman I am, I’ll let you choose. What’s your type? I’ll find someone to your liking.”
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