"And Anastasia?" Julian interjected, a touch of sarcasmcing his tone. "Sending her to the factory—is that really necessary?"


    Xander didn’t hesitate. "It’s not your concern, Julian. I’ve made my decision."


    Xander stood up and left the room without further discussion.


    Samantha nced between Julian and Bruce, fully knowing she didn’t have anything to say to either of them, so she left as well.


    "That adopted son of yours is bing something, Bruce!" Julian growled with clenched fists.


    "He has made the right decision. I agree! Anastasia should continue to suffer," Bruce said, sipping from another ss of drink.


    Julian studied Bruce, trying to decipher what Anastasia had done to him.


    He might be a part of this revenge n on Xavier, but then he started to realize that Xander’s rage towards Xavier had nothing to do with Anastasia.


    If there was anyone Xander should be taking out his anger on, it should be Xavier since he’d been the one who’d killed his lover in the past.


    "You think he’s doing the right thing?" Julian asked. As soon as those words came out of his mouth, Bruce’s eyes turned so cold and distant that it sent a chill down Julian’s spine.


    "You have no business with what’s going on boy! So you’d better keep your opinions to yourself else I might have to ask Xavier to get rid of you."


    Julian suddenly chuckled without holding back, the fear he’d just experienced flew out of the window with the speed of light.


    Bruce’s expression darkened. "You’re treading dangerous ground, Julian."


    Julian smirked, unfazed. "Come on, Bruce. There’s something about her... and I intend to find out what it is."


    Bruce clenched his fists, voice low. "Think twice before pushing Xander. There are limits, even for you."


    "I’ll get the girl, but when the time’s right of course." He promised as he winked again, making Bruce’s blood boil. "And if you want, you can go ahead and tell Xander I said that."


    He red at Julian’s back as thetter disappeared from behind the door.


    Bruce had no idea what Julian could be nning but he could already sense it wouldn’t be good.


    Mr. Wace had built a huge wall filled with nothing but chaos for his sons and Bruce was d it had benefited him.


    At least now, he has an adopted son who’s much more capable than his worthless daughter, Samantha.


    Even so, he couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was going to happen soon. Something that would destroy everything he’d worked hard for.


    **


    Anastasia sat alone in her room, her thoughts racing and heart heavy. The events of the day reyed in her mind, haunting her.


    Avery’s cold admission—that she had murdered Anastasia’s two close friends—had hit like a punch to the gut. And now, Avery’s chilling warning echoed: she would be taken to the factory. It was both a threat and a promise, one that left Anastasia feeling trapped in a cruel game with no way out.


    Anastasia could recall hearing the word <i>factory </i>a couple of times since she’d been living in the house, but she never understood what goes on in there.


    Curiosity got the best of her, and she decided she needed information on where she would be taken next before that day arrived.


    Anastasia recalled that Samantha wasn’t around, and searching her room for information gave her a lead on her next relocation.


    But sneaking in would be difficult. All the guards were stationed outside, but one of them could still walk right in to get something and find her sneaking into a room that wasn’t hers.


    Sweat coated Anastasia’s palms and she rubbed them against each other before blowing cool air on them.


    "It’s now or never."


    She got down from the bed, inhaling and exhaling to calm her heartbeat before she stepped out of the room. There were still a few minutes more before their curfew so if anyone questioned her, she could easily say she just wanted to get some fresh air.


    But would anyone believe she was out to get fresh air from Samantha’s room? Not at all!


    Anastasia causally left the hallway without looking suspicious.


    None of the girls were downstairs and she concluded they must have already retired to their rooms.


    A wave of relief washed over her, but it quickly faded as a prickling sensation crept up her spine. She could feel eyes on her, sharp and watchful, tracking her every movement.


    "Where are you going?" Avery questioned.