The Scorned Woman's Unstoppable Rise

andra

urling into a ball on the cold concrete floor. The air was thick with the smell of damp earth and fermenting grapes. Chris Finl

raw and uncontrolled. "You think you can just waltz in here, try

refusing to make a sound. My vision blurred for a moment, stars

a mixture of fury and desperation. "Don't you dare think you're better than

aces impassive. "Teach her a lesson," Chris ordered, her voice regaining a chilli

pain that made me bite down on my lip until I tasted blood. Every muscle in my body tensed, trying to protect itself, but it was futile. I felt ribs crack, my internal organs protes

d to rant, her voice a grating soundtrack to the beating. "You think you're so smart,

a few words. "This is my money. This

make eye contact with Chris, to make her understand. "Call Hector,"

ell me alright! He already told me everything. He told me to de

n protest. My head throbbed, a dizzying pulse behind my eyes. I lay

ng into my arm. I flinched, but she barely regist

how this is going to work. You're going to pay for this little incon

ned at the mention of money. "A quarte

ruin my relationship. For daring to think you could get away with anything. And if you don't pay, well, let's

words feeling futile even as I said them. "Hector

into black. The guards, taking their cue, resumed their assault. This time, I knew they meant to inflict

ation anymore. This was about survival

pocket. My fingers, numb and clumsy, managed to pull it out. The s

rd barely audible. "Okay

her hand. "Smart girl. I knew you'd see reason eventually. But you know what? That

ke it half a million. And don't try anything st

clutched in my hand. I ignored Chris, ignored the throbbing pain, focused on the small screen.

all button. It

voice... you sound awful," Bet

alf a million dollars. Cash. Bring it to the hotel. Th

Alessandra, wha

er off, my voice gaining an edge of desp

been listening with a strange mix of confusion and avar

, aren't you? See? I knew you'd come around. And all this time, you were trying to

d with venom just moments ago, now sparkled with triumph. She th