From Shadows, A Queen Reclaims Her Reign

ina

and disuse. My arms still stung where the guards had gripped them, and a dull ache throbbed in my elbow from where I'd hit the doorframe

d by the brighter corridor behind her. Her eyes, magnified by the dimness, glistened with malicious satisfaction. She stepped i

ead snapped to the side, the impact echoing in the small, enclosed space. A g

. "And for daring to claim what's mine. Edward's success, Edward's company, Edward's gallery. Not yours, you pathetic liar

he betrayal, raw and festering, that truly sickened me. "Edward didn't build King Ventures,

ld me all about you. A desperate, obsessed ex who can't let go. You think you can waltz in her

m before stepped in, their faces grim. My heart

a commanded, her voic

omach, a kick to the shin, a brutal elbow to my side. Each impact sent a fresh jolt of agony through me. I struggled, thrashed, but their grip was unyielding. My vision blu

ime on my temple. Stars exploded behind my eyes, and I felt myself pitching forward, my body a puppet in their hands. My

in the darkness. "You're nothing. Just a sad, desperate woman. Edward to

desperation lacing my voice. "Call

rifter trying to extort money from him." The words were like another p

e slightly. I slumped against the wall, gasping, my body trembling un

ht with a chilling glee. "Now, listen carefully. Edward is a generous man. He's willing to overlook this little 'incident' if you cooperate. You'll sign an N

up, which quickly turned into a painful wheeze. "You

ing evening, dealing with your... antics. So, ten thousand. Take it or leave it. Otherwise, I'll press charges for assault, trespassi

my ragged breathing. "I have proof of my identity. My passpor

darling. Nobody cares about your fake ID. My word, and Edward's, is all that m

ching, each bone protesting. I tasted more blood, metallic and warm. A primal fear, cold and sharp, pierced through my

It was still there, miraculously. My fingers fumbled with the s

roat. "Ten thousand. I'll pay." My voice was b

irl. Smart choice." She signaled the guards again, and they finally rel

usand for my pain and suffering seems a little low. Let's make it twenty-five thousand." She paused, watching my face

was clearer than it had ever been. The pain was just a dull throb now, overshadowed

an. He was the only one who could get me out of this. The screen glowed faintly, il

. "I need a wire transfer. To Kesha Po

voice, laced with concern. "Evelina? What's going

ncy. "No questions. Now." I couldn't risk Kesha hearing more. I e

for your little act of being a billionaire. You're nothing but a cheap grifter, after all." S

t she had broken me. She had no ide