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

ening thud echoed from the concrete walls, followed by a fire that bloomed in my ribs, stealing my breath. I struggled, but my body felt like a puppet in their hands, each movement met with an

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

e alight with a chilling glee. "Now, listen carefully. Edward is a generous man. He's willing to overlook this little 'incident' if you cooperate. You'

ng up, which quickly turned into a painful

etting evening. Let's call it a settlement. A clean break. Otherwise, I'll press charges for assault, trespassing, and att

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

med in protest, each muscle aching, each bone protesting. A primal fear, cold and sharp, pierced through my rage.

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

w throat. "I'll pay." My voice was barely

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

f concern. "My pain and suffering, however, has a price. Twenty-fi

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