Chapter 17
“Come in,” I called, smoothing my hair and arranging my face into the perfect picture of fragile
innocence.
Mrs. Livingston stepped inside, her sharp eyes narrowing at the broken vase on the floor. “You’ve made quite the mess, Yvette.”
I rushed over, taking her arm with both hands and leading her to the sofa. “I’m sorry, Grandma. I… I was upset. The banquet was difficult.”
She sat down, sighing like a queen tired of court drama. “I saw what happened. You let your emotions get the better of you. A woman like you must be smarter than that.”
‘I know,” I whispered, pressing my head against her shoulder like the perfect granddaughter.” ust… I can’t stand how she looks at him. How he looks at her. It’s like I don’t exist when she’s ir he room.”
‘Stay calm. You’re pregnant. That is your shield. Men will always have wandering eyes, but Austin needs you to anchor him. You cannot lose his trust over jealousy.”
forced tears into my eyes, sniffing softly. “You’re right. It’s just the hormones, Grandma. I didn’ nean to lose control.”
She gave me a long look. “Why didn’t you tell me it was Dahlia who saved me that day when had my heart attack?”
blinked, then forced a nervous laugh. “I… I forgot. I was about to tell you but it slipped my mind. With everything going on, it just… I forgot.”
Her lips pressed into a thin line, but then she waved it off. “Forget it, sweetheart. Even if she was he one who saved me, it doesn’t matter. She still came from the slums. That kind of womar can’t hold her place in high society. You and Austin are meant for each other. Don’t let this liscourage you. He needs your love more than ever.”
Yes, Grandma.” I gave her my sweetest, most obedient smile. “I’ll remember that. I think I jus
eed some rest now.”
She kissed my forehead and left, her cane tapping against the marble.
The moment the door clicked shut, the sweetness vanished from my face. I walked back to the nirror, smirk curling my lips. “Rest. Sure. But not before I finish this game.”
picked up my phone, scrolled through my contacts, and pressed a familiar number. It rang wice before a lazy male voice answered.
Well, well, if it isn’t Monaco’s little princess. What do you want at this hour?”
smiled coldly at my reflection. “I want her crushed. Dahlia. Completely destroyed. I don’t care how dirty it gets. Can you handle it?”
A low chuckle came from the other end. “For you? Always.”
‘Good.” I traced my fingertip over the glass of the mirror, as if outlining Dahlia’s throat. “Ther
let’s start.”
DAHLIA’S POV
Chapter 17
3:26 pm 200
Scalpel in my hand. Steady. Clean cut. Stitching vessels like I was born with a needle betweer my fingers. The OR lights burned hot on my skin but my focus never slipped
“Doctor, her vitals are holding strong,” one of the nurses whispered.
Another leaned close to her, thinking I couldn’t hear. “She’s really rising fast. Even the senic surgeons can’t keep up.”
I let myself smile inside, but I didn’t show it. Not here. Not while someone’s life was still open o my table.
Hours later, I peeled off my gloves. Blood gone, life intact. My patient breathing, safe. I walke out, stripped down into jeans and a white shirt. Nothing fancy. Just me. My own money bough the car waiting outside. My own sweat paid for the little apartment I called mine. I didn’t need Di Celeste’s money to breathe anymore.
started driving, Monaco lights blurring outside the windows. Then I caught it in the rearview mirror. Black car. Headlights too steady, too close.
My fingers tightened on the wheel. I laughed under my breath. “Really, Yvette? Already?”
tried to shake them off, but the car stayed glued to me. Tail close. Closer.
The tension in my chest coiled. My instincts screamed. I hit the gas. The black car followed.
Then it lunged.
Metal shrieked as it slammed into my side. My head snapped forward. Airbags burst. My hand: ried to grip but the wheel spun out. Glass exploded, cutting into my skin.
The car skidded. Flipped. I felt the world tilt and then nothing but impact, pain, and the shallov edge of a cliff catching me.
3lood ran warm down my face. My breath rattled. The black sky above me looked almost calm. ‘So this is it,” I thought, tasting iron in my mouth. “This is how Yvette wins. Like a coward.” The world blurred. My body went heavy. Darkness came quick and merciless.
MAXIMILIAN’S POV
‘m done dealing with the traitor of the Castillo empire and was heading back to my penthous when my driver suddenly slowed down.
‘Boss… look.” He pointed at the cliffside. A wrecked car was smoking near the edge half-crushed like it had been kicked by the devil himself.
The color drained from my face. I knew that car. That was hers!
‘Stop the damn car!” I barked. I jumped out before the wheels even stopped rolling. My shoes hi the gravel hard as I ran down.
‘Call a paramedic now!” I shouted over my shoulder. My chest felt like it was splitting open wher I pulled the door open and saw her. Dahlia, Blood everywhere. Eyes barely open.
“Dahlia… don’t you dare die on me,” I growled, shaking her gently, trying to keep her awake. “No like this. Not in some goddamn ditch.”
The paramedics rushed over, pushing me aside to work. I stayed glued to her, my hands stainec
in her blood.
Chapter 17
2/3
66 7
3:26 pm
When we got to the hospital, chaos broke loose. Nurses running, doctors shouting.
One doctor came rushing toward me. “Sir, the patient’s blood type is extremely rare. We don’t have a match in this hospital.”
I slammed my fist on the counter so hard the glass cracked. “Then find it! I don’t care if you have
to buy the whole blood bank in Europe. If she dies because you’re incompetent, I’ll burn this hospital to the ground with every last one of you in it!”
3:26 pm ££.
