Chapter 24: Darkness and Secrets–2


    In the adjacent bed, Tyler Jenkins shifted ufortably, his dislocated arm now set in a cast. Both men looked up sharply when the door opened.


    A man entered, his face concealed by a mask. Despite the disguise, they recognized him immediately the same person who had transferred fifty thousand dors to


    each of them to harass Olivia Winters.


    Brock’s voice trembled with fury.


    “Damn you, why didn’t you say she knew self–defense? She kicked my balls to pieces


    I’m ruined for life!”


    Victor Stone snapped impatiently, his eyes cold above the mask.


    “Shut up. You’ll each get another three hundred thousand dors. When the police


    question you, say it was your own lust that made you det. Don’t mention anyone hired


    you, understand?”


    Tyler nodded eagerly, blonde hair falling into his eyes.


    “Okay”


    For him, three hundred thousand was a fortune worth any risk. But Brock wasn’t so


    easily satisfied.


    “Three hundred thousand? You think I’m a beggar? I want a million!”


    Victor secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Vanessa had authorized anything under five million to keep them quiet. He’d been prepared to go as high as two million, so one was a bargain.


    “Fine,” Victor said coldly. “Give me your ount number. The money will be


    transferred soon. But if either of you leak a word, you won’t get a penny, and you won’t live long enough to regret it.”


    His voice dropped to a menacing whisper.


    “Think carefully. If you admit, guilt, the worst is a few years in prison. But if you expose us, I’ll make sure you leave the morgue feet first.”


    Chapter 24 Darkness and


    Both thugs shuddered in terror, instantly cowed. Anyone who could casually throw


    around millions was clearly not someone to cross<b>. </b>


    After Victor left, another visitor arrived: Frank Langley, Connor Rivers‘ senior


    assistant. His cold demeanor filled the room immediately.


    Seeing a stranger, Brock stiffened, thinking Victor had returned.


    “What now-” He stopped short when he realized this wasn’t the same person.


    Frank’s eyes were icy as he surveyed the two injured men.


    “Someone else was just here?”


    “No,” Brock lied immediately, “Who are you? What do you want?”


    Frank’s tone was frosty.


    “Why did you harass Miss Wintersst night?”


    Brock forced a grin, trying to appear casual despite his pain.


    “Just drunk and saw a pretty girl<b>, </b>couldn’t help ourselves.”


    Tyler <i>nodded </i>frantically, eager to support the story.


    “Yeah, she’s really gorgeous.”


    Frank’s face darkened in disgust.


    “Watch <i>your </i>filthy mouths. If you say another disgusting word, I’ll have your tongues


    cut out.”


    Two ck–suited bodyguards stepped forward menacingly behind him, making the


    two thugs pale with fright.


    Frank pressed again, his voice dangerously soft.


    “Tell the truth.”


    Remembering Victor’s threats, they dared not reveal anything. Both stubbornly stuck


    <i>to </i>their story: they were drunk and acted on impulse.


    Frank saw no point in pushing further and left with the bodyguards, his expression


    grim.


    Chapter 24 Darkness and


    (Olivia’s POV)


    The next morning, sunlight streamed through my bedroom window at Moonlight Manor. I was just finishing my breakfast when my phone rang.


    It was the police, informing me that the excessive force case against me had been dropped. I wasn’t surprised, knowing this was Connor’s doing. Although I was confident I could have defended myself in court and proven it was justified defense, I


    saw no reason to resist his help in this instance.


    After ending the call, I dialed Connor’s number. He answered <i>on </i>the first ring.


    “Thank you,” I said simply.


    His tone was faintly displeased.


    “Livvy, there’s no need to thank me. I never want to hear ‘thank you‘ from you again.”


    I stood by the window, sunlight warming my face as I gazed out at the manicured gardens of Moonlight Manor.


    “Alright, I understand.”


    Connor added, his voice dangerously low and full of menace.


    “Those two who bullied youst night–I will make them pay.”


    A chill ran down my spine at his tone. I worried he might resort to illegal means and quickly tried <i>to </i>dissuade him.


    “They’ve already paid the pricest night, and thew will punish them. You don’t need to <i>do </i>anything more. Leave the rest to justice.”


    But his tone only grew colder, the oppressive aura palpable even over the phone.


    “Anyone who hurts you, I won’t spare.”


    I listened in silence, unable to find the right words to respond.


    A thought crossed my mind, unbidden and unwee: but what if the person who hurt her was Vanessa Reed? Would he still be so resolute then?


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