CHAPTER 20
The moment the door clicked shut behind me, I turned to face Marco Salvani–my ex- husband, my target. His presence was suffocating, and not just because he was unaware of who I truly was tonight. He was calm, almost too calm, loosening his tie as he watched me with a hunger I once mistook for love.
“You’re quiet, Dorothy,” he said, his voice. smooth, teasing. “Second thoughts?”
“Not at all,” I replied, forcing a playful smirk. I tugged at the top of my dress, letting the fabric slip slightly to reveal a hint of my cleavage. His gaze immediately darkened, his interest obvious.
This was the man I used to call my husband–the man who cheated on me.
with countless women, the man who thought he could control me. Tonight, he would learn how wrong he was.
909% 13 18
1/7
CHAPTER 20
I took a deliberate step toward him, letting my fingers trail lightly along his chest. “I thought we’d have a little fun,” I said, my tone dripping with fake innocence as I climbed onto his lap.
He chuckled, his hands settling on my waist. “I like the way you think.”
I leaned closer, our faces mere inches apart. “But first,” I whispered, reaching for the mask covering his face, “I want to see the man behind this.”
His hand shot up, gripping my wrist with surprising strength. “Not yet,” he said firmly, his voice steady but low.
I pouted, tilting my head to the side. “It’s not as fun if you’re hiding.”
He smiled, a predator’s smile. “Patience, Dorothy.”
With that, he gently moved me aside and stood up. “I need to freshen up first,” he said, heading toward the bathroom.
217
90% 13:18
CHAPTER 20
As soon as the door closed, I slipped the earpiece back in and whispered, “Daniel?”
His voice came through, sharp and frustrated. “Daphne, what the hell are you doing? You need to leave now!”
“Not happening,” I hissed, setting up my spy camera on the dresser. “This is my chance to expose Marco for who he really is. Do you know how many lives his father
had ruined?”
“And what about Blake?” Daniel shot back. “He’s alone with Gregor Fitzburg. You’re risking everything for your personal vendetta!”
I clenched my jaw, my hands trembling as I adjusted the camera angle. “I can handle this, Daniel. Marco deserves this. He
deserves worse.”
“You’re being reckless,” he growled. “Get
out now.”
I ripped the earpiece out, tossing it onto the floor. Daniel didn’t understand.
90% 13:18
3/7
ORS
מן
CHAPTER 20
Marco Salvani destroyed me once, and I wasn’t going to let him walk away unscathed this time.
The bathroom door opened, and Marco. emerged, shirtless, his muscular frame on full display. His eyes landed on me, sprawled on the bed in nothing but lace lingerie.
“You’re full of surprises,” he said, his tone laced with approval.
I laughed lightly, propping myself up on my elbows. “Do you have a wife?” I asked suddenly, catching him off guard.
His brows furrowed. “Why would you ask that?”
“Just curious,” I replied, maintaining my teasing tone.
He smirked, shaking his head. “No wife, no girlfriend. Just me.”
I forced a laugh, letting it sound flirtatious. “Good to know,” I said, leaning forward to
199 10 NE
4/7
CHAPTER 20
grab the champagne from the nightstand.
“Care for a drink?” I asked, pouring the bubbly liquid into two glasses.
He took the glass without hesitation, his fingers brushing mine. “To a memorable. night,” he said, raising his glass.
I clinked mine against his, watching closely as he took a long sip.
“You’re not as intimidating as people say,” I said, trailing a finger down his chest.
His laugh was low, his hand moving to my thigh. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
The drug worked faster than I anticipated. His movements slowed, his eyelids heavy as he tried to keep up with our banter.
“Feeling tired already?” I teased, watching as he collapsed onto the pillows.
“Just… need a minute,” he mumbled, his words slurring.
I stood over him, my heart pounding as I
50% 13:18
15/7
CHAPTER 20
pulled out my phone. The camera flash illuminated his unconscious form as I snapped photo after photo, ensuring his naked vulnerability was captured from every humiliating angle.
For the final shot, I leaned into the frame,
his arm draped over me like some ridiculous lover’s pose.
As I tucked my phone away, a deafening noise shattered the room’s silence–a gunshot.
My blood ran cold. Blake.
I bolted upright, my pulse racing. If Gregor had done something to Blake, I would never forgive myself. I glanced at Marco‘ s lifeless form, the plan I’d so carefully crafted crumbling under the weight of panic.
Without thinking, I grabbed my earpiece from the floor and pressed it to my ear.
“Daniel, what’s going on? Is Blake-”
2014 13 18
6/7
1:18
((
89
CHAPTER 20
The line crackled, Daniel’s voice frantic. “Daphne, Gregor knows. Blake’s in trouble. You need to leave now! Come on!”
I stared at Marco’s unconscious body,
torn between finishing what I started and running to help Blake.
The decision was made for me when another gunshot echoed through the walls.
