Chapter 10 - THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED TO BE A PAWN
The threats began the next day.
A note appeared inside my locker.
STOP ASKING QUESTIONS.
I photographed it.
Reported it.
Then requested a temporary schedule change.
Hospital security increased patrols.
The police continued investigating Olivia's abduction.
Adrian offered me a place to stay.
I refused.
“I'm not moving into your mansion.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“I didn't say mansion.”
“You were thinking mansion.”
He smiled faintly.
“Possibly.”
I crossed my arms.
“I need my own life.”
He nodded.
“I know.”
“And I won't become another person your enemies can use against you.”
His expression darkened.
“You already are.”
I swallowed.
“Then we fix that.”
He studied me.
“How?”
“By telling the truth.”
He looked away.
“Emma—”
“No.”
I stepped closer.
“You can't solve this by threatening everyone who scares you.”
His jaw tightened.
“You don't understand how my world works.”
“Then maybe your world needs to change.”
Silence.
Adrian stared at me.
Then something unexpected happened.
He laughed.
Not mockingly.
Not cruelly.
A real laugh.
“You climbed into my car and told me to take you home.”
I smiled despite myself.
“Yes.”
“Now you're telling me how to run my life.”
“Someone has to.”
May you like
He shook his head.
And for the first time, I saw the man beneath the reputation.
