Chapter 7
“No… get away from me… let go!”
Five men loomed over her, their grins twisted with menace. Serena Whitmore, her body shattered and immobile, could only watch in horror as their filthy hands reached for her collar.
“There’s no running tonight, princess,” the ringleader sneered, his yellowed teeth flashing “Time for us to treat you real nice.
The sharp sound of tearing fabric split the silence of the hospital room. Serena bit down on her lip until the metallic tang of blood filled
her mouth.
She couldn’t die here. She couldn’t let these animals take everything from her.
With a burst of desperation, she shoved the nearest man back and hurled herself toward the window, using every ounce of strength left in her body.
Crash!
Glass exploded as she crashed through, icy wind screaming into the room. She plummeted from the second floor, pain detonating in her right leg as she hit the ground. But she didn’t stop. Gritting her teeth, she dragged her fractured limb and staggered forward, forcing herself to run.
“Shit! Get her!” angry voices bellowed behind her.
Serena stumbled into the dark, fear driving her past the limits of pain–until
Boom.
Blinding headlights. A sports car, speeding the wrong way, struck her dead–on.
She was thrown into the air and slammed to the pavement. Blood spilled fast, soaking the concrete beneath her.
She lay in the spreading pool, her vision fading, her ears ringing with static.
Then a car door opened. Footsteps approached,
fog. “Julian already sent guys to ruin her. And you still hit
“Damn, Miles – you really went for it,” Grayson Hale’s voice cut through the fog. “Jull her with a car?”
“She ran. I reacted,” Miles Carrington said coldly. “She brought it on herself.”
“Too bad she didn’t die,” Declan Price muttered. “Would’ve saved us from pretending any longer. We could’ve gone straight back to Evie ”
Serena’s heart twisted violently in her chest–far worse than any injury.
So they really wanted her gone,
the woke to a hospital bed, her body wrapped in bandages like a mummy.
“Serena You’re awake!” Miles was the first to rush over, eyes filled with forced concern as if he hadn’t just tried to kill her.
“We’re so sorry,” Grayson added gently, taking her hand. “We were rushing to see you. Didn’t see you on the road.”
“Weardaleat what happened with Evie at the hospital,” Declan said with a sigh. “But we know she’s lying She’s trying to frame
you
Seema stared at them, her gue bank and hollow
“Just rest,” Miles said, patting her hand. “We’ll talk to Julian, We’ll make sure you get justice”
They tumed and left.
Serena closed her eyes, a bitter smule pulling at her lips.
Justice? They couldn’t wait to run back to Evie.
Her injuries kept her in the hospital for two weeks.
When she was finally discharged, Miles, Grayson, and Declan came to pick her up.
But when they brought her back to her villa, she found Julian Blackwell and Evangeline Hart standing in her living room.
Serena’s expression iced over. “What are you doing here?”
Julian didn’t even flinch. His gaze was cold, like he was staring at a stranger. “Evie’s here to pack. She’s not staying anymore.”
“Why?” Serena asked, her lip curling as fresh pain tugged at her injuries. “Worried I’ll “bully‘ her again?”
“Exactly,” Julian said, voice like a blade. “If she stays here, who knows if she’ll survive.
Serena’s fists clenched, nails biting into her palms.
They were all blind–completely blind to who the real victim was
“Julian, I’m done packing,” Evie said, her eyes red and watery. She walked over, voice trembling. “But… my trophy’s missing.” “What trophy?” Julian asked, frowning.
“The one from the piano competition,” Evie said softly, lips trembling. “It’s the only one I’ve ever won…”
Julian’s expression darkened as he turned to Serena. “Hand it over.
Serena laughed, sharp and bitter. “I didn’t take it.”
“You’ve always had everything handed to you,” Evie whispered accusingly. “Why can’t you just give this one thing back?”
“If Serena says she didn’t take it, then she didn’t,” Miles cut in, clearly annoyed. “Evie, stop making a scene.”
“Yeah, it’s just a trophy,” Grayson and Declan added in unison.
Julian ignored them. He pulled out his phone. “Get in here.”
A dozen bodyguards stormed the room.
“Turn this place inside out,” Julian ordered. “Find that damn trophy,”
“Julian, this is too much!” Miles stepped in front of him.
“oh? You’re taking her side now?” Julian’s eyes narrowed. “Fine, Let’s settle it on the track. One race. If I win, you back off. If I lose, I’ll take Evie and disappear
The thee en exchanged a glance, then nodded. “Deal.”
Serta stood silently, watching this circus unfold with cool detachment.
She knew better than anyourMiles was the top racer on the East Coast. He’d never lost a race,
And yet, somehow he lost
Grayson lost.
Asst watched them climb out of their cars, feigning frustration, Serena couldn’t help but laugh inside. What a performance They really went all in for this little show.
Julian strolled back into the villa, snapped his fingers
Hip it apart,” he said, his voice venomous. “Turn this place upside down until you find Evie’s trophy.”
