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“I don’t think this is appropriate. The presentation is critical–only Sloane fully understands the details.‘
“Sloane, just come back tomorrow for the presentation. If Yoo–hoo isn’t suitable, we’ll switch it out.”
“Yes, we can go with Sloane’s plan if it’s a problem. I think that’s fine too.”
Madeline’s sobbing interrupted the conversation.
”
“Please don’t worry. I’ve worked alongside Gavin on all company matters. There won’t be any issues.”
Gavin gently wiped away Madeline’s tears, soothingly saying, “I trust you.”
He reassured everyone confidently, “Even if Madeline struggles, I’m still here. We all know our company’s record, and so do the investors. Tomorrow is just a formality.”
Gavin’s words acted like a sedative, visibly calming the shareholders.
They nodded in agreement.
Expressionless, I watched them, saying flatly, “Fine. I’ll send you the presentation.”
After sending the slides, I stood to leave but was suddenly stopped by Madeline.
“Sloane, you can’t leave.”
“Gavin, Sloane shouldn’t go. Tomorrow’s meeting is crucial what if she tries to sabotage us? I don’t mean to assume the worst, but
tomorrow’s outcome affects you and every shareholder.”
“She’s right, Gavin. Now that Sloane’s shown disloyalty, who knows what she might do?”
“Yes, to be safe, we can’t let her go. If something happens, and the company suffers losses, I might as well end my life!”
I stood stunned, protesting, “I would never-
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Madeline sharply interrupted, “Sloane, it’s easy for you to say, but how can we be sure? We should confiscate her phone and lock her
up.”
Gavin grabbed me forcefully, snatched away my phone, and slapped me hard across the face.
Madeline towered over me with a subtle smirk.
“To make sure Sloane doesn’t secretly contact anyone outside, we need somewhere secure to lock her up.”
“Oh, I know! Gavin, how about the basement at your house? There’s no signal down there, and it’s soundproof too.”
My blood ran cold. Terror overwhelmed me, and I started trembling uncontrollably.
When I was a child, my parents were often busy, and our babysitter had locked me in the basement just so she could sneak off to her
weekly poker night.
The old basement door was faulty, and once, a wild dog had broken in, leaving five–year–old me covered in bites.
It had been seven–year–old Gavin who saved me, chasing the dog away.
Since then, basements and dogs had become my greatest fears.
“Gavin, please… you can’t lock me in the basement. I promise I won’t sabotage tomorrow’s meeting. Trust me.”
The new house was supposed to be our marital home, and Gavin had promised to seal off the basement completely for my sake..
Right now, the basement entrance was blocked by various construction supplies.
Desperately, I clung to the door frame, refusing to go in, begging, “Gavin, please. For all the years we’ve shared, don’t put me in the.
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basement. You know how terrified I am. I’m begging you.
>>
One shareholder, seeing my pitiful state, hesitantly interjected, “Gavin, maybe we can lock Sloane in an upstairs bedroom instead?”
Gavin hesitated slightly. I was about to speak when Madeline swiftly cut me off.
“The upstairs bedrooms have windows–what if she escapes? It’s only for one day. We’re not starving her or anything. What’s the worst that could happen? Her extreme reaction must mean she’s hiding some malicious intent.”
“No, Gavin, you know I’m terrified of basements…”
“Sloane, there’s a limit to making things up. The basement has lights–it’s not even dark. What’s there to fear? Besides, confronting childhood fears helps overcome them. I’m only thinking of your own good. If you’re resisting this much, are you planning to ruin our funding?”
Hearing this, all the shareholders fell silent. Gavin decisively shoved me inside.
Chapter 3
