Chapter Forty One

Isabella stood before Ricardo, a mix of defiance and fear flickering in her eyes. "I did everything you asked me to, enough with the threats," she declared, her voice trembling slightly.

Ricardo's lips curled into a chilling smile. "You have always been more beautiful when you defy me. But beauty won't clear your debt, my dear," he remarked, his tone cold and calculating. "You know the rules. I ask, you comply."

"Please," Isabella begged, desperation lacing her words. "I've done what you asked. Let me go. Let me be free of this."

His smile faded, replaced by an unsettling glint in his eyes. "Freedom? Oh, Isabella, freedom comes at a cost. And your debt won't be paid until I get what I want," he sneered, relishing his control over her.

Tears welled in Isabella's eyes as she felt the weight of his words crushing her hopes. "I'll tell Logan. He'll help me. He'll—"

Ricardo's laughter cut through her plea, a cruel and mocking sound. "Tell Logan? And what can he do, my dear?" he taunted, th