Chapter 3

"How do you wish to pay? Bank transfer or cheque?" Lucien asked, closing the file. A smug smile curved his lips as he placed it on the table.

Elena's nails bit into her palm, her stomach twisted at how entertained he seemed by the whole situation.

Her eyes trailed to Jason, his face was buried in his palms, shoulders sunken in defeat. Questions buzzed in her mind, questions she knew she wouldn't get any reasonable answers to.

"So, Mrs. Dalton." Lucien started, cutting through her trail of thoughts. "We should start processing the payment. The night isn't getting any younger."

Elena's gaze returned to Lucien. Her mouth opened a fraction to speak, then closed. Her throat felt tight, the words stuck somewhere between fear and pride.

Lucien let out a low, mocking laugh that made her chest tighten. With a quiet shift, he slowly uncrossed his legs and eased them off the table. "You must have changed your mind." He said, leaning forward. "The door's still open. You can leave anytime."

"Elena, please don't go. Stay with him, I swear I will come back for you." Jason's wailing filled the room.

Anger flared in Elena's chest. She shot him a glare and he went silent immediately, looking away.

She swallowed hard, her lips trembling as she spoke. "What did you use the money for? How could you borrow such a huge amount from an illegal source?" She screamed, her chest heaving. "What do you want me to do now? Throw away my freedom to save you?"

Jason ran his palm down his face, frustrated. "Did you think I was happy to?" He said quietly. "My business was on the verge of bankruptcy."

"Liar. You told me the same thing three years ago." She croaked, looking away. Tears stung her eyes, threatening to fall. "You make a fool out of me every time I believe you. I'm not buying your story this time." She sniffled.

"I'm not lying, Elena." Jason said desperately, almost stumbling as he stood. "I have evidence, let me show it to you if you want." He walked towards her. "I know I've always lied to you. But my life's at stake now. I've no reason to lie now."

Elena studied him for a few minutes. He looked stressed and desperate, his eyes carrying something she hadn't seen in him for a long time-sincerity. Her eyes closed, hand sweeping through her hair as she exhaled sharply. She was trapped. She could sense the potential betrayal coming, but her heart, her freaking soft heart wouldn't let her leave all this behind and walk away

"Can I pay in installments?" She asked, turning back to Lucien. Her voice came out calmer than she felt. "I think it's more convenient than staying with you."

Lucien's expression hardened. He sat up, eyes assessing her as he unbuttoned the sleeves of his shirt. Elena's heart skipped. From the change in his demeanor, she knew she had asked for the impossible.

"I wish I could, Mrs. Dalton." He said at last. "But you see, I've been lenient enough with your husband. I can't extend the same courtesy to you."

Elena's jaw clenched.

"You're being unreasonable, Mr. Black." She said, forcing her voice to stay steady even as fury simmered beneath. "I'm trying to negotiate here."

Lucien's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on her for a long moment before he rose and walked slowly towards her, his footsteps loud in the quiet room.

Elena's pulse spiked. She moved back as he got closer, her heart pounding so loudly she was certain he could hear it. Still, she refused to drop his gaze.

He stopped a few feet away from her, his expression unreadable, though a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes-so fast she almost missed it.

"Mrs. Dalton-"

"Elena." She cut him off mid-sentence, her voice sharper than intended. "I would prefer to be addressed by my name."

"Don't interrupt the boss while he's talking." His man ordered sharply, moving to act.

Lucien raised his hand, stopping him. "Let her be." The man stepped back.

"Elena." He started again, casually tucking his hands into his pockets. "Is this, by chance, a form of revenge on your husband?" A smirk formed at the edge of his lips.

"What do you mean?" She demanded, her voice faltering.

He chuckled deeply, taking another step closer. The space between them shrank to nothing. 

"Don't pretend like you don't understand." He said quietly, his voice hard as steel. "I set you free. You barged back in to play hero. And now you test my patience."

His eyes darkened, and something cold settled in her stomach. "You're crossing lines that most people don't survive."

Their eyes locked in a long stare, neither unyielding. The tension in the room was thick and suffocating.

"Forgive her, Mr. Black." Jason said, pulling her away. "My wife-she can be unreasonable sometimes."

"Don't you dare call me your wife." She flared, slapping his hand away.

"Elena, you're making things worse."

"I don't care. You're the one who got yourself in this mess in the first place."

"I said I'm sorry."

"You're never sorry." She yelled, face red with anger. "You hurt me and take advantage of my kindness every time, knowing I'll forgive you." Her voice dropped low. "You've run out of luck. I'm not cleaning up your mess this time."

With that, she turned and headed to the door, heels clicking on the floor with determined, heavy strikes.

"Are you really going to leave, Elena? He will kill me."

Elena paused. Jason's voice no longer sounded like a plea-it was more like a statement.

"I don't care." She said, reaching for the door handle.

"Bitch." She heard him curse under his breath. She ignored him, twisting the door handle open.

"I really didn't want to go this far." Jason said in a calm but confident voice. "I convinced myself that you would see how pitiful I was and willingly agree to help, but I guess that doesn't work on you anymore."

Elena turned slowly. "What are you trying to say?"

"Nothing, actually." A sly smile tugged at his lips. "But trust me, it's enough reason for you to stay."

"Go to hell, Jason." She cursed, turning back to the door.

"Your sister."

Elena froze mid-step. Her hand stilled on the door handle. 

"See? I told you." He mocked dryly. "I found her."