Chapter 8

Clara Bennett

I barely made it inside my apartment before the dread hit me like a truck. My hands were still shaking from Ryder’s touch, from the way he had looked at me like I actually mattered.

I locked the door, leaning my back against it and letting out a long, exhausted breath.

That’s when I smelled it .... that same expensive cologne that used to make my stomach flutter. Now it made me want to vomit.

Victor stepped out of the shadows of my tiny living room like he owned the place. He was sitting on my couch, legs crossed, holding a glass of my cheap wine like it was champagne.

“Welcome home, darling,” he said with that smooth, fake smile. “How was your first day with the big bad wolf?”

My heart slammed against my ribs. I dropped my bag and took a step back. “How the hell did you get in here?”

Victor laughed softly and stood up, walking toward me slowly. “I still have my key. You never asked for it back, remember? Or were you hoping I’d come crawling back?”

I crossed my arms tightly over my chest, trying to look braver than I felt. “Get out, Victor. I did what you asked. I got the job.”

He stopped right in front of me, towering over me the same way Ryder did, but instead of safety, I felt nothing but disgust. “Oh, I know. Amelia already told me how you were snooping around his desk like a little rat. Did you find anything useful?”

I swallowed hard, remembering the confidential folder in Ryder’s car. “Not yet. It’s only been one day. He’s… careful.”

Victor’s eyes narrowed. He grabbed my chin roughly, forcing me to look up at him. “Don’t play games with me, Clara. I saw the way he looked at you when he dropped you off. Don’t tell me you’re already falling for that monster.”

My stomach twisted. “I’m not falling for anyone. I’m doing this for my mom. You promised you’d help her if I....”

“If you deliver Ryder West to me,” he finished coldly. “And right now, you’re moving too slow.”

He shoved his phone in my face. A photo of my mother lying weakly in a strange bed filled the screen. She looked even thinner than before. Tubes were in her arms. My knees almost gave out.

“Victor, please,” I whispered, my voice breaking. Tears burned my eyes. “She’s getting worse. You said you’d get her the best doctors.”

He smiled, but there was no warmth in it. “I will. As soon as you bring me something real. The confidential files. His schedule. His weaknesses. I want everything. And I want it soon.”

I jerked my face away from his hand. “I’m trying! He’s suspicious of me already. If I push too hard, he’ll fire me… or worse.”

Victor stepped even closer until his breath was on my face. “Then spread your legs if you have to. Make him trust you. Fuck him if that’s what it takes. Just get me what I need.”

My hand moved before I could think. I slapped him hard across the face.

The sound cracked through the small apartment.

Victor’s head snapped to the side. When he looked back at me, his eyes were pure ice. “Big mistake, Clara.”

He grabbed my wrist, squeezing until it hurt. “Remember who has your mother. One phone call and she gets no more medicine. She dies in pain. Is that what you want?”

Tears streamed down my cheeks. I hated how weak I felt. “No… please. I’ll do it. Just don’t hurt her.”

He released my wrist and straightened his jacket, calm again. “Good girl. I expect a full report tomorrow night. And Clara?” He leaned in with a cruel smile. “Stay away from Ryder’s bed unless you’re getting information. You were always so eager to please. Don’t disappoint me now.”

Victor walked to the door, then paused. “Oh, and tell your new boss I said hello.”

He left, slamming the door behind him.

I sank to the floor, hugging my knees to my chest as sobs shook my body. The worst part? A small, guilty part of me had actually enjoyed talking to Ryder tonight. His gentle questions. The way he held my hand.

I was betraying a man who showed me more kindness in one car ride than Victor had in three years.

My phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number.

*Unknown:* Sleep well, Clara. Tomorrow will be a long day..... R.W.

“Ryder.“

I stared at the message, my heart aching with confusion and fear.

What was I going to do?