Chapter 4

Clarence's voice crackled through the phone. "Know your place! You're just a pawn your family used to tie me down, a bonus for our deal. Don't think I'll grovel to please you."

My teeth clenched, my eyes burning with fury. So, that was what I was to him. We had been together for seven years, and I was just a bargaining chip.

He conveniently forgot who backed him when he was nothing and who helped him build his empire step by step.

My muffled sobs caught in my throat as I thrashed, my fingers fumbling across the phone. Finally, the speakerphone clicked on.

"Claren..." I started, but Vanessa snatched the phone.

"Who told you to answer her call?" she screeched. "She stabbed me with scissors and now plays the victim to trick you. Come deal with her!"

I laughed, bitter and raw. "What are you so scared of? You think Clarence is some saint? He's sweet now because you're useful. When you're not, you'll end up worse than me."

"No way!" she shot back, pulling a certificate from her bag and throwing it in my face. "Look! Clarence and I are married, and you're a homewrecker."

In the photo, Clarence held her close, his smile warm, but it made my blood run cold.

His pursuit and promises to me were all to secure my family's resources. I was his biggest investor. I should have seen his busy work was a cover for cheating.

"For a snake like him," I gave a hollow laugh. "I gave him seven years and almost died."

"You've got the nerve to laugh?" Vanessa grabbed my hair, slamming my head to the ground. "You wrecked my marriage and think you're the victim? Clarence spent money on you, and you used it to seduce other guys?"

She pointed at Chris, who was unconscious on the ground. "Today, you'll see what happens to homewreckers!"

She turned to the goons. "Get the gasoline and burn them alive."

"No!" I screamed, struggling so hard the ropes cut into my wrists, blood streaming. "You do this, and even Clarence can't save you. My dad will bury your family!"

She ignored me, splashing gasoline over Chris. The fumes mixed with the charcoal heat, choking me. As she lit a match, I thrashed harder, snapping the ropes. Blood poured from my wrists.

"Chris!" I dove at him as the match hit, flames erupting with a roar.

Chris woke, screaming in agony, "Stay back! It's hot!"

The moment my hand brushed his coat, my skin flared into a searing pain. But I couldn't abandon him. He was my only brother, the one who'd risked everything to protect me.

I threw myself forward and used my body to smother the flames. Pain lanced through my back as it caught fire, darkness swimming in my vision.

"Silly girl, don't worry about me," he croaked, pushing me with the last bit of strength. "Dad is almost here. Stay alive."

"I won't!" I sobbed, clinging to him as the flames ate my hair. "I trusted Clarence and lost everything. I can't lose you, too!"

Vanessa laughed maniacally. "So touching! Don't worry. I'll mix your ashes."

She raised another gas can.

"Stop!" Two voices rang out—one panicked, one commanding.

I looked up and saw Clarence standing at the rooftop entrance, his face pale. Behind him was my dad, Roger Lopez, in a black suit.

His face was dark with rage. A dozen security guards flanked him, their guns loaded.

"Dad!" I cried out.

Roger rushed forward, while the guards doused the flames with extinguishers. His fists clenched, his veins bulging at the sight of burned skin.

"How dare you touch my family? You're done!" he snarled.

Vanessa collapsed, scrambling to Clarence. "She stabbed me first. Tell him."

Clarence shook, his face ashen. His fear was laughable.

The fire had burned away my love. Now, it was time to settle the score.

I staggered to my feet, declaring, "Clarence, our engagement is over!"

"I'm sorry, Kimberly," he stammered. "I failed to protect you. Give me one more chance."

Roger kicked him aside, then softened toward me. "Kimberly, don't be scared. With me here, no one is touching you again."

He turned to Clarence and growled, "You hurt my children? Big mistake! I'm coming for blood!"