ANMELDENHUNTERI paced the length of the cell for what seemed like the hundredth time, restless energy coursing through me despite the pain in my ribs with each turn. They still hadn't healed properly, and every breath reminded me of Price's fists slamming into me and the humiliation of being laid out like some scum.The memory played over and over in my head until I couldn't tell the difference between rage and thought, and I clenched my jaw and continued to pace.My mother should have arrived more than an hour ago. She had promised to come as soon as she learned what had happened, and knowing her, she was already making calls to get me out.My lawyer said it was unlikely that I would be released because I got into more trouble after being released. But I wasn't concerned because I knew my mother would get me out. But the delay still irritated me, and sitting in this cell made every second feel longer.I had made it clear to my lawyer that I intended to sue Price for attacking me. I didn't c
REVA The next morning was easier, even though the memories of everything lingered beneath the surface. I was already at work and had just spoken with Levi, who needed to meet with his lawyer to proceed with the charges he was filing against Hunter.Following that, he was scheduled to meet with the police commissioner to discuss the officers who had been working with Hunter.We were also informed, prior to leaving the penthouse, that Hunter had been arrested. Hearing that gave me a sense of relief because it was clear that Hunter had no remorse for his actions. Otherwise, he wouldn't have gone to Danielle and attempted to blackmail her.Levi made it clear that he wanted Danielle committed.I also finally told Levi about Reed Starling's arrival at the hospital. Even now, the memory irritated me. Levi, like my mother, couldn't believe the audacity. It was unbelievable that after all these years, after everything, he thought he could just show up and expect me to gladly hear him out.Now
REVA I sat in the car and watched the events unfold through the windshield. Danielle's desperation looked unreal as I watched her fall to her knees and crawl through the dirt toward Levi, her hands clutching at his, her body trembling as she begged and cried.Even from a distance, I could see the desperation in her movements and how she clung to him as if he were the only possibility for her sanity. But still, with all that, I felt nothing for her. Just a slow, burning anger that settled deep within my chest.It wasn't just her that made me angry. But I was angry at myself, too, for allowing her into my space and for ignoring every instinct that told me something wasn't right with her. I had promised myself after Hunter and Nikolai that I'd never let anyone close enough to betray me again. Yet there I was, watching the consequences of that failure play out in the dirt just a few feet away. The sharp sound of a siren cut through my thoughts, pulling me back into the present. And I b
DANIELLEIt was over, and my head spun as I lowered myself onto the mattress before trying to convince myself that maybe I was wrong and it wasn't over. Perhaps they hadn't looked through my records, and Reva was simply guessing that I was hiding more.I clung to that thought desperately, repeating it in my mind. But something deep inside was not persuaded, no matter how loud the thought became, and the door to the room opened just then.Dr. Brooks walked in, concern washing over her face as she looked at me and took in the state I was in. She asked what was wrong, and the words rushed out of my mouth before she finished the question. I asked her the same question I asked the nurses: whether my records from New York would be visible here.Pushing myself off the bed, I grabbed her by her jacket, frustrated that she wasn't responding fast enough. She told me to calm down, taken aback by the action. But I couldn't. I needed to know, and I asked her again whether Levi was looking into my
REVALevi turned to me as soon as I walked into the room, and I realized I was right: he was angry again.He spoke before I could, asking if I could believe Hunter had dug up Danielle's information with the help of the police and used it to blackmail her.I asked what information he was referring to, and my question came out sharper than I had intended. I also realized my reaction lacked the concern it should have. But I couldn't help but think about everything I'd just discovered, drowning out everything else.I could no longer see Danielle as a victim, only as a manipulative, sick bitch who nearly destroyed Levi's life—our lives. She responded before Levi could, her voice trembling as she explained that she had been homeless in New York.She began crying as she explained that she had told Levi her ex-husband had taken everything, but she had never told him she didn't even have a place to live. She claimed she was ashamed, and Hunter discovered the truth and threatened to expose her
REVAI whispered a quiet thank you as James handed me a small tray containing disinfectant, gauze, and ointment for Levi's hands before walking away and leaving us alone.I stood there for a moment, trying to calm myself before approaching him. We were now alone, with the other doctors having left, and Levi sat on the edge of the chair, shoulders tense, face in his hands.Moving closer, I stepped between his legs and gently reached for his hands, prompting him to look at me. His eyes were red, and I softly asked to see his knuckles.But instead of handing them to me, he took my hands instead and apologized. He said he did not want me to see him that way, adding that he hadn't meant to lose control. And I immediately shook my head, stopping him.I admitted that seeing him like that scared me. But I also told him I understood. Without saying anything else, I wrapped my arms around him, and he held on just as tightly, pressing his face into my stomach while I felt slight tremors running
LEVII turned to my mother as Reva and my father disappeared into the house. “I hope you don't mind that I brought her," I said, and Mother quickly waved her hand dismissively. “Of course, I don't mind," she said before I could finish, but her eyes said something else, and I was about to ask when s
REVA“Mrs. Belkov?" Dr. Jacobs' voice echoed over the phone. “Are you still there?" That brought me out of the confused haze. “Yes," I quickly replied, forcing air back into my lungs. “I am here."I opened my mouth, prepared to say I had no idea why Nikolai had asked for me. I wanted to tell him th
THIRD-PARTY VIEWPOINTNikolai stumbled out of the penthouse and froze, realizing his car was not in the driveway. Only Hunter's car was present, so he rushed back inside, tearing through the place until he grabbed Hunter's keys from the counter. He didn't slow down and drove away in Hunter's car li
NIKOLAIThe music cut out. “Security department, this is Mark speaking," a guy's voice came through from the other side of the line, and I straightened instinctively. “My name is Hunter Starling. I was transferred from reception to discuss security footage from Christmas Eve."“Yes, Mr. Starling,"







