All Chapters of Corrupt Temptation: Chapter 111 - Chapter 120

SLOAN.On my way, Liam had just sent I saw the city lights fade into streaks. Already on their way my group was a convoy of dark SUVs that blended in perfectly with the late-night traffic. Once a dull ache in my chest the worry had now become a sharp knife-edge a continual reminder of Ivy's precarious condition. Every moment mattered. Every second could have led to a disastrous conclusion. My voice was tight as I said “Status report Liam” into my communications. “Sir, we have our sights set on the target. The citys outskirts the old warehouse district. Our heat signatures indicate that there are at least a dozen people inside gathered in what appears to be a central office area and a few adjacent rooms even though the town appears to be deserted from the outside.”Liam's voice was composed businesslike and the result of years of working under pressure. It was comforting but it didnt really calm the roiling in my stomach. With my mind churning I thought A dozen? “Thats more than I

Author's pov.The safe room was a harsh sterile environment. Sophia was being treated by a medic who was dressing a minor cut on her arm. The minor physical injury was a cost of the nights mayhem. Arthur could see the deeper wounds on Sophia's face which were her actual injuries. Her lips formed a thin white line and her eyes were vacant. A shadow of the lively person she usually was she sat on the edge of the cot. The springs on the bed creaked under Arthur's weight as he approached and took a seat beside her. After giving him a knowing glance the medic gathered his things and left. The ensuing silence was oppressive laden with the unsaid guilt that hung like a pall in the atmosphere. Arthur asked his voice softer than he meant to “Are you alright?”Gently he extended his hand to grasp hers. It was chilly. Sophia's eyes remained focused on the white impersonal wall across from him. “I’m doing okay. It's merely a scratch.”The calm mask she was wearing broke when she finally turne

SLOAN.My entire world had been the bed in the sterile white room. The few feet of floor between her and the wall which I hadn't left in what seemed like a lifetime had become the entirety of my world. The chair was a permanent fixture and my restless body was causing its springs to creak. My tie was a faint recollection and my suit jacket was long gone. I was certain that the hollow circles under my eyes could be mistaken for a new zip code and my hair was in such a mess that I couldn't bring myself to straighten it out. The door was gently knocked on but I didnt even look. I knew who it was already. The staff was a parade of well-meaning people who saw me as a constant crisis that needed to be handled. A crisis that had a subtle hint of desperation and coffee. A maid whispered “Sir? I've brought a hot meal and a new shirt for you. You have not eaten any food.”With my thumb lightly tracing the back of Ivys hand I continued to stare at her. I whispered “Take it away” in a raspy vo

SLOAN The vigil was held. A brittle vessel adrift on a sea of cold consuming rage the relief that Ivy was awake was hollow. According to the doctor her memory loss was a disguised blessing which felt like a personal slight. I had to bear the weight of what had happened even though she didnt. It was me who had seen her lying on the ground unconscious and broken. It was me who felt the cold fear of her skin against mine. It was now my responsibility to ensure that those in charge made the payment. It hurt to put my hands around something else after they had just held hers in a tender desperate fear. Something worthy of the icy ruthless rage that had taken root in my spirit. Sophia was the sole suggestion the sole thread to pull. I moved down the hall my every step a controlled purposeful echo of my growing rage. The main halls gilded decor and mahogany paneling replaced the medical wings sterile white walls. The house was falsely silent beneath it I could hear a persistent annoying

Author’s POV With a faint buzz of victory pulsing through her, Ivette’s fingers traced the graceful curve of her wine glass for the third time. She was by herself and the heavy mahogany door was locked and locked. Her private celebration couldn’t be interrupted by anyone. If she didnt say it herself the plan had been a masterwork of deception and guile. It was nearly too simple. She had just learned that doe-eyed Ivy was awake. And the sweet twist! Her amnesia was described as a blessing by the doctor. Ivette enjoyed the irony as she took a slow sip of her Cabernet Sauvignon. Maybe it was a boon to them. The blessing erased the memory of Ivys last three hours including the picture of Ivettes face Victors icy hands and the whole messy situation. It almost had a poetic quality. Ivette whispered to herself in the mirror of a side table “Cheers to a very forgetful little bird.”She purred softly as she laughed filling her rooms opulent quiet. Her steps were muffled by the soft rug as