Chapter 353
Chapter 353
I held Paula’s stunned gaze. “Stay out of my discussion p>
ชล
“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” Chloe shouted.
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“You,” I said, turning toward her. “You are what’s wrong with me. You. Chloe.” My voice stopped trembling. It sharpened. “I’m so
unbelievably stupid for thinking you changed. For thinking any part of you wanted peace. Or family. Or honesty p>
Her mouth fell open a fraction.
“I actually believed I was talking to a sensible person. I actually believed the little bonding moments mattered to you. That maybe–just
maybe–you’d finally stopped being a whiny, self–centered little bitch p>
She recoiled. For the first time, she looked genuinely shocked.
I didn’t stop.
“How do you live with yourself?” I demanded. “How do you look in the mirror knowing how much pain you cause? Why do you love destroying everything? Why is misery your favourite hobby p>
For a moment, Chloe’s expression wavered–hurt, something real–but she buried it instantly, replacing it with that hateful smirk.
“Finally, ” she sneered. “There it is. I knew it. I knew your little caring act was fake. You don’t care about me. You don’t care what I’ve
been through! ”
A tear slid down my cheek. I wiped it away before it could fall further.
“ Yes, ” I said. “ That’s exactly what you think whenever life doesn’t revolve around you. You turn everyone into the enemy p>
Her eyes narrowed.
“Well, congratulations, ” I said coldly. “I’ll play your game. I don’t care about you. Not anymore. I don’t give a damn what you do or what
happens to you. ”
“Fine! I don’t care about you either!” she yelled.
“Good.” I stepped closer, forcing her to meet my gaze. “But let me make this very clear to you that you are going to New Hope, and you’re going to answer for everything. You and your girlfriend.” I pointed at Paula. “You’re going home. You’re going to talk to Mom. And then you’re going to the station, and you’re going to tell the police that Dean didn’t do anything p>
Chloe stepped forward too, chest out, chin high, trying to intimidate me. “And if I don’t?” she hissed. “What are you going to do p>
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9:48 Thu, Dec 25
Chapter 353
Before I could answer, Roman moved. He didn’t move quickly but dramatically. Just one, intentional step. The floor created under his
weight.
“How would you like a bullet to the head, Chloe?” he asked softly.
Chloe jumped back like someone had electrocuted her. Paula grabbed her arm with a trembling hand.
Roman didn’t stop. He just kept walking forward. “I’m done being nice,” he said, voice dropping to a low growl. “Do what she said, or I‘ handle it myself. And believe me, you won’t like how I handle things p>
“He’s bluffing.” Paula whispered. “He can’t do that. That’s against the law p>
Roman arched an eyebrow. “Against the law?” He let out a laugh. “So is pseudocide. Fraud. Obstruction of justice. Public mischief.
Emotional distress. Filing a false report p>
Paula swallowed hard.
He continued, “Which, for the record, is the legal vocabulary for your cute little revenge plot p>
Chloe paled.
“You’re both criminals,” Roman said calmly. “Fugitives. And if the world already believes you’re dead…” He tapped his finger against his temple. “Taking you out wouldn’t really matter, would it, Chloe p>
Chloe nodded slowly, terror swallowing her whole. “No p>
“Good.” His voice was almost cheerful now. “So here’s what’s going to happen.” He pointed between them. “Either you go back with us and confess to your crimes… or I have my men send you both to say hello to Asher Kingston p>
A sweet smile stretched across his face. Chloe trembled. Paula looked like she’d faint.
Paula broke first. “I’ll–I’ll start packing p>
I couldn’t help it and I laughed. A small, genuine bubble of disbelief and relief.
Chloe’s voice came out tiny. “I’ll help her pack p>
Roman shook his head. “No, you won’t.” He pointed at the phone on the table. “You’re going to sit down and call Zane until he answers,
I’d like a word with him too p>
Chloe froze, then whispered. “Zane’s not here. He moved out p>
“ We know he didn’t move out,” Roman said coolly. “ Paula threw him out.” Roman tilted his head. “What was the reason p>
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9:48 Thu, Dec 25
Chapter 353
The room went silent as Chloe and Paula exchanged a terrified look. And for the first time since I walked into that apartment, they must have realized something: This was over for them.
Completely, absolutely over…
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.