Chapter 432
She didn’t jump. She glared. “It was sex,” she snapped. “Just sex. Nothing else. Why do you insist on making it something bigger? People
do it all the time and never speak to each other again. They don’t spiral. They don’t act like the world owes them something p>
Her eyes burned.
“So why is this different? I’m not asking for more. I’m not asking you to feel anything. I’m being sensible. And because of that, suddenly
I’m the problem p>
I dragged in a breath through my nose, slow and controlled. This conversation was poison. “Change of plans, princess, ” I said coldly. “You’re going home. End of discussion.” I turned away before she could see what that conversation had done to me.
Before she could see the crack.
I headed to my room and grabbed my jacket from the bed, my wallet from the dresser, my phone from the nightstand. Muscle memory.
Preparation. Escape.
Her footsteps followed.
“This is unacceptable,” she said, trailing me. “Roman was shot. I need to see him p>
I didn’t slow.
“For what?” I shot back. “He’s my brother. Not yours. He’s Savannah’s fiancé. Not yours p>
She followed me back into the living room.
“He’s my brother–in–law!” she screamed. “And I care about him. He cares about me too. I have a right to see him p>
I stopped. Slowly, I turned. “Go home, Elizabeth.” My voice was quiet now. Worse than shouting. “You don’t belong there. This isn’t a movie. This is real. People are dying p>
I stepped closer.
“Go back to your horror films and your Cheerios. Go back to your parents. Forget you ever brushed against all this and move on with your
life p>
Her face crumpled. Her eyes glistened.
“There is no place for you in Blackwood Manor p>
She inhaled sharply, then swiped angrily at her face. “I’m calling Savannah. ” She pulled out her phone, hands shaking, “She knows Roman
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Chapter 432
would want me there. ”
I folded my arms and leaned against the wall, watching.
“ I’ll gladly say I told you so.” I muttered under my breath.
She dialed and put it on speaker.
Savannah picked up immediately.
“Sav-” She began. But Savannah cut her off.
“Lizzie, ” Savannah said, already tired, “I’m guessing Aunt Carol told you she’s on her way p>
“What?” Elizabeth gasped. “You called my mom p>
I closed my eyes.
Savannah exhaled deeply, the sound carrying the weight of everything she’s been going through. “I’m sorry, Lizzie. But this is for the best. I don’t want you anywhere near this. I won’t risk you.” Then she paused. “Chloe’s gone. And so is Julius p>
Elizabeth froze.
She didn’t move. Didn’t breathe. Her phone slipped slightly in her grip. Then one tear fell. Then another. And another.
“What… what do you mean gone?” she whispered. “What happened? How can Chloe be-” Her hand clutched at her chest. “Oh God,” she
sobbed. “This can’t be happening p>
Savannah’s voice broke. “I’m sorry, Lizzie. But I can’t let you come. Please understand p>
Elizabeth swallowed hard. “Please,” she begged. “Just let me see Roman. Once. Then I’ll leave. I swear p>
I turned away,
Savannah sniffed. “I’m sorry. I don’t want you anywhere near this place p>
Elizabeth nodded slowly. When she looked up again, her face was blank. Composed. Terrifyingly calm.
“You know I’ll never forgive you for this, ” she said evenly. “Either of you p>
There was a long pause. Then Savannah spoke.
“ I know,” Savannah replied, exhausted.
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apter 437
Elizabeth hung up. Then she called her mother next.
“Hi, Mum,” she said calmly. “Yes. I spoke with Savannah, I heard, I’ll get my things ready.” She ended the call and walked away.
Minutes later, she returned with her bags.
I stuffed my hands down my pockets and cleared my throat. “I’ll be leaving now, Elizabeth p>
“It’s Lizzie,” she snapped. “Stop calling me Elizabeth. You’re not my father p>
I grimaced. “Wouldn’t want to be. That’d be disturbing p>
She glared.
I nodded once. “Goodbye, Elizabeth. ”
I turned to leave.
“If we ever meet again,” she said behind me, “don’t act like you know me p>
I didn’t turn back. “I’ll keep that in mind. Till we meet again, Elizabeth p>
And I walked away.
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.