09

9

Nathan extinguished hｉｓ cigarette in the receptacle and beckoned me over. I paused before approaching hｉｍ.

As soon as I came near, he pushed me forcefully onto the sofa. Restraining my wrists above my head with one hand, he used the other to grasp my chin, compelling me to lock eyes with her.

"Emma, if you wish to protect your father and Parker Group, you'd be wise to comply."

When did the anguish truly strike me? Was it during the time he compelled me to consume alcohol until I was sick, simply because I required the funds?

Perhaps it was when Victor had been pawing at me shamelessly, or now as Nathan menaced me with the things I held most dear?

No, it was none of those. The real pain came when I gazed into hｉｓ eyes and saw nothing but endless malice churning within.

"Alright," I mumbled, my voice barely audible and trembling.

Ｈe lightly tapped my cheek. "That's better. Now, remove your jacket."