Chapter 35: The Test of Desperation

Emily stood in front of Ethan, her cheeks flushed with humiliation and anticipation. The dim lighting of the apartment cast long shadows on the walls, making the atmosphere feel heavier than it should have. She had stripped down, her bare skin prickling under the cold air, yet Ethan hadn't moved an inch.

His expression was unreadable, his dark eyes watching her with the same indifference one might have while observing a street performer. There was no lust in his gaze, no urgency in his posture—only cold amusement.

She swallowed hard and shifted her stance. "Are you just going to stare?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan finally stood, his movements slow and deliberate. As he approached, she felt a shiver run down her spine—not from anticipation but from something else. Something darker.

He reached out and traced a single finger down her arm, the touch barely there, yet enough to make her skin erupt in goosebumps. His grip suddenly tightened around her wrist as he pulled her close, their bodies almost touching.

Emily gasped, her breath hitching. "J-Just get it over with," she stammered, desperate to get past the humiliation, to justify her decision.

But then, Ethan chuckled.

It wasn't a warm laugh. It was low, knowing—mocking.

She stiffened.

"I just wanted to see how far you'd go for fifteen thousand dollars," he murmured against her ear, his voice smooth yet sharp enough to cut through her pride.

Emily's body went rigid. Her mind blanked for a second as she tried to process his words.

What?

Ethan released her wrist and stepped back, his smirk widening as he watched realization dawn on her face. "You were ready to give yourself to me over pocket change," he continued, shaking his head as if he were disappointed, though his eyes gleamed with something cruel.

Emily's breath came in sharp gasps as shame flooded her veins, burning hotter than any touch could have.

Her hands balled into fists. "You—You tricked me?"

Ethan shrugged. "Did I? Or did you trick yourself?" He turned away and walked toward his closet, retrieving a robe and tossing it in her direction. "Get dressed."

Emily caught it but didn't move. Anger, embarrassment, and self-loathing warred within her.

Ethan leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "And one more thing," he added, his voice turning ice-cold. "If you ever breathe a word about me living here to anyone… I'll make you disappear."

Her heart skipped a beat.

The casual way he said it, as if it were a mere inconvenience rather than a threat, sent a chill down her spine.

His gaze pinned her in place. "Do you understand?"

Emily's lips trembled. She had no idea what Ethan was truly capable of, but in that moment, she didn't dare test him.

She nodded. "I—I won't say anything."

Ethan's smirk returned, satisfied. "Good. Now, get dressed and get out."

Emily scrambled to put the robe on, her fingers trembling as she tied the knot. She avoided looking at him as she gathered her discarded clothes and rushed toward the door.

Before she left, she hesitated for just a second, then turned her head slightly. "You're a monster," she whispered, her voice laced with resentment.

Ethan didn't respond immediately. He simply tilted his head, studying her as if she were nothing more than a puzzle piece that didn't fit. Then, after a moment, he smirked.

"And yet, you were willing to sleep with that monster for the right price," he said lazily. "What does that make you?"

Emily's face burned as she fled the apartment, slamming the door behind her.

Ethan let out a slow breath, shaking his head.

People were so predictable.

He walked over to his desk, pulling out his phone. With a flick of his finger, he sent a transfer—$30,000, enough to cover the ransom for both Emily and Tabitha.

He never had any intention of sleeping with her.

This was never about desire.

It was about testing her.

And she had failed.

Now, he knew exactly what kind of person she was.

And that was information far more valuable than any pleasure she could have offered.