Chapter 24: The Night Trap

Hazel stood in front of the mirror, fastening a delicate silver necklace around her throat. The reflection staring back at her didn't look like the clumsy, naïve girl who'd stumbled into Michael's world months ago. No — this Hazel had fire in her veins and steel in her spine.

The message from Vanessa still sat on the table, a single line daring her to come alone.

Club Verra. Tonight.

A trap. Every instinct screamed it.

And yet… Hazel was done playing safe.

Michael hadn't liked the plan. When she'd told him, his face had darkened in a way that made her breath catch — not from fear, but from how much he suddenly seemed to care.

"You step foot in there without me, and I swear, Hazel, I'll burn the place down."

She'd kissed him then. A slow, searing kiss that left them both breathless.

"I'll come back to you," she promised.

And now, here she was.

The city's neon glow bled into the windows of the black car as she arrived at Club Verra — a notorious underground lounge known for hosting the city's most dangerous elite. Hazel stepped out, her heels clicking against the marble floor, the slit in her dress revealing just enough to make heads turn.

Security barely glanced at her. Vanessa had left word.

Inside, the air was thick with smoke, low music, and whispered deals. Hazel spotted Vanessa immediately — lounging in a private booth like a queen surveying her court. A crimson dress hugged her like a second skin, a diamond choker gleaming at her throat.

Vanessa smiled as Hazel approached.

"Well, look at you. Finally growing some claws."

"I'm not here for games," Hazel said, sliding into the seat opposite her.

Vanessa chuckled. "Everything's a game, darling. You just never knew the rules."

She signaled to the bartender. Two glasses appeared. Hazel didn't touch hers.

Vanessa leaned in, voice like silk over a knife. "You're in over your head, Hazel. You don't know what Michael really is… what he's capable of."

"I know enough," Hazel shot back.

Vanessa's eyes glinted. "Then you know he killed my father."

The words hung in the air like a gunshot.

Hazel blinked. "What?"

Vanessa smiled coldly. "Oh, he didn't tell you that part, did he? Business deal gone wrong. A setup. Michael destroyed my family. Took everything. I'm just here to collect what's mine."

Hazel's pulse hammered, but she kept her face unreadable.

"You came after the wrong woman."

Vanessa's gaze darkened. "You're a liability. So, here's your choice — walk away now, divorce him, and disappear. Or you'll both fall."

Hazel's hand slipped under the table, fingers brushing the slim blade Michael had insisted she take.

Her voice was ice. "You don't scare me, Vanessa."

Vanessa's smile faded.

And Hazel knew in that moment — this wasn't just a personal vendetta anymore.

It was war.

And she was ready to bleed for it.....