"She's safe now," Jackson cut him off, his voice turning even colder. "After what happened tonight, she'll rely on me again. She won't dare go anywhere. She'll stay home, focus on her research, and help pave the way for Laica's success."
Outside the study, Helena's body trembled so hard she could barely stand.
She pressed both hands over her mouth, stifling the scream that clawed up her throat.
It turned out... everything that happened tonight—the kidnapping, the fear, the near violation—was all his plan.
Every second of terror she felt had been part of his carefully staged performances.
She stumbled back to her room in a daze, her mind spinning with Shawn's words.
Those kinds of photos...
For Laica—to protect Laica's image, her future—Jackson had gone this far.
Her vision blurred with tears, but her heart felt frozen solid.
"Jackson..." she whispered hoarsely, gripping the edge of the bed until her knuckles turned white.
"You really do have a cruel heart."
Back in the guest room, Helena sat motionless on the edge of the bed, her eyes fixed on her phone.