She beat against his chest with her fists as she sobbed.“I followed you as your mistress,with no name and no status,and I never complained.Now I’m only asking to take back what’s yours,and suddenly you’re unwilling?I don’t care!Everything in this house is yours.She doesn’t get to take a single thing.Not even the dress she’s wearing!If you won’t do it,then I’m leaving right now!”
She spun on her heel,making for the door.
Adrian panicked.He caught her at once,clutching her tightly,every trace of hesitation and clarity vanishing.
He soothed her in a low,coaxing tone:“Baby,sweetheart,don’t be angry.How could I ever protect her?I only want you.You’re right about everything—I’ll listen to you,alright?Just don’t go.”
Then he turned on Clara,his eyes hard and impatient.
“Clara Winter,didn’t you hear me?Take off the dress and get out.Stop being an eyesore to Vanessa!”
The last fragment of hope shattered.
Clara looked at the man who had once held her as if she were his whole world.Now he was like a dog wagging its tail,groveling before another woman—degrading himself without the slightest bottom line just to please her.
And above them,Snowball still whimpered faintly,dangling in terror.