“I begged. I prayed. I needed you more than anything. But where were you?”
For the first time, a flicker crossed his eyes—something close to pain—but it was smothered by suspicion, by cold denial.
“You expect me to believe that story?” His tone was hard, cutting.
Scarlett’s tears ran hot as she let out a hollow laugh. She had stripped herself bare, but still, he refused to believe her.
“Believe it or not—it doesn’t matter.” She met his gaze with ice in her voice. “If it makes things easier, then fine. Consider me the traitor.”
Ryan’s jaw tightened. His voice dropped into something grave, dangerous.
“Cut ties with Victor and I’ll let you come back.”
She froze, then broke into laughter so bitter it burned her throat. Tears streamed harder, her smile twisted and wrecked.
“Come back? To what? To watch you and Rowena wrapped up in your sweet little romance? I’d rather rot.”
Ryan said nothing. He watched her for a long time, his silence heavy as a tomb. Then he turned and left, locking her inside the chamber.