My hands trembled as I demanded, “You knew how much this painting meant to me. After everything, is my reputation just a stepping stone for her career?”
His gaze didn’t waver. “Is it really that hard to do this one little thing for me? You already know I like her.”
His words cut deep, even though his tone was soft. And for a second, I remembered how, all those years ago, he used to look at me the same way as he whispered, “Don’t be afraid. I’ll protect you. I promise.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out.
“It’s settled,” he said. “I’ve already booked your flight back home. Once the buzz around Margot dies down, I’ll pay to bury the scandal. It won’t affect your peaceful little retirement.”
“You’ve always wanted to live a quiet, carefree life, right? Just think of this as paying me back. After this, I won’t bother you again.”
After saying that, he walked past me and shut the door with a heavy thud.
I collapsed on the floor, too weak to stay upright.
Outside, Margot Hodges’s sweet voice rang through the hallway. “Darell, do you think Regina’s really that upset? Maybe I should go apologize. I don’t mind if she yells at me or hits me.”