Nina leaned over, her voice syrupy with mock pity. “Let it go, babe. It’s not like she has anyone left to talk to. Or any pride. Who would even bother responding to her now?”
She winked at me.
I stared back, silent.
And in that moment, something settled into place with absolute clarity.
They thought I was broken.
They had no idea I was already planning my escape—and what would come after.
Avery’s POV
When the car rolled through the iron gates of the estate, Don Zachary didn’t spare me a glance.
His attention was fixed entirely on the woman clinging to his arm.
He guided his nauseated mistress up the marble steps toward the master suite, his palm firm at her lower back, steering her as if she were something fragile—and precious. He barked instructions to the chef to prepare her favorite dishes, then lingered at the doorway longer than necessary, watching her settle into the bed that had once been mine, waiting for her smile like a man desperate for approval.
Only when he turned to head downstairs did he finally notice me.