Chapter 117
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Katrina’s POV_
Phillip had pulled me into the car and forced me home with him. He kept treating me like it was all my fault Silas was in this state and once again I was reminded of the time I was accused of poisoning Silas.
And just like that time, no one cared to listen to what I had to say and decided to treat me how they felt.
The mansion was quieter than I’d ever heard it. Too quiet. The only sounds were the whispers of men moving through the halls, their gazes sharp and piercing through me from the moment I had been there.
No one spoke to me. No one told me anything. I didn’t know the state Silas was in. And it drove
They had taken Silas somewhere–God knows where–and left me locked in a dnall room.
I hated it here, wanted to be with Silas but I was given no choice
me insane.
My mind replayed the scene over and over: Silas limp, pale, and bloodied and the fact it was all. My fault. Phillip’s accusations clung to me like a second skin, and doubt whispered in my ear.
A sharp knock at the door startled me. Before I could answer, the door swung open, and Maria stepped inside.
Her eyes went over the room before she finally found me, Ber lips pulled into an evil smile.
Maria. Silas‘ betrothed. The woman who watched me with a snake’s gaze and a cruel smirk every time our paths crossed.
She was the last thing I needed right now.
Right now, all I wanted to do was to check if Silas was alright.
“You look worse than I expected,” she said, her voice dripping with fake sympathy. “But then again, you’ve always been a mess, haven’t you?”
I clenched my fists, refusing to rise to her bait. “What do you want, Maria?”
Her lips curved into a smile, sharp as glass. “Oh, Katrina, I’m just here to check on you. After all, you were the last person seen with Silas. And look at the state he’s in now.”
My stomach dropped, and I forced myself to hold her gaze. “I saved him. What reason dont have to hurt Silas? Even Phillip saw thr men lying on the floor,” I burst out, angry and upset that the would play this kind of game on me.
Maria tilted her head, a cruel glint in her eyes. “Saved him? How noble. But you see, there’s a problem. Everyone knows Silas is practically untouchable–unless someone weak and treacherous had done something to Silas.”
“What are you talking about?” I demanded, my voice trembling.
Maria took another step closer, her expression twisting into something darker. “Phillip told us what he found. Silas bleeding out while you sat there holding the gun. Doesn’t look good, does it?”
My blood turned cold. “That’s not true!”
Was that way they were
saying? That Silas‘ situation was meant for me when I had done all I could.
She clicked her tongue, pretending to pity me. “Oh, Katrina, I’m afraid your word means nothing here. The men are already talking, whispering that you’re a liability–perhaps even a traitor Phillip, of course, thinks you’re just a stupid girl who doesn’t know her place, but me? I think you’re dangerous.”
08:56 Wed, Dec 18 @
Chapter 117
I stood, trembling with anger. “I didn’t betray Silas! You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
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Maria’s smile widened as she leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. “But I don’t need to know, darling. All I need is for everyone else to believe you did.”
The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. Maria wasn’t just here to taunt me. She was here to turn the men–Silas‘ men -against me. To make me the scapegoat.
“You want them to kill me,” I breathed.
Maria’s smile was icy, full of satisfaction. “You catch on quick. Maybe you’re not as stupid as you look.”
My heart pounded in my chest. I had no allies here, not with Silas fighting for his life somewhere, and not with Phillip spreading doubts like poison. And Maria–Maria was ready to strike the killing blow.
“What do you gain from this?” I forced out, trying to keep my voice steady. “Silas would never forgive you if you did this.” Maria laughed softly, the sound cruel and hollow. “Forgive me? Sweetheart, Silas isn’t conscious, and if he doesn’t wake up- well, someone has to take his place. Phillip has already stepped up.”
I stiffened. Phillip. Of course. It all made sense now.
“You’re working with him,” I said through gritted teeth. “You and Phillip want Silas out of the way.”
Maria feigned a look of innocence, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I don’t need to work with Phillip. All Ine is for the truth–my truth–to come out.” She straightened, the smug smile returning. “It’s easy, really. They already believe you’re trouble, Katrina. A dangerous outsider. A loose end Silas shouldn’t have kept.”
I couldn’t breathe. Every word she said, every step she took closer, tightened the noose around my neck. She was going to bury me alive, and no one would stop her.
Maria leaned in close, her perfume sickeningly sweet. “When they come for you–and trust me, they will–no one will listen to your cries for help. No one will save you. You’ll be nothing but a stain on the floor when this is over.”
The door behind her opened, and I flinched, expecting the worst. Two of Silas‘ men stepped in, their faces expressionless, their eyes cold as they turned to Maria.
“Take her,” Maria said simply, stepping back.
“No!” I shouted, trying to dart around them, but one of the men grabbed me by the arm, his grip like iron.
“Please! I didn’t do anything!” I screamed, struggling against them, but they didn’t hesitate as they dragged me toward the door. Maria stood there, watching, her expression victorious.
“Goodbye, Katrina,” she said softly. “Don’t worry–Silas won’t even remember you when he wakes up.”
The last thing I saw before they dragged me from the room was her cold smile.
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