Alden’s car swerved sharply and came to an abrupt stop in front of the gate to the Finley mansion. The man got out, panting, his eyes bloodshot. The cell phone in his hand still displayed a text message containing a photo of the marriage certificate and Anna’s frail body lying on the bed. Finley’s sarcastic message set his mind ablaze.
Four bodyguards armed with automatic rifles immediately pointed their guns at Alden as he barged inside. Alden didn’t care. He kept walking until he pushed open the wooden door to the main living room.
Finley sat casually on the leather sofa, a glass of whiskey clasped between his fingers. A smug, triumphant smile was etched across his face.
“You’re quick, Alden,” Finley greeted him coldly, staring at his rival without a hint of hesitation. “It turns out you were right—Anna really is your biggest weakness.”
“Where’s Anna, you bastard?!” Alden snapped, breathing heavily. “Let her go! Your problem is with me—don’t drag Anna into this!”
Finley gently set his glass down, producing a loud clink. “She’s in her room, exhausted after screaming all night. You know… settling Feya’s blood debt has never been this exciting.”
“I never killed Feya!” Alden exploded. “How many times do I have to tell you, Finley?! You have no proof!”
Finley sprang to his feet, his eyes blazing with rage. He pointed at Alden. “Shut up! We live in the black market, Alden! I know exactly how scumbags like you cover their tracks!”
Alden clenched his fists so tightly that his fingernails dug into his palms. He saw Finley’s ten henchmen ready to open fire. A brutal attack on this place would only trigger Anna’s immediate execution.
Alden’s body trembled. His ego and pride as the leader of the black market mafia crumbled in an instant.
Alden dropped to his knees on the cold marble floor before Finley.
“Take my life,” Alden said, his voice breaking. “Behead me, cut out my tongue, kill me right here in this room! But let Anna go… I beg you.”
Finley chuckled softly. He walked closer and stopped right in front of Alden, who was kneeling in resignation. “Very touching. But watching you suffer while thinking of Anna rotting in my hands is far more satisfying, Alden.”
“Take her downstairs, Lexi!” Finley ordered his assistant over the intercom.
Footsteps could be heard coming down the spiral staircase. Anna appeared in a loose-fitting dress, her face deathly pale, a bruise visible on her swollen lip. When her eyes fell on Alden, who was kneeling on the floor with a bruised face, Anna’s breath caught in her throat.
“Alden!” Anna shouted, about to run.
But Finley moved quickly. He spun around and landed a hard kick to Alden’s chest.
Alden collapsed, groaning as the air was suddenly knocked out of him.
“Stop it, Finley!” Anna screamed in shock. She tried to break free, but Lexi held her arm in an iron grip.
Finley grabbed Alden by the hair, forcing him to look up, and grinned at Anna. “Every time you defy me, Anna… the sibling you love most will suffer the consequences.”
“Finley, I’m begging you!” Anna burst into tears. Her eyes fixed on Alden, who was struggling to get up, his lips bleeding.
Alden looked at Anna. “Anna… don’t listen to him. I’ll take you home.”
“No, Alden! Stop it!” Anna cut in sharply.
Anna took a deep breath, forcing herself to stop sobbing. She straightened her bruised back, enduring the excruciating pain throughout her body. In front of the two dangerous men, Anna forced her lips into a wide curve, forming a smile.
A sweet smile that was so fake, yet resolute.
“I’m fine, Alden,” Anna said in a deliberately calm voice. “Finley didn’t hit me. These wounds… they’re just a minor accident.”
“You’re lying, Anna! He tortured you!” Alden snapped hoarsely. He wasn’t some fool who could be fooled so easily.
“I’m not lying!” Anna stared straight into Alden’s eyes, her tone cold. “I’m here of my own free will. I’m happy to be Finley’s wife. He treats me very well.”
Alden froze. “Anna… what are you saying?”
“Go home,” Anna pleaded, blinking repeatedly so Alden would understand the veiled threat, then smiled. “I’m fine, trust me.”
Alden’s chest felt incredibly tight. He saw the lifeless, resigned look in Anna’s eyes—a clear plea for him to leave immediately, before Finley pulled the trigger.
Finley laughed smugly, patting Alden’s helpless shoulder. “Did you hear my wife, Mr. Wesley? The exit is right behind you. Leave before I change my mind and toss your corpses into the river.”
Reluctantly, with regret burning in his chest, Alden slowly stood up. He looked at Anna before leaving her alone, a silent vow of vengeance implied in his eyes, then finally turned and walked out.
The mansion’s massive doors slammed shut.
The smile on Anna’s lips vanished instantly. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the cold marble floor. Finley approached her, crouched down, and roughly gripped Anna’s chin, forcing her pale face to look at him.
“A remarkable performance, Miss Wesley,” Finley whispered coldly into her ear. “Stay obedient if you still want to see Alden breathing tomorrow.”