Chapter 5

"Mr. Linley?" Kevin stammered, his voice shaking.

His knees buckled, legs turning to jelly.

Richard didn't even spare Kevin a glance, ignoring him completely as he walked straight up to me.

When he saw my wrists, red and raw from the security guards' grip, and the sweat clinging to me, his eyes, always cold and decisive in business, suddenly turned misty and red.

"Charlotte, Dad's late," he said, his voice thick with regret.

His hand trembled as he reached out, wanting to touch my head, but he hesitated, afraid he might hurt me.

I sniffled, forcing a bright smile.

"Dad,…