Chapter 4

The morning after the confrontation, I found myself driving to the Hayes estate in a daze. My hands trembled on the steering wheel as memories of yesterday's humiliation played on repeat in my mind: Victoria's cruel smile, the scratches I'd left on her perfect face, and worst of all—Marcus rushing to her side without a moment's hesitation.

I needed someone on my side. Despite everything, some foolish part of me still hoped my brother might listen if we spoke alone, away from Victoria's influence.

The Hayes mansion loomed ahead, its limestone facade gleaming in the morning sun. This had been…