Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin)

Chapter 282

Tahlia's wrist was so swollen that it looked like a ham hock, and her smudged makeup, streaked with tears, left her looking completely disheveled.

She was beyond miserable. Whenever she used the same tricks, no man had ever been this cold, let alone resorted to actual violence.

Zane sat slumped on the ground, his mind reeling.

This was bad!

Austin was infamous for his ruthlessness. If he held a grudge, years of Zane's hard work could be wiped out in an instant. It felt like his entire world was collapsing.

Tahlia, still sobbing, looked up at him. "Dad, it hurts so much. Take me to the hospital."

Austin was too dangerous. If she had another chance, she would never have provoked him. It wasn't worth it. The pain she felt now was unbearable. He was a monster!

Zane snapped his head up and glared at her, his voice ice-cold. "Useless! You can't even seduce a man. What good are you?"

Tahlia's eyes widened in disbelief, her lips trembling. "Dad... what are you saying?"

This was his idea. She never would have known Austin was here otherwise. Now that things had gone wrong, Zane was blaming everything on her.

crossed Zane's face before he scoffed. "Figure it out yourself." With that,

watched his retreating figure, her tears falling even harder.

sharp scream tore from her throat as she clutched her

suite, he sat on the couch for a long time, his mind still simmering with irritation. Then, he pulled out his

voice dropped to a murmur. "Three

fingers hovered over the screen for a moment before he dialed

soon as the line connected,

...

passed in the blink of an

sketches, determined to wrap up her work so that she could finally

Villa, the spacious study was decorated with minimalist wooden furniture on a white carpet, giving the room a cozy elegance. A wooden desk sat by the floor-to-ceiling windows, perfectly positioned to catch the sunlight

leaned back in her plush chair with a tablet in hand, making the final

was complete, she set down her stylus, reviewed her work, and

she stretched and felt the tension melt away. It

Opening her eyes, she glanced at the caller ID

her legs resting on Aaron's lap as he gently massaged the pressure points Suzanne had taught

Emma misses you. Are you free tonight? We'd love to invite you for