Chapter 131

Sophia's hands were locked together so tightly her knuckles went alc.

Every breath she drew felt ragged, quivering with dread. Beside her in the car, Hanks kept his posture rigid.

He knew better than to lay a finger on a woman destined for Harlan Drake.

He valued his own skin too much.

"Listen up," Hanks sald in a low, steady voice. "You're about to meet Harlan Drake. Do exactly what he tells you. Man's got no patience, and he'll break yet if you give him a reason. One swing from him could shatter every bone in that slender arm of yours."

When the car finally stopped, Hanks threw the door open. "Out. Now. Don't make me haul you out myself."

Sophia's legs trembled as she stepped onto the gravel.

The mansion sprawled before her-its cold, imposing silhouette famed by perfectly trimmed hedges.

A heavy sense of foreboding clung to the air. Hanks clamped a hand around her arm and dragged her inside, the grand entry hall gleaming with polished marble floors and crystal chandeliers.

Without a word, he shoved her into a lavishly furnished room.

Inside stood Harlan Drake, phone in hand. The moment he saw her, his eyes narrowed.

He ended his call with a curt, "I'll call you back."

Hanks stood at attention. "Sir, this is Sophia Lancaster. The man who injured your son is Alex-her ex-husband. She knows everything about him. She can bring him here with a single phone call."

Harlan waved a dismissive hand, and Hanks hurried out without another word.

The door clicked shut behind him.

"So," Harlan said, his tone quiet but loaded, "you're Ms. Lancaster. You're exactly as stunning as they said. No wonder my useless son fought over you."

Sophia swallowed hard. "Sir Drake," she managed, voice unsteady "how is

"He's crippled," Harlan answered flatly. He motioned toward the sofa

"Crippled?” Her voice cracked, eyes going wide.

your son doing?"

"Sit," Harlan said, his stare hard. "I don't hit women-generally. You don't need to fear me if you don't give me a reason."

Sophia lowered herself onto the sofa, every motion laced with caution.

shape, offering

gaze flicked over

the cushions shifting beneath his

hand reached for her smartwatch, curling around it with controlled force. "Call him," he

hesitated, fear twisting

and clipped. "Because if have to hurt you, it won't just be one

shook as she activated the watch,

through the city with Jasmine in the passenger seat,

Chapter 131

**

windshi ad

sight of Sophia's call, he tapped

sharp, bracing

Sophia's voice that came

male voice snapped, "I'm sending you an address. You

this?" Alex

with me. that way. I

"If you

if

voice crackling through the speaker. "You're threatening someone under Kingston protection! Are you so stupid you

"Who's that screeching in the

dark chuckle. "So your little friend is a Kingston man, is he? Well, I don't care if he's your favorite toy. I want

Sophia," Jasmine spat. "If you don't, Kingston will tear your

with a sneer. "And if you manage to get inside these

where you are. We're coming. "I'm not going anywhere," Harlan said evenly, then

turned to Alex, her face etched with

said, the threat of fear evident in her

the car to a sharp stop in front of the

out, then opened the

stood looked ready to protest, but he pressed a gentle finger to her

know you want to protect me," he said softly. "But it's already too late

his words had stripped her of the will

close, letting her trembling body lean into

the mansion, Harlan punched a

end this with Kingston. If we

sofa, trembling, her neck pale in the overhead light. Harlan reached out, brushing a calloused finger along the column of her throat. "So tell me," he

2/3

Chapter 131

Her thoughts spun in panic, and she hated

fuel for Harlan's

neckline of her nightgown and

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255