The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights by Brick Moving Ant

Chapter 5

Caspian’s voice broke as he wiped away a tear. “Three search teams out looking. Not a single damn lead. Dad… what if Val did something to herself? After everything that happened…”

“Don’t even say that,” Dad snapped, though terror flickered in his eyes. “She’s a survivor. Always has

been.”

As he turned to leave, Victoria appeared in the doorway, instantly transforming her face into a mask

of childlike concern.

“Daddy?” she said softly, eyes wide and innocent. “That rescue puppy I’ve been fostering is doing so much better today! He’s actually

me to see him? It might cheer y “gging his tail and everything. Could you maybe come home with

you up…”

Victoria had carefully crafted her animal–rescuer persona to manipulate Dad’s affections.

But for once, he wasn’t taking the bait.

“Not now, Victoria,” he said tersely.

Victoria’s lower lip trembled perfectly on cue. “Is it about Valentina? Is she okay?”

and Caspian both turned sharply

slightly. “I probably shouldn’t say anything, but…” she paused dramatically. “I think I saw her getting into some guy’s car earlier. A black Audi? She seemed… really

damn about anything except ballet. She wouldn’t go off with

saw. You know how all the guys at Westbrook follow her around like puppies. She’s always had them

because she’s genuinely kind–unlike some people.” His voice hardened. “Victoria, I’m

now.”

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Chapter 5

instantly welled with

floor in a graceful collapse, hugging her knees. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I always say the wrong thing, don’t I? I know I’ll

And I’m

okay though,” she continued, voice catching intentionally. “As long as I have even a tiny corner of

“If it would make things easier, I can disappear. Just

of comfort and

finally approached. “Honey, they’re

head snapped up, her eyes darting around the empty

you fucking kidding me?”

Her delicate features hardened into something cruel and calculating. “After everything that bitch has put us through, they’re still running after her? Fine. We’ll see how they feel when I’m the one

her phone and dialed rapidly. “Shane. It’s

octave, all softness gone. “Listen up. That job you did on Valentina? I need something

you to ‘kidnap‘ me. Make it look

ringleader who had

ice–cold. “During the video, I need you to slip up and mention Valentina’s name. Make it seem like she hired you for revenge. Got