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?”

turned sharply

I saw her getting into some guy’s car earlier.

never given a damn about

innocence. “I’m just saying what I saw. You know how all the guys at Westbrook

people.” His

now.”

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Chapter 5

instantly welled with picture–perfect tears.

sorry,” she whispered. “I always say the wrong thing, don’t I? I know I’ll

princess. And I’m

long as I have even a tiny corner of your heart,

I can disappear. Just

and reassurance she

nurse finally approached.

snapped up, her eyes

fucking kidding

instant, her entire demeanor transformed. Her delicate features hardened into something cruel and calculating. “After everything that bitch has put us through, they’re still running after

out her phone and dialed

dropped an octave, all softness gone. “Listen up. That job you did on Valentina? I need something similar, but this time I’m the target. Double your usual

predator. “Yeah, you heard me right. I want you to ‘kidnap‘ me. Make it look real–bruises, tears, the whole

who had tortured

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