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?”

Caspian both turned

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 friendly

Dad cut her off. “Valentina has never given a damn about anything except ballet. She wouldn’t go off with some random

saying what I saw. You know how all the guys at Westbrook follow her around like puppies. She’s always had them wrapped around her finger.”

because she’s genuinely kind–unlike some people.” His voice hardened. “Victoria, I’m warning you. Don’t try to smear

now.”

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Chapter 5

instantly welled with picture–perfect tears.

so sorry,” she whispered. “I always say the

daughter–the true Dagonet princess. And I’m

“As long as I have even a tiny corner of

easier, I can disappear. Just say the

comfort and reassurance

a painfully long silence, a nurse finally approached.

snapped up, her eyes darting

fucking kidding me?”

features hardened into something cruel and calculating. “After everything that bitch has put us through, they’re still running

her phone and dialed rapidly.

That job you did on Valentina? I need something similar, but this time I’m the target.

Make it look real–bruises, tears, the whole nine

the ringleader who had tortured

slip up and mention Valentina’s name. Make it