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 sharply

“I think I saw her getting into some guy’s car earlier. A black Audi? She seemed… really

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

saying what I saw. You know how all the guys at Westbrook follow her around like puppies. She’s

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

now.”

94.0%

Chapter 5

eyes instantly welled with

knees. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I always say the wrong

your real daughter–the true Dagonet princess. And I’m

have even a tiny corner of your heart, Daddy, that’s enough for me. I’d never try to take Valentina’s place…”

it would make things easier, I can disappear. Just say the word

comfort and

silence, a nurse finally approached. “Honey,

head snapped up, her eyes darting around

you fucking

calculating. “After everything that bitch has put us through, they’re

her phone and dialed rapidly. “Shane.

up. That job you did on Valentina? I need something similar,

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

ringleader who had

ice–cold. “During the video, I need you to slip up and mention Valentina’s name.