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?”

both turned sharply toward her.

I saw her getting into some

a damn about anything except ballet. She

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

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

now.”

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Chapter 5

eyes instantly welled with

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I always say the wrong thing, don’t I? I know I’ll never belong

princess. And I’m just… your mistake. Your secret.”

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

dropped to a breathless whisper. “If it would make things easier, I can disappear.

rush of comfort and reassurance she expected

long silence, a nurse finally approached. “Honey, they’re

snapped up, her eyes

you fucking kidding

calculating. “After everything that bitch has put us through, they’re still running after her? Fine.

her phone and dialed

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 rate.”

room like a predator. “Yeah, you heard me right. I want you to ‘kidnap‘ me. Make it look real–bruises, tears, the whole nine yards. Just don’t touch my face or break anything. I need to dance next

the ringleader who had tortured me.

up and mention Valentina’s name. Make it seem like she hired you for revenge. Got