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 toward

“I probably shouldn’t say anything, but…” she paused dramatically. “I think I saw her getting into some

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

eyes widened with practiced innocence. “I’m just saying what I saw. You know how all the guys at Westbrook follow her around like

“Val is friends with everyone because she’s genuinely kind–unlike some people.” His voice hardened. “Victoria, I’m warning you. Don’t try to smear her reputation.

now.”

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Chapter 5

eyes instantly welled with

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

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

intentionally. “As long as I have even a tiny corner of your heart, Daddy, that’s enough for me. I’d never try to take Valentina’s

voice dropped to a breathless whisper. “If it would make things easier, I can disappear. Just say the word and you’ll

comfort and reassurance

a nurse finally approached. “Honey, they’re gone. Left a couple minutes ago.”

eyes darting around the empty

fucking kidding

has put us through, they’re still running after her? Fine. We’ll see how they feel when I’m the one missing.”

yanked out her phone and dialed rapidly. “Shane.

voice 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

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

ringleader who had

thing,” Victoria continued, her voice 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 it? Good.