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

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

has never given a damn about anything except ballet. She

saw. You know how all the guys at Westbrook follow her around

kind–unlike some people.” His

now.”

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Chapter 5

eyes instantly welled with

she whispered. “I always say the wrong thing, don’t I? I

Dagonet princess. And I’m just… your

voice catching 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 place…”

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

comfort and reassurance she expected never came.

nurse finally approached. “Honey, they’re gone. Left

snapped up, her eyes darting around the empty room.

you fucking

something cruel and calculating. “After everything that bitch has put us through, they’re still running after her? Fine. We’ll see how they feel when I’m the

phone and dialed rapidly. “Shane. It’s

That job you did on Valentina? I need something

“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

ringleader who had tortured

“During the video, I need you to slip up and mention Valentina’s