Chapter 3: The Mistress Learns Her Price
By sunrise, Vanessa was no longer wearing silk.
She sat in an interview room under cold fluorescent lights, mascara streaked beneath her eyes, hands trembling around a paper cup of water.
Across from her sat Evelyn.
Clean clothes.
Bandaged lip.
Calm face.
Vanessa stared at her in disbelief.
“You came here to gloat?”
Evelyn shook her head.
“I came here to give you one chance.”
Vanessa laughed bitterly.
“To do what?”
“To tell the truth before Adrian blames everything on you.”
The laughter died in Vanessa’s throat.
Evelyn slid a folder across the table.
Inside were bank transfers.
Messages.
Voice recordings.
Photos of secret meetings.
Proof that Adrian had used Vanessa to hide company money, bribe officials, and blackmail investors.
Vanessa’s hands shook as she turned the pages.
“He told me those were gifts.”
Evelyn leaned forward.
“He told everyone exactly what they needed to hear.”
Vanessa’s voice cracked.
“I loved him.”
Evelyn looked at her for a long second.
“No. You loved the version of him that made you feel chosen.”
Vanessa covered her mouth.
For the first time, she looked less like a rival…
And more like another fool Adrian had used.
Evelyn stood.
May you like
“Decide carefully. Because by tonight, Adrian will choose someone to sacrifice.”
She walked out before Vanessa could answer.
