Chapter 10
Theo gripped the photos so tightly that his knuckles turned white, his teeth grinding audibly.
“Hand over everything right now! Don’t push met he snarled.
Amelia smiled faintly, her movements dow and deliberate as she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Her calmness seemed to mock his rage. “My condition is ten million dollars. Not a penny less.”
It hit Theo like a slap in the face–the roles had shifted.
Without him even realizing it, the one issuing threats had become the one at the mercy of her
He glared at Amelia, her proud, unyielding face radiating defiance.
Her confidence was unnerving, like a poisonous flower in full bloom–dazzling yet deadly.
The sharp edge in her gaze was cuming, like a dagger dipped in venom.
Amelia was silently daring him to show just how far his shamelessness could go.
le price.
For too long. Theo had reveled in power and control. Now, it was time for him to pay the
Theo squirmed under her relentless gaze, anger bubbling to the surface until it finally boiled over
Without a thought for the crowded restaurant or the watching patrons, he lunged forward
His hand clamped down on her collar, his fingers tightening around her throat.
Then, with a furious yell, he raised his other lund, poised to slap her.
Amelia, pinned in her chair, had nowhere to move. There was no space for her to retreat.
Her body tensed instinctively, and she shut her eyes, bracing for the inevitable blow:
But it never came.
The seconds stretched unbearably, each tick of the clock loud in her ears.
Finally, she cracked open one eye cautiously.
A long leg had intervened, wedged firmly between her and Theo’s outstretched hand.
The familiar scent of vanilla and fresh linen washed over her, a comforting echo of the night she’d fought to survive by the river.
It was Vince Hollow.
He stood like a shield in front of Amelia, blocking Theo’s strike mid–motion
His other hand rested lightly on her shoulder, steadying her with a protective touch.
Theo froze, his mind struggling to catch up.
Before he could react, a sharp “crack” rang out as Vince twisted his wrist with precision
Pain shot through Theo’s arm, and he stumbled backward, losing his footing and crashing to the floor.
The photos flew from Theo’s grip, scattering across the restaurant like confetti.
Each one landed face–up, the explicit images glaringly clear for all to see.
Thea’s eyes widened in panic. He mustered frantically, “It’s over. It’s all over…
Curiosity rippled through the diners.
Fyes darted toward the photos, whispers and muffled laughter spreading through the room like wildfire.
In that instant. Theo became the unwilling center of attention, the male lead in an unflattering scandal for all to witness.
1/2
Chapter 10
Ignoring the sharp pain in his wrist, Theo scrambled to gather the photos, his hands trembling,
The sound of mocking laughter echoed in his ears, each chuckle cutting deeper than the pain in his body.
It was humiliation of the highest order–as if he’d been stripped naked in public,
And it was all because of Amelia. That vindictive woman!
“Ahhh! Ouch–Theo yelped as fresh pain shot through his hand.
Amelia had stepped on it deliberately, her heel digging in with merciless precision.
Her voice was icy as she sneered, “Move it, mutt. Don’t block the way,”
When she finally lifted her foot, his hand was left bruised and swollen.
Now, both of Theo’s hands were nearly useless.
He struggled to his feet, trembling with rage and humiliation, ready to lash out again
But the moment his eyes landed on Vince, his fury drained away, replaced by fear.
Vince Lowered over him, at least six foot one, his posture straight and commanding
His vintage gold–rimmed glasses framed piercing eyes, his features sharp and refined.
Dressed in a coffee–colored wool coat and matching trousers, his appearance was effortlessly elegant–but the cold intensity in his gaze radiated quiet menace.
At that moment. Theo stood frozen, sweat trickling down his forehead.
His clothes were dirty and rumpled, a stark reflection of his complete humiliation.
When his eyes met Vince’s. Theo felt an overwhelming sense of inadequacy
The contrast between them couldn’t have been more pronounced.
Vince exuded composure and power, while Theo stood there, defeated and disheveled
Adding to Theo’s frustration was the lingering ache from Vince’s shove–there had been nothing casual about it. The force was calculated, a clear message meant to put Theo in his place.
Theo’s wounded pride burned fiercely, the sting of humiliation gnawing at him
Clenching his fists tightly. Theo swallowed his anger, powerless to retaliate as he watched Amelia and Vince leave the restaurant together, side by
side
It was a public humiliation he’d never forget—a moment that scared itself into his memoły like a scar.
E
