Chapter 4
1298 Vouchers
She collapsed, hollow–eyed, and slowly lifted her gaze to the man before
her.
Bitter tears streaked her face as she choked out, “Alexander… what will it take for you to let my mother and me go?”
She couldn’t bear another day walking the razor’s edge.
Nor let her mother’s memory drown in infamy.
Alexander’s eyes flickered with irritation at Olivia’s broken stare. He almost reached for her-
then caught himself, face hardening. “Olivia, don’t even think about getting rid of me.”
He turned and left without a backward glance.
Olivia sat alone on the rooftop, unaware when he’d gone.
The next day, Alexander announced his engagement to Victoria, jetting off for a pre–wedding getaway.
Beaches, oceans, sunsets–all witnesses to their romance.
Olivia healed quickly and checked herself out of the hospital.
She returned to the Sinclair Manor to pack, then retreated alone into the mountains.
For a week, peace settled over her days.
Until she stumbled upon Alexander and Victoria’s hiking group deep in those same woods.
Olivia tried to slip past unseen, but Alexander commanded, “Ten grand. Lead the way.”
Chapter 4
258 Vouchers
Arrogant. Entitled. Cold.
What had she ever seen in him?
As she opened her mouth to refuse, a white flash split the sky-
A jagged bolt of lightning struck like a blade.
CRACK!
It split the hillside trees ahead.
Worse–sparks erupted, igniting the forest.
“RUN!”
Olivia’s shout tore from her throat as she bolted downhill.
The group scrambled after her, but none matched her speed. Some even fumbled straight into the flames.
Soon, only Alexander and Victoria kept pace.
Fire lashed at Olivia’s exposed skin, blistering her arms. Flames licked at her calves, searing marks into her flesh.
Safety was just steps away when brute force yanked her backward.
Alexander commanded coldly, “Slow down. Victoria’s foot got cut.”
Olivia followed his gaze and barked a bitter laugh.
“A tiny scratch without even a drop of blood?
What kind of injury is that?!”
They might want to die, but she didn’t!
