As Lily and Chris entered the VIP prison, Lily's jaw dropped. The place looked more like a luxury hotel than a jail. Plush carpets lined the halls, and ornate paintings adorned the walls.
"This is a prison?" Lily whispered, incredulous.
Chris's face darkened. "Welcome to Nysorian justice," he muttered.
They approached Avery's cell, if you could call it that. Two bored-looking guards stood by an open door. Inside, Lily could see Avery lounging on a velvet chaise, phone in hand, laughing at something.
Avery looked up, her eyes gleaming as she spotted them. "Well, well," she purred, setting her phone aside. "If it isn't the lovebirds. Come to see how the other half lives?"
Lily's stomach churned as a maid entered, carrying a silver tray laden with what looked like gourmet food.
"This is ridiculous," Chris growled. "You're supposed to be in custody, not on vacation."
Avery smirked, plucking a grape from the tray. "Oh, Chris. Always so dramatic. This is just how things work here. You should know that by now."
Lily felt her cheeks burn with anger and frustration. How could Avery be so comfortable after everything she'd done?
"We're here to make sure you don't get released," Lily said, trying to keep her voice steady.
Avery's laugh was like tinkling glass. "Oh, sweetie. You're wasting your time. I'll be out of here before dinner."
Chris stepped forward, his eyes blazing. "Not if we have anything to say about it. We're giving our statements. You're not getting away with attempted murder."
"Attempted murder?" Avery raised an eyebrow. "Such harsh words. It was all just a misunderstanding, wasn't it, Lily dear?"
Lily felt her resolve wavering under Avery's confident gaze. How could someone so cruel seem so... normal?
"Don't let her get to you," Chris murmured, squeezing Lily's hand.
Avery's eyes narrowed at the gesture. "How touching. But really, you two should run along. I have calls to make, and people to see. You know how it is."
As they left, Lily felt a whirlwind of emotions. Anger at the injustice, fear of what Avery might do if released, and a deep, gnawing worry that maybe, just maybe, Avery was right. Maybe they were wasting their time.
"I can't believe they're keeping her like that," Lily said as they walked away. "It's not fair."
Chris's jaw was set, his eyes hard. "Welcome to the real world, Lily. This is how things work when you have money and power. And she also has claims on the gold mines, so it will not be easy to bring her down!"
Lily felt a chill run down her spine. Was this the world she was stepping into? A world where attempted murder could be brushed off as a "misunderstanding"?
As they headed to give their statements, Lily's mind raced. She thought of how far she'd come, from the shy, insecure girl she'd been to someone who could stand up to Avery. But seeing Avery so comfortable, so confident... It made Lily question everything.
Could they really stop her? Or was Avery always going to be one step ahead?
Lily squeezed Chris's hand, drawing strength from his presence. Whatever happened, they were in this together. And maybe, just maybe, that would be enough.
…
Lily took a deep breath as she entered the office of Chief Inspector Reeves, the top law enforcement officer in Nysorian. The room was imposing, with dark wood paneling and a massive desk that made Lily feel small.
"Miss Smith," Reeves greeted her, his tone respectful but reserved. "Please, have a seat."
As Lily sat, she felt Chris's reassuring presence beside her. She steeled herself, determined to tell her story clearly and convincingly.
"I understand you're here to give your statement regarding the incident with Miss Sterling," Reeves began, his piercing gaze fixed on Lily.
Lily nodded, her voice steadier than she felt. "Yes, sir. Avery Sterling attempted to kill me. She admitted it on the plane."
Reeves leaned back, his expression unreadable. "Miss Smith, I respect your position as one of the gold mine heiresses. But you must understand, that Miss Sterling is also an heiress. This complicates matters."
Lily felt her heart sink. "But sir, that doesn't change what happened."
"Indeed," Reeves agreed. "However, Miss Sterling has given her own statement. She claims you attempted to kill her for control of the gold mines."
Lily gasped, shock and disbelief washing over her. "That's not true! She's lying!"
Chris leaned forward, his eyes flashing with anger. "This is ridiculous. You have proof. The pilots can confirm Lily's story."
Reeves held up a hand. "Which is why Miss Liliana Smith isn't behind bars herself. But the fact remains, we lack concrete evidence against Miss Sterling."
Lily felt a chill run down her spine. Could she really be arrested for this? The thought made her stomach churn.
"So what happens now?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Reeves sighed. "A trial will be held next week. Both sides will present their case, and a decision will be made."
Chris slammed his hand on the desk, making Lily jump. "This is why I should have shot her when I had the chance," he growled.
Reeves's eyes narrowed. "Mr. Eaton, I'd advise against such statements. They could be used against you."
As they left the office, Lily's mind was reeling. A week more in Nysoria. A week of uncertainty and fear.
"I can't believe this," Chris muttered as they walked. "If I'd just pulled the trigger..."
Lily shook her head. "No, Chris. That would have made things worse."
She looked out at the bustling streets of Nysorian. It was beautiful, but it wasn't home - even if she owned their gold mines. She missed New York, missed the familiarity and comfort of her old life.
But as she thought about Avery, about all the years of torment and bullying, a new resolve settled over her. This wasn't just about the recent attempt on her life. This was about years of abuse, years of feeling small and powerless.
"We have to end this," Lily said, her voice firm. "Once and for all."
Chris looked at her, surprise and admiration in his eyes. "You're right. We'll fight this, Lily. Together."
As they walked back to their temporary home, Lily felt a mix of emotions swirling within her. Fear of what lay ahead, frustration at the injustice of it all, homesickness for New York. But underneath it all was a steely determination.
Avery had tormented her for too long. From childhood bullying to this attempt on her life, Avery had tried to break her at every turn. But not anymore. Lily was done being a victim.
"We need a plan," she said as they entered their room. "We need to gather every bit of evidence we can. We need to be prepared for whatever Avery might try."
Chris nodded, a slow smile spreading across his face. "That's my girl," he said softly. "We'll show them all what you're made of."
As they settled in to strategize, Lily felt a strange sense of calm. Yes, they were stuck in Nysorian for another week. Yes, they faced a formidable opponent in Avery. But for the first time, Lily felt truly ready for the fight.
This wasn't just about survival anymore. It was about justice, about standing up for herself after years of being pushed down. And with Chris by her side, Lily felt invincible.
As night fell over Nysorian, Lily looked out at the twinkling lights of the city. She might miss New York, but she had a battle to win here first. And win she would, no matter what it took.
…
Lily stood before the mirror in the guest house's opulent bathroom, carefully applying the finishing touches to her makeup. Her hands trembled slightly as she swept on a coat of deep red lipstick, a shade bolder than she'd ever dared to wear before. The white silk dress she'd chosen clung to her curves, its pale color making her eyes pop.
As she spritzed on a hint of jasmine perfume, Lily took a deep breath, steadying her nerves. This was more than just dressing up; it was her attempt at avenging what Chris did to her last night.
How dare he leave her all cold and call it a preview?!
As she stepped out of the bathroom, head held high, Lily felt a thrill of anticipation. Revenge, justice, love – tonight, it all hung in the balance.
She was gonna seduce him, and leave him cold just when he wants more - just like how he left her last night.
She will take him to the heaven and bring him back to the hell...