Chapter Six:
As soon as Liza finished eating, she stood up, refusing to acknowledge Theo's watchful gaze. Without a word, she turned and headed toward the staircase, hoping to release her pain in her room. But just as she reached the base of the stairs, she heard a sharp snap of Theo's fingers behind her.
Before she could react, two men in black suits stepped into her path, blocking her way. Liza froze, glancing back at Theo, who was still seated at the table, his expression calm but his eyes shining with authority.
"Where do you think you're going, Phoenixia?" he asked, his voice smooth but firm.
"I'm going to my room," she replied defiantly, crossing her arms. "Or are you going to stop me from doing that too?"
Theo rose from his seat slowly, taking his time as he adjusted his suit jacket. He approached her, his footsteps echoing in the silent room until he stood just a few feet away, his presence both intimidating and magnetic.
"You seem to think you can come and go as you please," he said, his tone gentle but laced with a hint of rage. "But things work a little differently here."
Liza clenched her fists, anger bubbling beneath the sarcastic smile. "You brought me here against my will. I don't owe you anything."
Theo's smirk widened, a flash of something dark and unyielding in his eyes. "Ah, but you do. And the sooner you accept that, the easier things will be."
Liza's jaw tightened. She was trapped, surrounded by Theo's men, and any hope of escape felt like it was slipping further from reach. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
"Fine," she said through gritted teeth, refusing to let him see her fear. "Then tell me what it is you want from me."
Theo leaned in slightly, his voice barely above a whisper. "All in good time, Phoenixia. But for now, you're staying close. I have no intention of letting you slip away."
The two men stepped aside, giving her enough space to turn back toward the living room. With one last defeated glance at Theo, Liza retreated, feeling his gaze linger on her like a shadow.