Chapter 2:
Riley stormed out of the Garrett mansion, the grand entrance doors slamming shut behind her. She didn't notice the figure following closely behind until she reached her car.
"Riley, wait!" Isaac called out, his voice laced with desperation.
Riley spun around, her eyes narrowing as she took in Isaac's pleading expression. "What do you want, Isaac?" she spat, her voice venomous.
Isaac took a step closer, his hands extended in a conciliatory gesture. "I want you back, Riley. I was stupid to let you go."
Riley's laughter was harsh and mocking. "You think I'd ever take you back after what you did?" She shook her head, her eyes blazing with anger. "You're unbelievable."
Isaac's face contorted in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
Riley's smile was cold and calculated. "Don't play dumb, Isaac. I saw you and Zoey that night. I saw you making love to my sister."
Isaac's eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, he seemed to forget how to breathe. Then, his face darkened, and he took a step closer to Riley. "That's not true," he lied, his voice low and menacing.
Riley didn't flinch. Instead, she let out a contemptuous snort. "Don't lie to me, Isaac. I saw you."
Isaac's face twisted in anger, and he grabbed Riley's left hand, his grip tightening like a vice. But Riley was prepared. With a swift motion, she landed a heavy slap on Isaac's face, the sound echoing through the night air.
Isaac stumbled backward, his grip on Riley's hand loosening. Riley took advantage of the momentary distraction to wrench her hand free. She turned and got into her car, locking the doors behind her.
As she started the engine and pulled away from the curb, Riley caught a glimpse of Zoey watching from the shadows, her eyes blazing with hatred. Riley shivered, despite the warmth of the summer evening.
She drove away from the mansion, leaving the darkness and the secrets behind. But she knew she couldn't outrun her past forever.
At the same time, Atlas, Hunter, and Jaxon stepped into the club, the pulsating music and dim lighting enveloping them. Hunter and Jaxon were immediately drawn to the seductive women dancing on stage, their eyes scanning the room with interest. Atlas, however, remained unimpressed, his gaze sweeping over the crowd with a mixture of disinterest and disdain.
This was their usual Friday night haunt, a place to unwind and forget the stresses of the week. Hunter, ever the playboy, didn't waste any time, inviting a stunning woman to his private room. Jaxon and Atlas exchanged a knowing look, shaking their heads at their friend's antics.
Unbeknownst to Atlas, a woman had been watching him from across the room, her eyes fixed on him with a calculating intensity. Grace Lang, his ex-girlfriend, had been waiting for the perfect moment to strike. She slipped a powder into Atlas's wine glass, her hands moving swiftly and unnoticed.
Seven years ago, Grace had broken up with Atlas, hoping to manipulate him into chasing after her. But Atlas had discovered her darkest secret: she had deliberately harmed herself to guilt-trip his mother, Charlotte Norton, into forcing Atlas to stay with her. Atlas had never loved Grace, and her desperate attempts to win him back only repulsed him.
Now, as Atlas downed his wine in frustration, he had no idea that he was playing right into Grace's hands. His mind was preoccupied with the arranged marriage his grandfather, Oliver Norton, had orchestrated. Atlas was convinced that his future wife, Riley Garrett, was just another scheming woman, manipulating his family for her own gain.
Riley, that same night, sat alone in a quiet corner, nursing her drink and refusing to dance with the numerous men who approached her. She saw right through their charming smiles and suggestive glances – they only wanted one thing. Riley wasn't interested. She had come to the club to escape the drama of her family and the shameless actions of her father.
Ethan's request for her to return to Northdesh still lingered in her mind, stirring up a mix of emotions. He expected her to marry a stranger, just to secure financial support from the man's family. The thought of losing her mother's legacy, GGC, was unbearable. It was her mother's sweat and blood, and Riley felt a deep sense of responsibility to protect it.
But, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she would be sacrificing her own freedom by giving in to her father's demands. She didn't want to be a slave to her father's whims and her stepfamily's expectations. The dilemma tore her apart.
As she pondered her next move, Riley downed her champagne, unaware that it had been laced with Viagra. Within minutes, she began to feel uneasy, hot, and disoriented. She looked around for the bathroom, desperate for some air.
Riley stumbled out of the crowded bar and into the quiet hallway, searching for a way out. Suddenly, someone grabbed her from behind, covering her mouth to stifle her screams. Isaac Farrell's sinister grin spread across his face as he thought he had finally succeeded in getting the woman he desired.
Atlas Norton stood alone, nursing his drink as Jaxon retreated to his private room. But Atlas's relaxation was short-lived. He began to feel a creeping sense of unease, his body temperature rising. He loosened his tie, desperate for air, but it brought no relief. His throat parched, his vision blurred.
Grace Lang watched from the shadows, a wicked smile spreading across her face. "Atlas, you're mine," she whispered to herself.
Atlas stumbled towards the balcony, seeking fresh air. Instead, he was met with a disturbing sight: two people making out in the darkness. "Do these people have no shame left?" he muttered, disgust etched on his face.
But as he turned to leave, he noticed the woman struggling to free herself.
Atlas's eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched as he watched Riley struggle against Isaac. For a moment, he seemed to consider not getting involved. But then, with a swift motion, he strode towards the couple and flung Isaac away.
Isaac groaned, his body broken and battered.
Riley stumbled backward, gasping for breath. Atlas caught her by the elbow, steadying her and scooping her up over his shoulder. As he walked away, he sensed someone watching him. His vigilance on high alert, he quickened his pace.
Grace Lang trembled behind the curtain, recognizing the intensity in Atlas's gaze. She knew she had to hide, at least for now. Atlas had caught her scent, but he chose to ignore it, his focus on the woman he had just rescued.