The door slammed shut behind him, leaving the heavy silence to settle once more. My heart pounded, anger and humiliation swirling inside me like a storm. I stared at the empty space where Dominic had stood moments ago, his words echoing in my mind. "You've just made things worse for yourself."
Worse? How could it get any worse than this? Trapped in a fortress surrounded by enemies, accused of crimes I didn't commit, and forced to endure the constant presence of a man who seemed determined to crush me.
I sank onto the edge of the bed, my fists clenching against the silk sheets. I couldn't let him win. Not like this.
Downstairs, Dominic paced the length of his study, his expression dark and brooding. Marco stood by the door, his usual calm demeanor tinged with unease.
"She's lying," Dominic said, his voice a low growl.
Marco hesitated, glancing at the folder in his hand. "She might be," he said carefully. "But there's something else you need to see."
Dominic stopped pacing, his sharp gaze locking onto Marco. "What is it?"
Marco stepped forward and placed the folder on the desk. "These ledgers you showed her—they're doctored. Someone's gone to great lengths to make it look like she's involved. But there are discrepancies. Dates that don't match, signatures that look forged."
Dominic's jaw tightened. "Are you saying someone inside my circle did this?"
Marco nodded. "It's possible. And if they did, it means Scarlett might be telling the truth."
The room fell silent, the weight of Marco's words hanging heavy in the air. Dominic's mind raced, piecing together fragments of information. Could it be true? Had someone within his own ranks set Scarlett up?
Upstairs, I paced the room, my mind working overtime. The failed escape attempt had been reckless, but it had also revealed something important: Dominic wasn't as untouchable as he seemed. He had vulnerabilities. Flaws. And if I could find them, I might have a chance.
The door clicked open again, and I tensed, expecting Dominic. But it wasn't him. One of his men—a tall, wiry figure with cold eyes—stepped inside, carrying a tray.
"Dinner," he said flatly, setting it down on the table.
I didn't thank him. Instead, I watched him carefully, noting the way his gaze lingered on the camera in the corner before he left.
Once he was gone, I approached the tray, my stomach twisting. I wasn't hungry, but I needed my strength. As I picked at the food, my eyes kept darting to the vent I'd tried to crawl through earlier. They'd sealed it. Of course, they had.
Still, the wheels in my head kept turning. If I couldn't escape physically, maybe I could find another way.
In his study, Dominic stared at the fire crackling in the hearth, Marco's words replaying in his mind. He didn't want to believe it. Couldn't believe it. But the evidence didn't lie. Someone was manipulating him.
Scarlett's face flashed in his mind, her defiance, her fire. She had been so adamant about her innocence. And now, for the first time, he wondered if she might be telling the truth.
He picked up the folder Marco had brought and stared at the damning documents inside. His fingers itched to tear them apart, to rid himself of the doubt gnawing at his mind.
"Burn it," he ordered suddenly, his voice cold and decisive.
Marco blinked. "What?"
"Burn it," Dominic repeated. "All of it. If someone's playing games with me, I want to see how far they'll go. And Scarlett stays close until I know the truth."
Marco hesitated but eventually nodded, gathering the documents. The flames consumed the papers quickly, the edges curling and blackening until there was nothing left.
In my room, I froze as the lock turned once more. This time, it was Dominic. He stepped inside, his presence as commanding as ever.
"I hope you're comfortable," he said, his tone laced with mockery.
I crossed my arms, meeting his gaze. "What do you want now? More accusations? More threats?"
His lips curved into a dangerous smirk. "You're staying here until I figure out what to do with you."
"Figure out what to do with me?" I repeated, my voice rising. "You can't just keep me locked up like some—some prisoner!"
"I can do whatever I want, Scarlett," he said, his voice low and menacing. "And until I get the answers I need, you're not going anywhere."
I took a step closer, my anger boiling over. "You're a coward, Dominic. Too afraid to admit you might be wrong."
His eyes darkened, and for a moment, I thought he might lash out. But instead, he leaned in, his voice a deadly whisper.
"You're playing a dangerous game, Scarlett. And when this is over, we'll see who's left standing."
As he turned to leave, I felt a shiver run down my spine. But I refused to let him see my fear.
The door slammed shut behind him, and I sank onto the bed, my mind racing. Dominic might think he held all the power, but I wasn't going down without a fight.
For now, I had to bide my time. But when the moment came, I'd be ready.
The camera's red light blinked twice, then went dark. My breath caught in my throat.
Someone had turned it off.
And I wasn't alone anymore.