Chapter 13 The Sting of Betrayal
Cristofer released Maryanne, his gaze masking a flicker of sorrow beneath the surface.
A faint, purple fingerprint bloomed on Maryanne’s pale neck.
“Hack…” She drew in ragged gasps of fresh air.
Her heart clenched with a sharp, piercing ache; he was truly merciless.
It seemed only his relentless cruelty could repeatedly shatter the hope she clung to.
Maryanne leaned heavily on Maggie, her gaze turning to ice.
Cristofer’s tall frame advanced, closing the distance again.
His sharp, angular fingers captured her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. His deep, cold eyes, devoid of any warmth, held hers. He stated, his voice a low, chilling rumble, “Maryanne, remember this: from the very beginning, what we shared was merely a joke. If you dare to cross my path again, don’t blame me when I crush you utterly.”
He wanted Maryanne to leave and go far away.
Maryanne’s eyes, usually bright, held a smile, yet they burned like the deepest flames in the night—both alluring and terrifying.
She violently shook off Cristofer’s hand, a searing pain lancing through her chest, the warmth draining from her face. “Cristofer, I’ll ensure you feel every ounce of pain you’ve inflicted, and you will understand the sting of betrayal, just as you made me feel.”
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Chapter 13 The Sting of Betrayal
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Pure, unadulterated hatred blazed in her eyes.
Cristofer’s deep eyes flickered, his hands clenched at his sides until h knuckles whitened, a clear struggle to maintain control etched on his face.
“If you truly possess the audacity you claim, I won’t mind you coming to me,” he countered, his lips curving into a smile that was both captivating and dripping with disdain.
Maryanne possessed no weaknesses, save for the lingering emotional tie that bound them.
Maryanne pulled a wet wipe from her bag, her movements deliberate as she carefully cleaned the spot where Cristofer’s fingers had held her.
It was as if she deemed the place he touched utterly defiled.
This act was her silent, pointed humiliation of him.
He thought, “Maryanne, you are quite something.”
He sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “Maryanne, do you honestly believe you’re still pure? During those months I was away, didn’t you cozy up to other men with remarkable ease?”
Maryanne’s pupils flared. “What are you suggesting?”
Noticing the tension, Latoya glanced between them and quickly stepped in. “Cris, that’s enough. Don’t make things harder for Ms. Nielsen. You came here to shop with me, remember? To buy me a gift. Let’s focus on that first.
Maryanne and Cristofer were clearly at each other’s throats, viewing the other with utter contempt. Latoya thought her tactic was working beautifully.
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Chapter 13 The Sting of Betrayal
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Cristofer turned to Maggie, issuing a curt command, “Process the card. Have all these clothes sent to this address.”
Fuming, Maggie took the card and reluctantly processed the payment.
Maryanne met Maggie’s eyes with a subtle, reassuring glance.
Only then did Maggie complete the transaction.
Latoya turned to Maryanne, feigning an apology, “Ms. Nielsen, I do apologize for taking these clothes, but how could I refuse when Cristofer is so smitten? His affection is hard to turn down.”
Maryanne felt a wave of nausea.
“Ms. Nielsen, these clothes are just perfect for you, the bitch.”
Latoya glared, clearly frustrated by Maryanne’s unwavering composure.
When it came to guile, Latoya thought she was unparalleled.
She could orchestrate events with chilling precision and, if necessary, make Maryanne vanish without a trace.
Maryanne offered a cool smile and departed from Valentino.
As she left, she didn’t so much as glance in Cristofer’s direction.
Later, replaying Cristofer’s words in her mind, Maryanne felt a knot of confusion tighten in her stomach.
A few months ago, during his business trip–that was when he’d begun pursuing Latoya.
He loathed himself, yet he projected his guilt onto her.
In the car, Maryanne opened a message to Geovanni.
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Chapter 13 The Sting of Betrayal
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“Look into what happened when Cristofer traveled to Zovania four months ago.”
Geovanni’s reply was swift, “Understood, Boss.”
Maryanne headed to the supermarket in the underground parking lot, picking up some ingredients before making her way back to Polaris Mansion.
No sooner had she stepped inside than her phone buzzed. It was a call from Geovanni.
“Geovanni,” Maryanne answered, already guiding the groceries toward the kitchen.
Geovanni’s voice came through the line, “Boss, all records of Cristofer’s activities in Zovania have been wiped clean.”
Maryanne paused, bewildered. “How is that possible?”
Geovanni confirmed. “It’s strange. It looks like someone deliberately scrubbed his itinerary from every database.”
Maryanne gazed out the window. Though early autumn had arrived, the air still hung heavy with summer’s heat. Well, she thought resolutely, Cristofer’s affairs are none of my concern anymore.
She said into the phone, her voice even, “Alright. No need to worry about it. Hang up.”
Ending the call, Maryanne immediately dialed Stefanie.
“Ms. Nelson,” Stefanie answered promptly.
Maryanne got straight to the point, “Stefie, I need you to bring the painting over.”
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.