Chapter 109 The Price of Treachery
DAVID
The gravel crunched beneath my polished shoes as I approached the decrepit house, its peeling paint and broken windows matching the decay I felt brewing inside me. My guards moved silently, circling the structure like shadows. I raised a hand, signaling them to hold position as I neared the door.
Then, I heard her voice. Janet’s voice, strained and trembling.
“Do you think David will let you go scot-free?” she demanded, her words sharp despite the pain behind them.
“He doesn’t have to find out,” Vivian replied, her tone cold and resolute.
My jaw clenched. I kicked the door in with a force that sent it crashing against the wall, the wood splintering under my fury. Inside, chaos erupted. Denise bolted for the window, but he didn’t get far. Two of my guards caught him mid-leap, a solid punch to his jaw sending him sprawling to the floor.
Vivian stood frozen, her wide eyes darting between me and the guards dragging Denise back into the room. Her hands trembled as she took a step back, but there was nowhere for her to run.
“Take her,” I said, my voice like ice.
Two more guards moved in, grabbing her arms. She let out a choked sob as they pulled her toward the door.
And then I saw Janet.
She sat slumped in a chair, ropes biting into her wrists, her face battered and streaked with blood. Her usually vibrant eyes were dull, clouded with exhaustion and pain. My chest tightened as I crouched in front of her, gently untying the ropes.
“I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner,” I murmured, my voice softer now.
Her lips quivered as she managed a weak smile. “You’re here now, David. That’s all that matters.”
I slipped an arm beneath her knees and lifted her effortlessly. She let out a small groan, her head resting against my chest. “It’s over,” I whispered. “You’re safe.”
Carrying her outside, I placed her gently in the back seat of my car. She winced as her head hit the cushion.
“Hang in there,” I said, brushing a strand of blood-matted hair from her face.
Turning to my guards, I barked, “Take them to the basement. I want answers.”
They nodded, hauling Denise and Vivian into a waiting SUV.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, I called my personal doctor.
“I need you at the mansion in five minutes,” I said curtly.
“Yes, sir,” came the immediate reply.
The drive felt endless, Janet’s soft groans breaking the silence. I glanced at her through the rearview mirror, guilt gnawing at me. This should have never happened.
When we arrived, I carried her to her room, kicking open the door. A maid appeared almost instantly.
“Sir, the doctor is here,” she said, bowing slightly.
“Bring him in,” I snapped.
The doctor rushed in, his medical bag already open. I stepped aside, watching as he worked quickly, cleaning her wounds and wrapping the worst of them in bandages.
“She’ll be fine,” he said after a tense fifteen minutes. “She just needs rest.”
I nodded, shaking his hand. “Thank you.”
Once he left, I sat on the edge of Janet’s bed. “Rest now. When you’re ready, you can decide what happens to them.”
Her eyes fluttered open, a flicker of strength returning to her gaze. She nodded faintly.
But I couldn’t wait. Not entirely.
Downstairs, the basement was dimly lit, the faint hum of electricity punctuated by the occasional groan of pain. Denise and Vivian were tied to chairs, sweat and blood mingling on their faces.
I took a seat across from them, resting my elbows on my knees. “Why?” I asked quietly, my voice calm yet dangerous. “Why did you hurt my sister?”
Vivian’s lips trembled. “I…I didn’t want to. Denise made me!” she stammered.
“You liar!” Denise spat, his face contorted in anger. “You told me you were the rightful heiress to the Copperfield family. You said Janet had manipulated everyone into treating you like a servant.”
I leaned back, a smirk tugging at my lips. “So, Vivian,” I said, rising to my feet and walking to the table of instruments. My fingers grazed a hot knife, its edge glowing a menacing red. “You claim to be the heiress?” I turned back to her, holding the knife up. “What if I carve the truth into your face? Would you like that?”
Tears streamed down her cheeks. “I’m sorry! Please, David, don’t hurt me!”
I stepped closer, the heat of the blade inches from her face. “Sorry doesn’t cut it,” I said, my voice low. “You betrayed my family. You kidnapped my sister. And for what? Lies?”
Turning to Denise, I placed the knife against his thigh. He screamed as the heat seared his flesh, his body convulsing against the restraints.
“You think you can threaten me? Hurt my family? You’re nothing,” I growled, pressing the blade deeper until blood dripped onto the floor.
“I didn’t know she lied!” he cried, his voice cracking. “I swear! Please, David, stop!”
I pulled the knife away, wiping it clean on his shirt. “Your pleas mean nothing to me,” I said coldly. “Your fate is in Janet’s hands now.”
As I walked away, their screams followed me, echoing in the dark basement.