Chapter 9 - The First CrackEleanor's confidence collapsed slowly.
First came denial.
Then anger.
Then bargaining.
“I can make this disappear.”
Marcus shook his head.
“You can't.”
“I can pay you.”
“No.”
“I can destroy your career.”
“You don't know my career.”
“I know powerful people.”
Marcus leaned closer.
“So do I.”
Eleanor stared at him.
For the first time, she realized something terrifying.
Marcus wasn't alone.
The people behind him were more powerful than the people behind her.
She looked at Clara.
“You caused this.”
Clara flinched.
Marcus stepped between them.
“No.”
Eleanor's eyes burned.
“You ungrateful little—”
Marcus raised one hand.
“Enough.”
The single word echoed across the room.
May you like
Eleanor fell silent.
And Clara realized she was no longer standing alone.
Related Stories
Chapter 10 - The Doors Explode OpenThe front doors suddenly burst open.
Chapter 11 - The Secret Beneath the EmpireAfter Eleanor was taken away, Marcus returned to the duffel.
Chapter 12 - The Night of the StormThat night, a violent storm struck Newport.
Chapter 13 - The Woman Who Refused to Stay BrokenWeeks passed.
Chapter 14 - Marcus DisappearsThen Marcus vanished.
Chapter 15 - The Second GameClara refused to run.
