Chapter 15

The arrogant voice belonged to Julian Blackthorn. A cigarette dangled from his lips as he swaggered toward Vivian, flanked by five lackeys.

"Remember how your parents owed me a fortune and then had the audacity to report me for illegal dealings?" He exhaled smoke, his smirk turning vicious. "Cost me millions in fines and two weeks in a cell!"

"When I finally got out, ready to make them pay, I found out those cowards jumped off a damn building!" His laugh was sharp, mocking. "But here you are—their precious daughter. Tell me, how many times will you beg before I decide to forgive you?"

Sophia shot up from her seat, eyes blazing. "Beg? Over my dead body! Get lost before you regret it!"

Julian's face twisted in fury. He jabbed a finger inches from Sophia's face. "Who the hell are you, brat? This is between me and her. Take your own advice and scram!"

"Consider this your only warning." Sophia stepped between Vivian and Julian, her voice icy. "Run while you still can. If you push her too far... you won't walk away from this."

For a second, Julian and his men froze—then burst into laughter.

"Regret? Oh, that's rich." Julian wiped tears from his eyes. "You must not know, little girl. The Blackwoods tossed this pathetic bitch out. Without them, she's nothing. And now? She's mine to deal with."

He'd waited years for this. The moment Vivian lost the Blackwood name, he'd known revenge was finally his.

"Luck's on my side today." His gaze raked over her, hungry. "Time to pay up. No money? Then your body will do just fine."

His fingers reached for her—

Vivian sidestepped, sipping her water calmly. "Sure. But are you really prepared for what comes next?"

Julian grinned. "Try me."

She set the glass down, meeting his eyes with a slow, dangerous smile. "Then follow me. The park's quiet this time of day."

They walked off, leaving his men gaping. Sophia pinched the bridge of her nose, hesitating before calling out, "Hey—"

Julian didn't even glance back. "Relax. I'll be gentle. Gotta keep her pretty face intact for... later."

Sophia sighed, watching him with pity.

Poor bastard. He has no idea who he's messing with. Not after what Nathaniel just put her through.

At this point, I'm just praying his fat ass can take the beating.

Minutes later, a bloodcurdling scream tore through the park.

"NO! PLEASE—MERCY!"