Lincy finally seemed to understand where she was standing.
This wasn't her father's territory. And Lewis wasn't Grant.
She couldn't cry, scream, or twist the story her way out of this. The air itself felt different here. Unforgiving.
I shifted my gaze to Yenik, keeping my voice steady. "Go on," I said. "Explain how I 'seduced' you."
He didn't hesitate.
Just like always, the moment things turned ugly, he scrambled to save himself. No spine. No pride. Only fear.
He pointed at me, words spilling fast. "She set me up! One of the guards led me there. The room was empty. Then a woman grabbed me as soon as I stepped inside. Lincy, Mr. Ashbourne, you have to believe me. I'd never betray Lincy. Never!"
I let out a quiet laugh. Cold. Sharp.
"Loyal?" I repeated.
The word tasted bitter.
I couldn't believe Riley had once loved him enough to think her life wasn't worth living without him. Looking at him now, I felt nothing but disgust.
