Knight guided Genesis out of the car, his hand firm around her waist, as he led her toward a strange, abandoned-looking building. She frowned, confused, her heart picking up speed. Something didn't feel right. It was late—too late for something like this—and the whole thing felt off.
She looked up at him, studying his profile. Was it just her eyes playing tricks on her, or did his usual glowing blue eyes seem… darker? When he turned to glance at her, he looked different. Still Kieran, yes, but not quite the same. This wasn't the first time she'd noticed it either. There were moments he seemed like another person entirely.
Even when they had sex, sometimes he was different—rougher, more intense. His eyes would turn almost black, his voice deeper, his words darker and more possessive. And she liked that side of him. But other times, he was soft and playful, like earlier when she'd tried hiding her phone from him and he teased her for it. It was like he had two sides. But that couldn't be right… right?
Tonight, though, he looked like he was in his element—here, in this dark, dingy place. The man she'd met at that court months ago for their marriage wasn't the same man walking beside her now.
She flinched when a cold hand touched her face.
"Is anything wrong?"
The question pulled her from her spiraling thoughts. They had stopped just in front of a plain white door. He was staring down at her, his hand softly caressing her cheek.
She didn't answer. Her gaze shifted to the door. Behind it, she could hear muffled voices.
Who was in there? And more importantly—why were they here?
He gently clasped her jaw, turning her face back toward him.
"I know you're curious," he said, voice calm but low. "I promise it's nothing bad. You know I'd never put you in danger."
Did she know that?
Yes... yes, she did. Or at least, she wanted to believe it.
She gave a small nod.
He looked at the door, then back at her. "And you know I hate seeing you hurt. Anyone who hurts you... must pay."
She frowned. Something was definitely wrong.
But before she could say a word, he turned and pushed the door open.
Inside was dimly lit, the air heavy. She recognized several of his men—faces she'd occasionally seen around the house. One of them, Damon, stepped forward. He gave Knight a nod, then offered her the briefest glance—just enough to acknowledge her but nothing more. A look that wouldn't earn Knight's wrath.
Damon spoke to Knight in a language Genesis didn't recognize. But she wasn't listening. Her eyes were scanning the room… until they landed on the center.
Her blood went cold.
A woman was tied to a chair beneath a harsh white ceiling light. The beam cast a sharp spotlight on her angry, defiant face. She looked furious—and her glare was locked on Knight. Then, her eyes slid over to Genesis.
That irritated expression changed. To what, Genesis couldn't tell.
Knight led her forward until they stood just a few inches from the woman. Genesis's heart raced. She recognized her now—one of the reporters from the press conference earlier that day.
What was she doing here?
Why was she tied up like this?
She turned to her husband, expecting an explanation, but the look on his face made her shiver. It was cold. Emotionless.
Then the woman spoke. "Mr. Blackwood, I do not appreciate being kidnapped off the street like a criminal. This is uncalled for, and if I report this—especially with the recent rumors—it won't go well for you."
Genesis looked between them, waiting for Kieran's reaction.
He didn't flinch.
"The only words I expect from your mouth," he said, voice chillingly flat, "are words of apology to my wife."
Genesis had never heard him sound so detached. If she wasn't standing here watching this unfold, she wouldn't have believed it was Kieran.
The reporter narrowed her eyes. "Apologize for what? I did nothing wrong. Asking a question at a press conference is part of my job."
Genesis blinked. Apologize to her? For what?
The woman turned to her. "Mrs. Blackwood, I didn't know my question would affect you so much, but I won't apologize for doing my job."
Genesis stared at her, slowly piecing things together. She might not be the most educated person, and sometimes she struggled with complicated things… but she wasn't stupid.
She remembered it now. As they'd gotten into the car earlier, Kieran had muttered, Get that reporter.
Her eyes widened.
It was this reporter. And she knew why now.
All because of a question. A simple question. One that had upset her—but not in a way that should lead to this.
He had tied her to a chair. Like she was some criminal.
As he opened his mouth to speak again, Genesis was no longer just shocked—she was angry. Angry because this reminded her of what Veronica had done to her once. Tied her to a chair. Hurt her. Humiliated her.
And now her own husband, the man who had rescued her from that, was doing the same thing to someone else.
She couldn't stand it.
It made him like Veronica.
The thought alone made her stomach twist.
She spun around to face him, fury rising fast in her chest. Without thinking, she shoved him—hard enough for his eyes to widen in surprise. He looked down at her, stunned. Everyone did. Even Carmella, the reporter tied to the chair, looked taken aback.
Genesis didn't care.
She shoved him again, this time with more force. He stumbled back a step.
Then she turned away from him, dropped to her knees in front of Carmella, and began trying to untie the ropes binding the woman's legs.
Carmella's brows shot up—nearly disappearing under her bangs. But the shock didn't last long. Her lips curved into a slow, amused smirk.
She was right all along, she wasn't going to apologize.
But this?
This was definitely not what she expected.