The silence that followed Marco’s words was thick, and heavy with unspoken tension. Leila could feel the weight of it pressing down on her chest as she glanced at Ethan. His expression was unreadable, but she could see the battle raging behind his eyes. This wasn’t just about Marcus anymore. It was about power, control, and what kind of man Ethan was going to become. “No,” Ethan finally said, his voice cold, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. “I won’t do it.” Marco’s smirk widened, a knowing look in his eyes as if he had expected that answer all along. “You think you can just walk away? You think Marcus’s men will let you?” He shook his head, his voice low and dangerous. “You’re living in a fantasy, Ethan. You either take control, or you become their prey.” Leila felt a
