The Price Of Secrets
1223 Words
Liana’s fingers trembled as she clutched the document, her mother’s name staring back at her like a ghost from the past.
Sold.
The word sent an icy wave through her veins.
Damian’s voice was tight. “Liana, we need to leave. Now.”
She barely registered his urgency. Her mind was stuck in a loop, replaying the betrayal hidden in these papers.
Her mother hadn’t disappeared. She hadn’t abandoned her. She had been taken—and worse, she had been bought.
Liana swallowed, forcing herself to breathe. “We have to find her.”
Damian glanced at the door, then back at her. “We will. But we can’t do it here.”
She knew he was right. They had already pushed their luck breaking into this room.
Taking a deep breath, she slid the document into her clutch and nodded. “Let’s go.”
They slipped back into the dimly lit hallway, the sounds of the gala filtering through the corridors. Just a few more steps, and they’d blend into the crowd—
A shadow moved at the end of the hall.
Liana froze.
Damian’s arm tensed beside her.
Victor Wolfe stepped into view, his sharp eyes gleaming like a predator who had just cornered his prey.
A Dangerous Game
“Well,” Victor said, his voice smooth as silk. “I was hoping to speak with you again tonight, Miss Everett. But I didn’t expect to find you snooping around my private wing.”
Liana’s pulse thundered. She forced herself to stay calm. “I got lost.”
Victor smiled. “Did you?” His gaze flicked to Damian. “And you, Mr. Wolfe?”
Damian’s face was unreadable. “I don’t get lost.”
Victor chuckled. “Of course not.” He took a step closer. “I imagine you were looking for something specific?”
Liana’s heart pounded, but she met his gaze head-on. “Maybe I was.”
Victor smirked. “Then I do hope you found it.”
There was something chilling in his tone. A knowing glint in his eyes.
He knows.
Liana’s grip tightened around her clutch, her fingers pressing into the papers hidden inside.
Victor clasped his hands behind his back. “I must admit, I’m quite curious. What exactly do you think you’ve discovered?”
Liana’s mind raced. She could accuse him, could demand answers, but they were still inside his estate, surrounded by his security.
She needed to play smart.
“Nothing yet,” she said carefully. “But I will.”
Victor’s smile didn’t waver. “I admire your confidence.” He tilted his head. “Though I do wonder… how much are you willing to risk for the truth?”
Liana held her ground. “Everything.”
Victor chuckled. “Brave words. I hope you’re ready to prove them.”
A slow dread curled in her stomach.
Victor glanced at Damian. “And you? What exactly is your role in all this?”
Damian’s jaw tightened. “Let’s just say I have unfinished business with you.”
Victor studied him for a long moment before nodding. “I see.” Then, as if they had simply been discussing art instead of dark secrets, he smiled. “Enjoy the rest of the gala.”
Liana didn’t wait. She grabbed Damian’s hand and strode past Victor, her heart pounding with every step.
They had to get out. Now.
The moment they reached the main hall, Liana could feel eyes on them.
“Security’s watching,” Damian murmured.
Liana forced a smile, pretending to engage in small talk with another guest. “Do you think he’ll let us walk out?”
Damian’s jaw was tight. “No.”
Then, almost as if on cue, a man in a dark suit approached. “Mr. Wolfe, Miss Everett. Mr. Wolfe has requested you stay for a private conversation.”
Damian’s grip on Liana’s hand tightened.
Liana glanced at the exits. Guards were already positioned there. They weren’t leaving without a fight.
Damian turned to the security officer. “Tell Victor if he wants a conversation, he can schedule a meeting like everyone else.”
The guard didn’t move. “I insist.”
Liana exhaled sharply. “Damian…”
Damian’s eyes were unreadable, but Liana could see the tension in his body. He was ready for a fight.
But that would only make things worse.
She forced a smile. “Fine.”
Damian shot her a look, but she squeezed his hand in reassurance.
They would go with the guard. For now.
But she wasn’t leaving this estate without a fight.
Victor’s office was just as grand as the rest of the estate—dark mahogany furniture, shelves lined with expensive books, and a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooked the sprawling grounds.
Victor gestured to two chairs. “Sit.”
Liana hesitated.
Damian remained standing. “What do you want?”
Victor smirked, taking his own seat. “You, of all people, should know, Damian. I always have a proposition.”
Liana clenched her fists. “We’re not interested.”
Victor leaned back, completely unfazed. “Not even if it leads you to your mother?”
Liana’s breath caught.
Damian stiffened. “What are you playing at?”
Victor tapped a folder on his desk. “You’re searching for answers, Miss Everett. I can give them to you.”
Liana’s heart raced. “And in return?”
Victor smiled. “Your loyalty.”
Silence fell over the room.
Liana’s nails dug into her palms. “You expect me to work for you?”
Victor chuckled. “Not quite. But I do expect obedience.”
Damian took a threatening step forward. “Not happening.”
Victor barely acknowledged him. His sharp gaze remained on Liana. “You may think you’re prepared to face the truth, Miss Everett, but knowledge comes at a price. Are you ready to pay it?”
Liana met his gaze, her resolve steel. “I’ll pay any price to find my mother.”
Victor’s smirk widened. “Good.”
He slid the folder toward her.
She hesitated before picking it up.
Inside were photos.
Of her mother.
Older. Weary.
Alive.
Liana’s breath hitched.
Tears burned her eyes as she flipped through the pages. A date. A location.
Victor leaned forward. “Now, let’s discuss what happens next.”
Liana’s hands trembled as she clutched the folder.
Her mother was alive.
But she was still a prisoner.
Victor steepled his fingers. “You will stop your investigation. No more snooping, no more breaking into my estate.”
Liana gritted her teeth. “And if I agree?”
Victor’s smile was slow. “I will arrange a meeting between you and your mother.”
Her pulse pounded in her ears.
It was a deal with the devil.
But she had no choice.
“I want proof,” she said. “Real proof.”
Victor gestured to the folder. “It’s all there.”
Liana exhaled sharply.
Damian stepped closer. “Liana, you don’t have to do this.”
She looked up at him. “But I do.”
Damian’s jaw clenched.
Victor chuckled. “Wise choice.” He stood. “I’ll be in touch.”
Liana swallowed her rage and nodded.
For now, she had to play his game.
But this wasn’t over.
Not even close.
- Writer
