Chapter 326

The digital clock on the nightstand glowed 2:47 AM when Vanessa finally ended her call. The hotel room was silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioning.

Then came the knock.

Sharp. Insistent.

Vanessa's fingers tightened around her phone as she approached the door. Peering through the peephole, she saw him—Lucien Dubois, leaning against the doorframe with a half-empty bottle dangling from his fingers.

She opened the door just enough to glare at him. "What do you want?"

Lucien smirked, his dark eyes glinting with something dangerous. "Is that any way to greet an old friend?"

"Friend?" Vanessa scoffed. "It's the middle of the night. Go back to your room."

He pushed past her before she could stop him, the scent of whiskey and something sharper clinging to him.

Vanessa clenched her fists. "Lucien, remember why we're here. This isn't the time for your games."

Lucien laughed, low and mocking. "Oh, I remember. You wanted this trip. You promised me results. And yet..." He spread his arms. "Here we are, empty-handed."

She stepped back as he advanced. "Evelyn Carter isn't some naive girl anymore. She's under Harrison Whitaker's protection now."

"Harrison Whitaker?" Lucien sneered. "She's just friends with his daughter. That means nothing."

Vanessa's gaze flickered over his flushed skin, the unnatural brightness in his eyes. Not just drunk. High again.

Disgust curled in her stomach.

"Lucien, you're not thinking straight. We'll talk tomorrow." She tried to sidestep him, but his hand shot out, gripping her wrist.

"Tomorrow?" His breath was hot against her ear. "I want my payment now."

Vanessa shoved against his chest, but he was stronger, his body pressing her back toward the bed.

"Stop!" She twisted, but his grip was iron.

For a moment, she considered screaming. But then she remembered—she still needed him.

So she swallowed her rage and let him have his way.

When morning came, Vanessa stood under the scalding shower, scrubbing until her skin burned.

But some stains wouldn't wash away.

As she dressed, her eyes fell on Lucien, still sprawled across her sheets.

A cold resolve settled in her chest.

Evelyn Carter would pay.

And so would he.