Chapter 3

The Fight for Survival

The heavy oak door creaked open, and Emma stepped into the dimly lit room which was heavy with tension. Suddenly, she felt the cold gaze of Grandpa Ben immediately fix upon her.

He sat in his grand ornate armchair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest, showing how  impatience he was. Maria stood beside him, with her rigid posture, a wicked smile was curling her lips as she saw the fear in Emma’s eyes.

“Come closer,” Grandpa Ben commanded Emma, his voice so low but  still sharp, slicing through the silence.

Emma hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew what this was about, and every instinct told her to turn and run, but she couldn’t, not with her daughter’s life on the line. She took a step forward, swallowing her fear.

“I’m not asking you, I’m telling you,” Grandpa Ben said, his voice dripping with authority. “You will go to that estate tonight and do as you’re told. It’s time you started earning your keep in this family.”

Maria smiled widely, and she took a step closer to Emma. “It’s simple, really. One night. That’s all we’re asking. Considering the scandals you’ve already dragged us through, this is nothing.”

Emma flinched, the memory of her past mistakes flooded back to her like a nightmare. She straightened her back, refused to let them see how much their words hurt. “I won’t do it,” she said, her voice steady, though her hands trembled. “I’m not going to be used like this.”

Grandpa Ben’s eyes narrowed into slits, his patience was running thin. “You don’t have a choice. You forget everything we’ve done for you. You owe us.”

Maria stepped in closer, with her voice a venomous whisper. “Or have you forgotten who picked up the pieces after your last… indiscretion? We kept the press off your back, and your daughter safe. This is a small price to pay.”

Emma shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. “I can’t… I won’t.”

Maria’s expression hardened, and she leaned in, her voice a low hiss. “If you don’t go tonight, consider your daughter’s hospital bills unpaid. Think of her lying there, suffering because her mother was too selfish to make a simple sacrifice.”

Emma felt a sob rising in her throat, but she fought it back, determined not to give them that satisfaction. “You can’t do this,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

Grandpa Ben’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. “Enough. It’s decided. You’ll go, and that’s final. And if you do as you’re told, I’ll ensure you’re rewarded. If not… you’ll be out on the streets, and your daughter with you." Secondly, don’t expect us to cover your daughter’s hospital bills.”

This threat hit Emma like a punch to the gut. Their words crushed her spirit. Suddenly, her daughter’s pale face flashed before her eyes, and for a moment, she wavered. But deep down, she knew she couldn’t do this, she couldn’t betray herself, not again.

Just as she opened her mouth to speak, the door burst open with a loud bang, and Victor stormed into the room, his presence commanding the attention of everyone inside. His face full of anger “Emma isn’t going anywhere!” he roared, his voice echoing off the walls.

Emma spun around, her heart leaping at the sight of him. “Victor …”

He crossed the room in a few long strides, placing himself between her and the others. “Who the hell do you think you are, ordering her around like she’s some puppet?”

Grandpa Ben’s eyes blazed with anger, his authority challenged for the first time in years. “You dare challenge me in my own house?”

Victor glared back, unflinching. “Damn right, I do. You’ve pushed her far enough. She’s not some pawn in your twisted game.”

Maria sneered, stepping forward to confront him. “And who are you to decide? You’re nothing here.” 

Before anyone could react, Victor reached out and grabbed Maria by the arm, pulling her close. “You’ve pushed her too far for too long,” he hissed in her ear, loud enough for everyone to hear. “And if you think for one second I’ll let you hurt her or her daughter, you’re dead wrong.”

Maria recoiled slightly, and she yanked her arm free, stumbling back with her eyes still burned with hatred. “You’re making a big mistake, Victor. You can’t save her.”

“Oh, I can,” Victor said, his voice cold and final. “And if you think I won’t, just watch me.”

Grandpa Ben stood, so angry and ferious. “This isn’t over. You have no idea what you’ve just done.”

Victor gazed back at him, with a steady voice and unyielding. “I know exactly what I’ve done. I’ve just drawn a line. Cross it, and you’ll regret it.”

The room fell into a tense silence, tension filled the air. Emma looked between them, she felt her heart race, torn between fear and gratitude.

Maria’s lip curled into a sneer. “You’ve just signed her death warrant. And yours too.”

Without hesitation, Victor stepped closer to Maria, with his eyes blazing a mix of anger and determination all over his face. “You’ve already lost. And if you come after us, you’ll lose everything.”

Maria’s face twisted in rage, but before she could respond, the phone in Victor’s pocket buzzed, breaking the tense silence. He pulled it out, his eyes narrowing as he read the message.

“What is it?” Emma asked, her voice trembling with fear.

Victor looked up, his face pale but resolute. “We need to leave. Now.”

“Why? What’s going on?” Emma pressed, her heart pounding in her chest.

“They’ve put a bounty on your head,” Victor said, his voice low and urgent. “And they’re not waiting for us to leave quietly.”

Emma felt the ground shift beneath her feet as the reality of their situation hit her. “What do we do?”

Victor grabbed her hand, his grip firm and electrifying. "We run. And we don’t look back."

Just as they turned to leave, Maria’s voice echoed through the air, dripping with icy malice. "Stop right there, you spineless cowards! Listen to me, or so help me, you'll regret it. Grovel for forgiveness, or sign those damn divorce papers. I’ll burn everything to the ground before I let you walk away!”