BLACK DRAGON'S REVENGE: FROM SERVANT TO NIGHTMARE

CHAPTER FOUR

The word “servant” echoed in Dante’s ears like a fresh slap. For a brief moment, pain flashed across his face before vanishing behind a mask of submission. He lowered his head.

“Miss Ashcroft… I was waiting for you.”

Camilla stopped mid-stride. Her eyes narrowed. She crossed her arms, long nails tapping impatiently against her elbow. “Waiting?” Her voice dripped with irritation. “Why are you blocking my hallway?”

Dante swallowed hard. “I… I came from the hospital.”

“And?”

“My mother’s condition has worsened,” he said carefully. “She needs surgery immediately. If it’s not done today… she might not survive the night.”

Silence stretched between them. Camilla’s expression remained indifferent. “So?”

The single word crushed something deep inside Dante. Still, he pressed on. “You promised you would help with the surgery.”

Camilla’s lips curved into a faint, mocking smile. “And you’ve been standing here for three hours just to remind me?” She stepped closer, each click of her heels tightening the knot in his chest. Her expensive perfume clashed with the sterile hospital scent still clinging to his clothes.

“How much?”

“One hundred thirty-five thousand dollars,” Dante replied quietly. “Including previous bills and post-op care.”

Camilla raised an eyebrow, then let out a soft, mocking laugh. “Only that much?”

Hope flickered in Dante’s eyes. “Yes. If we pay today, they’ll operate right away.”

But Camilla tilted her head, studying him like an insect. “Dante.”

“Yes, Ma?”

“What exactly do you think you are in this house?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “You eat our food. You sleep under our roof. You wear the clothes we provide.” Her gaze swept over him with open disgust. “And yet you dare come begging for money?”

Dante’s face paled. “I’m not demanding… I’m begging. My mother will die without that surgery.”

Camilla shrugged. “Then she dies.”

The words landed like a blade. Dante froze. “Miss Ashcroft…?”

“People die every day,” she said flatly. “Why should I care about your poor, sick mother?”

“But you promised—”

“Promised?” Camilla’s eyes sharpened. “Did we sign a contract? Do you have proof? A recording?” She stepped back, looking him up and down. “You married into the Ashcroft family. You’re nothing more than a live-in son-in-law. A kept man.” Her voice turned venomous. “And a kept man should know his place.”

Dante’s nails dug into his palms until they bled. Pride screamed inside him, but the image of his mother lying frail in that hospital bed silenced it. Slowly, he dropped to his knees on the cold marble floor.

Thud.

A passing maid gasped. Servants gathered, whispering.

“Miss Ashcroft… please,” Dante begged, head bowed. “Save my mother. I’ll do anything. I’ll repay every cent.”

Camilla watched him silently, her expression unreadable. Then a cruel smile spread across her face.

“Well… if you’re begging, show some sincerity.” She turned and walked toward the grand living room. “Follow me.”

---

Several members of the Ashcroft household were gathered inside — Camilla’s cousin, her close male friend, and a handful of servants. They looked up with curiosity as Dante entered behind her.

Camilla sat elegantly on the sofa and crossed her legs. “Since you want money so badly,” she said slowly, “kneel again. In front of everyone.”

The room fell silent. Dante’s face went deathly pale.

“And while you’re kneeling…” Camilla’s smile turned vicious, “…bark like a dog. If your performance satisfies me, I might consider saving your mother.”

Laughter erupted across the room. Dante stood frozen, his dignity hanging by a thread. In his mind, he saw his mother’s weak smile: “Dante… don’t worry about me.”

His body trembled. Then, slowly, he knelt.

Thud.

“Good,” Camilla said. “Now bark.”

For a long moment, Dante couldn’t speak. The silence grew suffocating. Finally, his voice broke.

“Woof…”

It was barely audible. Tears stung his eyes.

“Woof… woof…”

Laughter exploded. People clutched their stomachs, pointing.

“Oh my god, he’s actually doing it!”

“Camilla, your husband is pathetic!”

Dante kept going, each bark shredding what remained of his pride. Tears streamed down his face, but he didn’t stop. Every sound was a desperate prayer for his mother’s life.

When he finally fell silent, he lifted his head, voice broken. “I did it… Please. Save my mother.”

Camilla stared at him for a few seconds… then burst into loud, uncontrollable laughter.

“HAHAHAHA!” She wiped a tear from her eye. “You actually believed me?”

Dante’s pupils shrank. “What…?”

“I said I would consider it.” She leaned back lazily. “After considering… I decided not to.”

The world collapsed around him. “You… promised…”

“Dogs don’t get promises.”

RING!

Dante’s phone shattered the silence. His hands shook as he answered. “Hello?”

“Mr. Morrell…” The nurse’s voice was soft and heavy. “I’m sorry. Your mother passed away fifteen minutes ago.”

The phone slipped from his fingers and clattered to the floor. Dante stood motionless, eyes hollow. The laughter around him slowly died as people noticed his expression.

His mother was gone.

And he barked like a dog for nothing.

His hands began to shake. Tears fell silently. Then, slowly, Dante lifted his gaze to Camilla.

His eyes burned with pure, endless hatred.