Chapter 31: Gigolo
Author: Nathan Emorey
last update2025-09-14 04:10:30

“So this is what the Cross family has become,” he said finally, his voice low but carrying easily through the hall. “Arrogant. Blind. Too proud to recognize who stands before them. You’ve all forgotten your place.”

The laughter died quickly this time. The weight of his words, spoken so calmly, pressed against their chests like iron. For a moment, no one spoke, trying to decipher what the fuck he was talking about.

Just then, the heavy oak doors at the far end creaked open. Heels clicked against marble, and a familiar voice, syrupy with triumph, cut through the silence.

“Well, well. Isn’t this quite the scene?”

Vanessa Lang stepped into the hall, her dress clinging to her curves, her lips painted in a smirk that screamed victory. At her side swaggered Bobby Jackson, flashing his gold watch like a teenager, his tacky grin as wide as ever. Their presence was like salt rubbed into an open wound.

Helen’s face paled. Adrian’s eyes flicked toward them briefly, cold as ice.

Vanessa’s gaze fou
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