Chapter 52
Chapter 52
For the sake of her own reputation, Elissa had no choice but to promise she’d send Slate overseas for six years.
Yet after the latest fiasco, every day felt even more unbearable.
Still, Elissa didn’t feel cheated by the bargain.
Compared to living in constant fear of a psychopath–even having to guard herself while she slept–nothing else really mattered.
“You little- ”
Slate’s voice trembled with rage. Then, as if struck by a new idea, he leaned in with a wicked grin. “Don’t tell me you stare at my nudes whenever you can’t sleep? Frank not doing it for you p>
The disgust that washed over Elissa made her physically recoil.
She had truly underestimated Slate’s shamelessness.
She shot back with a cold sneer. “Who in their right mind would be interested in an underdeveloped boy p>
With that, she turned and walked away.
Slate was a textbook bully: only brave when he sensed weakness.
The more she tried to avoid him, the more he clung to her like a parasite.
But when she stood her ground, he’d back off–at least a little. Especially after what happened six years ago; he had learned to tread carefully
around her.
Still, some men are hardwired to chase what they can’t have, and Slate was no exception.
He couldn’t help remembering the sting of her slap–the way her soft hand had cracked against his cheek. It made his heart race. He grabbed her wrist, leering, “So you have seen me there, huh p>
He looked like he actually enjoyed being insulted.
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12:14 @
Chapter 52
A wave of goosebumps prickled across Elissa’s skin. She yanked her arm, snapping, “Let go p>
“Master Rowan, you’re home p>
Butler Murphy’s surprised voice echoed from the sitting room.
Elissa froze in place.
“Damn, why is he back now?” Slate muttered, releasing her at once. He lowered his voice in a sharp warning, “Don’t you dare tell him p>
“Depends on my mood,” Elissa shot back, pulling out a sanitizing wipe to scrub her wrist as she braced herself and strode toward the sitting room.
The atmosphère had shifted; the room now buzzed with more energy than when she’d arrived.
It was impossible to miss Rowan. He radiated a quiet, commanding presence. Tall and poised in a tailored black dress shirt and sharply pressed trousers, he handed his coat to the butler with effortless grace. Every gesture exuded an aristocratic detachment.
Slate hurried past Elissa, beaming as he approached Rowan. “Big brother, you’re back! If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve picked you up myself p>
“That won’t be necessary.” Rowan’s eyes–dark as ink–flicked over him, his tone cool and distant. “I’m a bit of a clean freak p>
“I-” Slate’s smile faltered. “It’s a new car. I just got it yesterday–no one else has even sat in it yet p>
Karol spotted Elissa and waved her over. “Cousin p>
Elissa had no choice but to join them, wrinkling her nose as the smell of cigarettes hit her.
Rowan lazily stubbed out his half–finished cigarette in the ashtray, looking at Slate as if he were an idiot. “It’s not the car. I just think you’re filthy p>
A few of the younger cousins couldn’t help but snicker.
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12:14 @
Chapter 52
Slate–dirty? Everyone knew. He’d been fooling around with girls since middle school. Of course he was.
But as the family matriarch’s favorite grandson, no one dared say it aloud–except Rowan.
And not only did Rowan say it, Slate still had to grin and take it. “Come on, Rowan, don’t tease me. Look, you’ve got all the younger cousins laughing at me p>
Rowan didn’t bother saving face, his voice turning even colder. “Who says I’m joking p>
The laughter in the room grew louder.
Trust the eldest Murphy to put Slate in his place.
“What’s so funny over there p>
A sharp, commanding voice rang out from the elevator.
Everyone went rigid. Elissa straightened instantly, joining the younger cousins in greeting, “Grandmother p>
Except for Rowan.
It was no secret he and Matriarch Paige Murphy had been at odds for years. He barely showed up for family gatherings, let alone bothered with polite greetings.
Matriarch Paige’s gaze swept over the group, her eyes finally landing, sharp as a knife, on Elissa.
“Where’s Frank? Another business ‘emergency‘ today p>
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