The night air was thick with tension.
I stood barefoot in Daddy’s office, heart hammering so hard I could hear it in my ears. The distant hum of a boat engine grew louder steady, relentless, coming closer to the north cove.
Daddy was pacing like a wild animal, phone clutched in his hand. His face was a mask of pure rage.
“Daniel Harrington,” he hissed the name like a curse. “That smug bastard your mother hired. He’s been circling like a vulture for years. Sending secret messages to Reynolds. Offering money. Promising to ‘rescue’ you.”
He stopped pacing and stormed toward me, grabbing my face with both hands.
“You think he can save you?” Daddy’s voice was low, venomous. “He’s just another fool who doesn’t understand that you already belong to me. Body. Soul. And now” His hand moved dow
