“You've turned this opportunity down several times before. I was beginning to think you'd changed your mind.”

I forced a weak smile even though he couldn't see it.

“My circumstances have changed.”

He hesitated. “But your health... and your family. Will they allow this?”

Family?

The word almost made me laugh.

Apollo had stopped being my family a long time ago.

The first time I'd talked about studying overseas, he'd patiently talked me out of it.

“Elara.” He'd cupped my face so gently. “Be good. Your body's too weak for long flights. Once you're healthier, I'll take you anywhere in the world myself.”

Back then, I'd believed him.

Later, everything changed.

Whenever I brought it up, his face would darken.

“I promised your father I'd look after you.” His voice would turn cold. “So stop making shit difficult for me and stay where you're supposed to.”

After that, I never mentioned it again.

Not even after my acceptance letter arrived.

“I don't have any family anymore.” My voice came out barely above a whisper. “Mr. Brahms... I just want to build a life that's mine.”

A quiet sigh came through the phone.

“I understand. Orientation begins in a week. You should start preparing.”

“I will.”

As soon as the call ended, the front door downstairs slammed open so violently the whole house seemed to shake.

Heavy footsteps echoed through the mansion.

My heart clenched.

Apollo.

A second later, my bedroom door burst open.

He walked in wearing a black suit, his expression cold enough to freeze the room. Without saying a word, he grabbed my wrist hard.

Pain shot through my hand. The skin was still raw from clawing at that coffin yesterday, trying to escape the rats and maggots.

I flinched.

“Apollo...” I tried pulling away. “You're hurting me.”

He didn't even slow down.

“Where are we going?” I asked desperately.

His grip tightened.

“To the hospital.” His voice was flat. “You're going to apologize to Agatha.”

My steps froze.

“What?”

He finally looked at me. His dark eyes held nothing but anger.

“She twisted her ankle because of your bullshit yesterday.” His jaw clenched. “She cried all fucking night. Her eyes are still swollen. And you're going to apologize.”

For a moment, I honestly thought I'd heard him wrong.

She had only sprained her ankle but Apollo had buried me alive in a coffin crawling with rats and maggots and somehow, I was still the villain?

“Apollo...” Every breath hurt. “I didn't kidnap her. I told you already. I only remembered the location because Agatha posted it herself a few days ago.”

“Keep talking.” His eyes narrowed. “Let's hear what other bullshit you've come up with.”

I stared at him.

“You know...” His voice was dangerously calm. “Your father was one of the kindest men I ever knew.”

He took another step closer.

“So tell me. How the fuck did a man like him end up raising someone as rotten as you? Why can't you be like Agatha?!”

Everything inside me went still.

Dad...

This was the first time Apollo had mentioned him since the funeral. And he used my father to tear me apart.

Something inside my chest cracked.

Apollo suddenly kicked the bookshelf beside me. The massive shelf crashed onto the floor, sending books flying in every direction. The deafening noise made me jump.

He pointed toward the door.

“I don't give a damn whether you admit it. You are going to apologize. You can walk there, or my men can drag your ass there. Your choice.”

Before I could answer, a familiar voice came from the hallway.

“Please...”

Agatha limped into the room. A bandage wrapped around her ankle, and her swollen red eyes filled with tears the moment she saw Apollo.

“Apollo...” she sniffled. “Please don't blame my sister.”

She looked so fragile... so fake innocent like she'd never hurt anyone in her life.

“It wasn't her fault. I left on my own. My sister didn't do anything.” She wiped away another tear. “I made everyone worry. I'm sorry...”

Then, to my shock, Agatha slowly knelt in front of me.

She lowered her head as if she were the one asking for forgiveness.

Apollo's eyes turned bloodshot the second Agatha dropped to her knees.

“Agatha!”

His voice cracked with panic as he shoved me aside so hard I nearly lost my balance. He rushed over and gathered her into his arms as though she were made of glass.

“Apollo... p-please put me down.” Tears streamed down Agatha's face as she struggled weakly against his embrace. “I should be the one apologizing. I only made things worse between you and my sister. If anyone deserves to be punished, it's me. I'd rather be the one who dies.”

“Don't say something so ridiculous.” Apollo's voice softened instantly as he carried her to the sofa and carefully settled her down. “None of this is your fault. As long as I'm here, nobody's going to hurt you.”

Only after making sure she was comfortable did he turn to face me.

The warmth vanished from his face.

Only fury remained.

His stare felt sharp enough to kill.

“Happy now?” His voice was terrifyingly calm. “Is this what you wanted to see? Watching her cry, forcing her to kneel, making her blame herself. Does that finally satisfy you?”

I dug my nails into the blisters covering my palms. The wounds I'd gotten from clawing at that coffin yesterday split open again, sending pain shooting through my hands.

Good.

At least the pain kept me from crying.

Without warning, Apollo strode toward me, grabbed both my shoulders, and slammed me onto the marble floor. The impact knocked the air from my lungs.

“Kneel.” He leaned over me, his eyes burning with anger. “You're unbelievably stubborn. Apologize to Agatha, admit you were wrong, and I'll end this here.”

Slowly, I straightened my back.

Even while kneeling...

I refused to lower my head.

Apollo's expression darkened.

“So that's your answer?” He let out a cold, humorless laugh. “Fine. If you don't want to apologize, you'll spend the next ten days in the punishment room. You'll copy every word of De Sangue's code of loyalty and family rules until your fingers bleed.”

Every ounce of color drained from my face.

The punishment room.

Ever since Agatha entered our lives, Apollo loved locking me in there.

It was a tiny concrete room with no windows, lit by nothing but a single candle. There was no phone, no books, no contact with anyone. Only endless pages of De Sangue's rules waiting to be copied again and again.

Hour after hour. Day after day. The silence alone was enough to drive anyone insane. Every time I walked out, it felt like I'd left part of myself behind.

No! I couldn't go back.

Seven days. I only needed to survive seven more days, then I'd leave.

Forever.

I couldn't ruin everything now.

I looked around the mansion. Dozens of De Sangue soldiers stood silently along the walls, every exit heavily guarded. Even if I wanted to run, there was nowhere to go.

Humiliation crashed over me.

Slowly, I lowered my head and bowed.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

My forehead struck the cold marble floor with each bow.

“I... I'm sorry, Agatha.” My voice was barely audible. “I'm sorry for everything. Please... forgive me.”

Agatha hurried over and pretended to help me to my feet.

“Oh, Sister...” Her eyes filled with tears as she gently held my arm. “Please don't do this. I forgave you a long time ago. I never wanted things to end like this between us.”

The moment she pulled me closer, her lips brushed against my ear.

The sweetness disappeared from her voice.

“You lost again,” she whispered with a smile. “I told you Apollo would always choose me. No matter what happens, you'll never win.”

She stepped back immediately, tears filling her eyes once more as if nothing had happened.

I bent down to pick up my bag from the floor. The zipper had come undone during the struggle, and a white envelope slipped out.

It landed at Apollo's feet.

My heart stopped.

Apollo bent down and picked it up.

His brows slowly furrowed as his eyes scanned the envelope before lifting to meet mine.

“What's this?” He turned it over in his hand, studying it. “Since when do you keep documents hidden in your bag?”

Panic exploded inside me and without thinking, I lunged at him.

Apollo wasn't expecting it.

We both stumbled, and the envelope slipped from his hand.

I grabbed it before he could read another word.

My heartbeat thundered so loudly I thought everyone in the room could hear it.

“It's nothing.” I forced a smile despite the panic clawing at my chest. “Just thick paper. I bought it for a craft project, that's all.”

Apollo frowned as he dusted off his suit.

“For fuck's sake, Elara.” He sounded more irritated than suspicious. “You're not a little kid anymore. Stop acting so damn clumsy.”

Quietly, I released the breath I'd been holding.

He didn't ask another question.

Instead, he adjusted his cuffs.

“There's a charity banquet tomorrow night.” His gaze settled on me. “Get yourself ready. You're coming with me, and don't make another scene.”

I wanted to refuse.

More than anything.

But I couldn't risk making him suspicious.

Not now.

Just seven more days.

I only had to endure seven more days.

The following evening, Apollo's black armored Rolls-Royce came to a stop outside one of Chicago's most luxurious hotels.

The moment I stepped out, cameras flashed from every direction.

The host hurried over with a bright smile.

“Mr. Riccio, it's been far too long. We're honored that you could attend tonight.”

His gaze shifted to Agatha.

She wore a breathtaking custom-made crimson gown, while diamonds glittered around her neck. Anyone looking at her would have assumed she belonged at Apollo's side.

The host smiled knowingly.

“And this beautiful young lady must be your fiancée, Miss Redd.”

Agatha covered her mouth with a soft laugh.

“Oh, you've misunderstood.” She lowered her gaze shyly before looking at me. “I'm only Mr. Riccio's assistant... and Elarisse's half-sister. My sister is the real fiancée. She's just always been sick, so fragile and delicate. I could never compare to her.”

Apollo chuckled.

Instead of correcting the misunderstanding, he reached over and lightly flicked the tip of her nose.

“You little troublemaker.” His voice carried unmistakable affection. “You talk too much. Nobody outside is going to spoil you the way I do, so you'd better behave.”

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

Agatha stuck out her tongue playfully before wrapping both arms around Apollo's.

“So that's all I'll ever be to you?” She looked up at him with innocent eyes and smiled. “Just your little assistant? Or... are you planning to make me something more, Don Apollo?”

Apollo let out a low chuckle and gently flicked her forehead.

“You've got a mouth on you.” His eyes softened with amusement. “Keep talking like that in public, and people are really going to think I spoil you too damn much.”

She pouted dramatically before resting her head against his shoulder anyway.

“Then let them think whatever they want.” She hugged his arm even tighter. “It's not like I care what other people say.”

I couldn't watch anymore.

Every second felt like another knife twisting inside my chest.

Quietly, I turned around.

I just wanted to leave.

“Elara.”

Apollo's voice stopped me cold.

I froze.

The warmth he'd shown Agatha disappeared the instant he looked at me.

“Where the hell do you think you're going?” His brows knitted together. “The banquet's about to start, so don't wander around making people look for you.”

“I...” I lowered my eyes. “I just needed some air. I'll be back in a minute.”

He didn't even respond.

Instead, he pulled Agatha closer as they walked toward the ballroom.

“Enough.” His voice turned gentle again. “Quit acting spoiled. Are you trying to embarrass me in front of everyone?”

Agatha giggled.

“Maybe.” She smiled mischievously. “What if I like seeing you panic over me?”

Apollo shook his head with a helpless smile.

“You little brat.” He sighed with obvious affection. “One of these days, you're really going to test my patience.”

I followed behind them.

Always two steps behind.

My simple white dress looked painfully plain beneath the glittering chandeliers. Walking behind them, I looked less like Apollo's fiancée and more like someone trailing after them with their belongings.

People noticed.

Of course they noticed.

High society had always been the same. They worshipped power and trampled anyone who'd fallen. Apollo's attitude toward me told them everything they needed to know.

Every glance I received carried either pity or contempt.

After several rounds of drinks, someone stepped into my path.

The smell of expensive liquor reached me before I even looked up.

Lambert Gray.

The eldest son of the Gray family.

His face was already flushed from drinking as he lazily swirled the whiskey in his glass while looking me up and down.

“Well...” A disgusting grin spread across his face. “If it isn't the famous Miss Redd. So this is what the little princess looks like up close. My God... no wonder your father hid you away. You really are beautiful.”

The moment I recognized him, my blood ran cold.

Years ago, he'd tried to kidnap me.

His men had surrounded my car outside the hospital. If Apollo's bodyguards hadn't arrived in time, I didn't even want to imagine what would've happened.

Apollo had nearly started a war with the Gray family over it.

People said he'd broken into Lambert's estate that very night and beaten him so badly that even his own mother couldn't recognize him.

Lambert had never forgotten.

Neither had I.

I immediately took a step back.

“I don't want any trouble.” My voice stayed calm despite the fear creeping through me. “Please move aside and let me pass.”

He laughed.

“But I do.” His smile widened. “I've been waiting a long time to run into you again.”

His hand shot out and wrapped around my waist before I could react.

I gasped.

His other hand slid toward my thigh.

My entire body stiffened.

“Let go of me!” I struggled against his grip. “Don't touch me!”

Lambert leaned closer until I could smell the alcohol on his breath.

“What are you acting so fucking innocent for?” He smirked shamelessly. “Everyone knows Don Apollo's got himself a new favorite. You've already been thrown away, but I don't mind. I'll gladly take what's left.”

My stomach turned.

Without thinking, I grabbed the nearest wine glass and threw its contents straight into his face.

Red wine drenched his expensive suit.

For one brief moment...

The entire ballroom fell silent.

Then Lambert exploded.

“You bitch!” He staggered backward, pointing at me with a furious expression. “How dare you embarrass me in front of everyone? Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?”

His roar echoed through the ballroom.

Every guest turned toward us.

Across the room, Apollo looked over.

Agatha immediately covered her mouth in fake shock before hurrying toward us.

“Oh no...” She grabbed Apollo's arm, her eyes already glistening with tears. “Sister... what did you do?”

She looked from Lambert to Apollo, panic spreading across her face.

“The Gray family has worked with Riccio Group for years. If this ruins the partnership... what are we going to do now?”

Apollo's expression darkened.

A waiter hurried over and handed Agatha a towel.

She accepted it without hesitation before carefully wiping the wine from Lambert's suit herself.

“I'm so sorry.” She bowed repeatedly with genuine-looking remorse. “My sister rarely leaves the mansion, so she doesn't really know how to interact with people anymore. If anyone should apologize, it's me.”

She lowered her head even further.

“My sister's been sick her whole life.” Tears slipped down her cheeks. “Please don't hold this against her. She really didn't mean any harm.”

The whispers began almost immediately.

“So that's the famous Miss Redd?”

“I thought she'd have better manners.”

“Being sick doesn't excuse acting like a spoiled princess.”

“The Redd family collapsed years ago, but she still acts like she's above everyone.”

“Look at Agatha.”

“She's only an assistant, yet she's handling this with so much grace.”

“No wonder Don Apollo dotes on her.”

“If I were him, I'd choose Agatha too.”

Every word cut deeper than the last.

Not one person asked why I'd thrown the wine.

Not one person wondered what Lambert had done.

Because nobody cared.

Realizing everyone had taken his side, Lambert's confidence returned immediately.

He straightened his soaked jacket before looking directly at Apollo with a smug grin.

“So...” He slowly spread his arms. “Your woman just humiliated me in front of half of Chicago's elite. Tell me, Don Apollo... how the fuck are you planning to make this right?”

The whispers around me grew louder.

I looked straight at Apollo.

For one brief second, I let myself hope.

“Apollo...” My voice trembled as I swallowed hard. “Please... just this once, believe me. He touched me first. He grabbed my waist and tried to put his hand under my dress. That's why I threw the wine.”

Before Apollo could respond, Lambert burst into laughter.

“What the fuck?” He looked around the ballroom with exaggerated disbelief before spreading his arms toward the guests. “Miss Redd, you can't just throw accusations around like that. My reputation doesn't matter to me, but the Gray family's does. You claim I molested you? Fine. Then tell everyone... who actually saw it?”

Silence fell over the ballroom.

Nobody spoke.

Nobody stepped forward.

Nobody wanted to get involved with the Gray family or with Apollo.

I looked around desperately. Someone had to have seen it, didn't they?

Apollo never even looked at me.

He walked straight past me and stopped in front of Lambert.

His expression remained cold.

“I'll increase your percentage on the West District infrastructure project.” His voice was emotionless. “Take it as compensation, and let's end this here.”

Lambert grinned with satisfaction.

“Now that's the Don Apollo everyone knows.” He straightened his jacket with a smug smile. “You should keep your woman on a much tighter leash before she embarrasses you again.”

Apollo said nothing.

That was enough.

Just like that, everyone decided I was guilty.

The spoiled woman who attacked someone for no reason.

I stood there alone while countless eyes settled on me.

Some carried pity.

Most carried contempt.

Apollo turned to leave.

“Apollo...” My voice was barely audible. “Not even once? You won't believe me... not even once?”

He stopped walking but didn't turn around immediately.

Slowly, he looked over his shoulder.

The mockery in his eyes hurt more than anything.

“Elarisse.” A cold laugh escaped his lips. “Do you seriously think the whole fucking world revolves around you? Lambert promised me years ago he'd never touch you again, so who the hell am I supposed to believe?”

He grabbed my wrist and dragged me behind one of the ballroom doors.

The moment we were out of sight, he shoved me backward.

I stumbled into the wall.

Pain shot through my shoulder.

“I know exactly what you're doing.” His voice dropped lower, every word laced with anger. “You're pissed because of Agatha. You can't stand that I care about her, so now you're trying to start shit with the Gray family just to get back at me. I don't give a damn about losing money, but can't you stop targeting her for five fucking minutes?”

I opened my mouth.

Then closed it again.

What was the point?

How many times had I cried?

How many times had I begged?

How many times had I explained myself?

Had any of it ever mattered?

No.

Never.

This time...

I stayed silent.

If that's what he wanted to believe...

Then fine.

Only seven more days.

In seven days, none of this would matter anymore.

I bent down and slipped off my high heels.

The skin on both heels had blistered and bled. Every step had felt like walking on knives.

Apollo had bought these shoes himself.

Whenever I complained they hurt, he'd always frown.

“They're designer.” He'd dismiss me without another thought. “They fit perfectly. Stop acting spoiled.”

He never once considered...

Maybe they were simply the wrong size.

Barefoot, I quietly walked away.

Step after painful step.

I never looked back.

Behind me, Apollo watched me leave.

For the briefest moment, his brows drew together as though something didn't sit right with him.

He took a step forward.

Then another voice stopped him.

“Mr. Riccio...” Agatha slipped her arm around his and looked up with worried eyes. “Do you think Sister still hates me? I never meant to make things worse. She left without saying anything... maybe she doesn't even care that you're worried about her anymore.”

Apollo's expression hardened again.

The hesitation vanished.

He glanced at my retreating figure one last time before looking away.

“Forget her.” His voice turned cold once more. “She brought this on herself. If she wants to throw another tantrum, let her.”

Without another glance...

He walked back into the hotel with Agatha.

And left me behind.

A few days later, the partnership with the Gray family was officially signed.

Not long after that, Agatha moved into the Riccio estate.

Apollo claimed it was only temporary.

He found me sitting beside the window with Lila curled up in my lap. My ragdoll purred softly while I absentmindedly stroked her silky fur.

“Agatha's staying here for a while.” Apollo stood beside me with his hands in his pockets. “She's an orphan, and she's had a rough life. I'm her boss. I can't just leave her with nowhere to go. It'll only be a few days, and it won't affect you. She's your older sister. You share the same blood.”

Won't affect me?

I almost smiled.

Instead, I kept petting Lila.

“...Okay.”

That was all I said.

Apollo left shortly afterward.

The moment the front door closed, the sweet smile disappeared from Agatha's face.

It vanished so quickly it was almost frightening.

She marched upstairs without hesitation.

Something crashed.

Then another.

Then another.

My heart dropped.

I ran upstairs.

The door to my forensic laboratory stood wide open.

Glass slides were shattered across the floor. Microscopes had been thrown from the tables. Evidence samples I'd spent months organizing lay scattered everywhere. DNA models were smashed. Reference books had their pages ripped out. Computers and expensive equipment had been destroyed within minutes.

“What are you doing?!” I rushed inside and threw myself in front of the only cabinet she hadn't reached. “Agatha, stop! Don't touch that cabinet!”

Inside were years of research notes.

Case analysis journals.

Study materials I'd collected for the European Forensic Science Institute.

Everything I'd worked so hard for.

I spread my arms to shield it.

Agatha slowly turned toward me and there wasn't a trace of innocence left on her face.

“You really treasure this garbage, don't you?” She kicked another box across the floor before taking a slow step toward me. “You actually thought you'd get into that institute? Dream on. You don't deserve a future. You don't deserve Apollo, and you certainly don't deserve this house.”