Chapter 100

Each breath became harder for Anaya to draw, her face darkening to a dangerous shade.

It felt as if Tristan would crush the life from her, but before that became reality, two shadows rushed inand tore him away.

Air came flooding back-Anaya gasped, desperate for oxygen, chest heaving like someone who'd just surfaced from drowning.

The sharp sting in her lungs reminded her she'd never truly valued every breath until now.

On the other side of the struggle, Rocco and Doran clung to Tristan, straining against his raw power.

Tristan's fury bordered on uncontrollable, forcing both men to use every ounce of strength just to keep him back.

"Sir, please-this isn't the way," Rocco persuaded, voice tense. "If you end up killing her, how do we ever explain that to Hector?"

A dangerous chill flickered in Tristan's gaze. "Hector? Since when do I owe him any explanation?"

Rocco tried to reason further, holding firm. "I know, but think it through-"

"Release me," Tristan snapped, his patience gone.

Uncertainty made Rocco hesitate, but he held his ground."Sirwe-"

Tristan exhaled sharply, the fight draining from his shoulders.sover. I'm done. I won't kill her."

For a split second, he'd been ready to end Anaya then and there-not only for planting doubts in Eliana's mind, but because he had no patience for schemers who thrived on chaos.

Once before, it was another scheme that forced Elbert's hand-he'd sent Tristan off to Qidence.

Now, Anaya's antics touched a nerve Tristanrarely let anyone see. Even so, he never allowed rage to cloud his judgment. Everything he'd just done was calculated-just enough to remind Anaya where she stood.

A silent exchange passed between Doran and Rocco, and at last, they loosened their grip on Tristan.

True to his word, Tristan stepped back, making no move to harm Anaya further.

No sooner had he let go than Anaya hurried to his side, gratitude spilling from her lips. "Thank you for your mercy.I swear,you'll never have trouble from me again."

A cold laugh escaped Tristan, eyes glittering with disdain. "Taking your life wouldn't be worth the trouble.Doran, make sure she returns to, Clarkes' estate in style-she's earned a mountain of gifts for her week in my company. Let's show our appreciation."

Surprise flickered across Doran's face. How could Tristan's mood flip from lethal to lavish in a heartbeat?

Rocco,on the other hand, caught on instantly-he knew Tristan well enough to recognize the strategy.

"Allow me, sir," Rocco suggested smoothly, already making plans to carry out the order.

Tristan didn't waste another word-he simply turned and disappeared into his suite.

In a daze, Anaya barely had time to process what happened before she was whisked away, dressed in new clothes and seated in the back of a sleek car.

Rocco supervised as boxes of extravagant gifts piled into the trunk, turning the trip into something resembling a royal procession.

Confusion warred with pleasure inside Anaya. Since when did Tristan show generosity, and why direct it at her?

Only when she arrived at the Clarke estate did the reason begin to take shape.

Hector stood waiting, eyes hardening as he surveyed the bounty of gifts and the smug smile on Anaya's face."Explain yourself.Why would Tristan send you back like this?"

Anaya stammered, "I have no idea. He's impossible to read-I can never guess what's on his mind." A bitter laugh escaped Hector before he stepped closer, gripping her chin in his hand. "You really don't get it? Here's the truth-Tristan wants you here to keep tabs on me. You're supposed to run back and spill every secret.Isn't that it?"

Anaya recoiled,genuine shock widening her eyes.that's not what this is about!"

A cold smirk twisted across his face. "Not true? Since when did Tristan develop a charitable streak? Drop the act. I've seen women like you before-always gravitating toward power. Don't waste your time plotting.Whatever you're up to, it won't work on me."

Ice settled in Anaya's chest. "That's not fair! I haven't done anything. Tristan never asked me to spy,and I would never betray your trust...

With a flick of his hand, Hector shoved her away, distaste clear in every movement. "Get her out of my sight.If she won't come clean, there's no reason to keep her around."

"Understood!" His guards wasted no time, grabbing hold of Anaya.

Panic rising, she pleaded desperately, "Please, you have to believe me! I'm loyal-I would never cross you!"

"Enough. Take her away," Hector snapped,turning his back.

Dragged down the hall, Anaya finally understood the truth behind Tristan's generous farewNell.

The gifts weren't kindness at all-they were part of his plan to paint her as a traitor and set Hector against her.

She'd tried to poison Eliana's relationship with Tristan, only for him to repay her in kind-turning her into a wedge between herself and Hector.

Seeds of mistrust were all Tristan needed to scatter. Hector's suspicious nature did the rest. Doubt once planted would take root and spread-Hector would never look at her the same way again.

So much for kindness; this was retribution, pure and simple.

After the chaos faded and Anaya was dragged away, a tense silence settled over the room. Peace brought Hector no comfort-restlessness gnawed at him even more. For years, Anaya had been nothing but a pawn, usefulfor luring and intimidating the influential. Now, he was forced to destroy his own chess piece.

A sudden commotion broke his thoughts. One of his men hurried in, voice low but urgent. "Mr. Clarke,Ms.Murray has arrived and wishes to see you."

For a split second, hope flickered in Hector's eyes. He leaned forward, anticipation sharpening his tone."Who are we talking about?"

"It's Leyla Murray, sir," the man answered.

Disappointment hit hard-Hector's mood turned icy in an instant. "Send her away. I don't want to see her."

The messenger hesitated, uncertain, but finally delivered Leyla's stubborn response. "She says she's not leaving, no matter what you decide."

A bitter smile played on Hector's lips. "Then let her wait. If she's that determined, let's see how long she lasts."

Exits lined every corridor of the estate, and Hector found it mildly amusing-if Leyla managed to corner him,she would deserve some recognition.

Memories of the humiliation she caused him at the exhibition hall flashed across his mind, souring whatever warmth he once felt for her.

There was a time when Leyla stood out-beautiful, refined, the pride of the Murray family.

Now, all he saw was a liability-someone whose presence brought nothing but shame and inconvenience.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, a chill crept into the air.

Autumn's approach sharpened the wind, each gust slicing through the darkness.

Hours slipped by as Leyla stood rooted at the gates, her body aching, legs numb from standing so long. Not a single servant appeared to offer her entry. Stubbornness anchored her in place. Pride refused to let her walk away.

Surely Hector hadn't erased every feeling for her-not yet.

If she could just look him in the eye, she'd explain what really happened, undo the damage.

But dawn arrived, painting the sky gray. The gates never moved. The house behind them remained silent and closed.

Leyla shivered in the predawn chill, rubbing her numb fingers together in a futile attempt to ward off the cold.

Hope flickered when a servant finally appeared at the gates-but it died the moment she heard the news.

News of Hector's departure hit Leyla like a slap. "He's gone?" Disbelief colored her voice.

"Yes, you should be on your way as well," the servant replied, his words clipped and final before he vanished inside.

A surge of anger threatened to spill over, but Leyla kept her composure, refusing to give the staff the satisfaction.

Deep down, she convinced herself this was just a temporary setback. Hector's temper would cool eventually-he always forgave her in the end.

Clinging to that hope, she trudged across town, determined to take refuge in the apartment Hector had once arranged for her.

Frustration mounted as she jabbed the keypad repeatedly, each failed attempt greeted by an unforgiving beep.

Puzzled, she rang the housekeeper-only tohear that she was gone and the place was already up for sale.

Shock left Leyla reeling. The home she once shared with Hector had been stripped away, just like that.

With her accounts empty and every asset sold to cover mounting debts, Leyla found herself forced to check into a bland hotel. Just as despair began to settle in, her phone vibrated-a voice message from Jonny, gentle and sincere.

He wanted to know if her injured wrist was feeling any better.

Leyla's lips curled into a faint smile. An idea began to take shape.