Chapter 35
On the third day, Blanche received shocking news: the Yates family had gone bankrupt.
But that wasn’t all. Leroy, devastated by the blow, suffered a stroke and didn’t make it through the night at the hospital.
“You’ve turned two powerful houses into mortal enemies for the sake of a mistress who can’t even show her face in public!” Loraine snapped, storming after Hedwig.
Hedwig darted behind Blanche, using her as a shield.
“And you-how could you make your brother stoop so low, bullying the weak and burning bridges? What do you expect the families loyal to the Simmonses to think of us now?”
“I swear, I’m throwing you out today!” Loraine shot a look at the house staff, and they surged forward, reaching for Hedwig.
Clinging to Blanche’s sleeve, Hedwig pleaded, “Please, help me…”
In the past, whenever there was a rift between Hedwig and her mother, Blanche would always step in to smooth things over.
But now, she simply pried Hedwig’s fingers off her arm and walked out of the bedroom without looking back.
Everyone in the room was stunned, but there was no time to dwell on Blanche’s sudden
coldness.
From upstairs, Hedwig’s voice rang out. “Mom, it’s too late. Even if you throw me out now, it won’t fix anything.”
“They’ll never think you’re being noble by turning on your own daughter. Give it up.”
A sharp slap echoed through the house, but Blanche left it all behind her.
She got in her car and drove away from the estate.
The suburban roads were mostly empty, and the villas perched on the hillside were even more deserted. Trees lining the road flickered past in neat rows, and the cool breeze seemed to chase away the heaviness pressing on Blanche’s chest.
Suddenly, a shadow darted across the road. Blanche yanked the steering wheel and slammed
on the brakes.
The car veered off the pavement, crashing into a sturdy tree. The airbag exploded, pinning Blanche against the seat-her world went black.
When she came to, her limbs were numb, and any movement sent pain lancing through her skull.
She struggled, only to realize she was tied to a wooden chair.
That’s when she understood-she’d been kidnapped.
“Save your strength,” came a voice. Vincent stepped through a battered iron gate at the edge of the dim light. “Call Eddy. Tell him to bring Hedwig and meet me here.”
Blanche squinted, trying to adjust to the gloom, and finally made out his face. Weakly, she asked, “Why are you doing this?”
“Why?” Vincent gave a cold, mirthless laugh. “Everyone knows you’re the one Eddy cares about most. If I want him to come quietly, you’re the obvious choice.”
“You’re wrong. I’m not,” Blanche murmured.
“Enough with the nonsense.”
Before the words had even finished echoing, a group of black-suited bodyguards burst through
the door.
Eddy strode into the room like an avenging angel. “Let her go,” he commanded, his voice deep and icy, brooking no argument.
Vincent sneered. “You think I’m scared of you? If I’m going down, I’m taking someone with me. And since she’s the woman you love most, I’d say that’s a fair trade.”
He pressed a knife to Blanche’s throat.
“I’ll trade myself for her,” Eddy said instantly, his composure briefly cracking. “If you want something from me, just say it. Please, don’t hurt Blanche.”
“I want Hedwig!” Vincent snarled, growing more agitated by the second. Eddy didn’t hesitate-he called for Hedwig to be brought in.
Vincent glared at her. “You think your brother’s any better than me? He’s done plenty of dirty
deeds himself.”
“Why does he get to have women on his arm wherever he goes, but the moment I have a little fun, you act like I should die for it?”
“Don’t you get it? I’ve only ever loved you!”
“You’re talking nonsense!” Hedwig cried, terrified as she saw blood welling up from the shallow cut on Blanche’s cheek. “Let her go-don’t make things worse!”
“Nonsense?!” Vincent’s voice rose to a roar. “I’ve got proof, damn it!”
He flung open his coat, and dozens of incriminating photos-men and women entwined in intimate embraces-fluttered through the air like a snowstorm.
