The cold night air stung John's face as Joker's men dragged him through the darkened streets. Every breath sent a sharp, agonizing pain through his ribs, and his vision blurred with each shaky step. His body ached, but his mind was still sharp. He had to find a way to survive , not for himself, but for Sarah. She needed him now more than ever, and he couldn't let Taylor and Evelyn win.
Behind him, Taylor whistled a tune, pleased with the damage he'd inflicted. The casualness of his cruelty sickened John, but there was no time for anger. He had to focus. Despite the beating, John was alive, and as long as that was true, there was still hope.
They reached a sleek black van parked on the edge of the street, its engine idling. One of Joker's men yanked the door open, and John was thrown inside with no regard for his injuries. His body collided with the hard metal floor, and for a moment, the pain was blinding. He groaned, struggling to lift his head as the door slammed shut behind him.
Taylor climbed in last, taking a seat across from John, his arms folded casually over his chest. "I'll give you credit, West," Taylor said with a smirk. "You took that beating better than I expected."
John's head throbbed, his heartbeat pulsing in his ears, but he managed to raise his eyes to meet Taylor's. "Where's Sarah?" he rasped.
Taylor grinned, leaning back in his seat. "You really are obsessed with her, aren't you? She's fine, for now. But if you want to see her again, you'll need to follow some rules."
John clenched his fists, though he didn't have the strength to fight back at this point. "I won't play your games, Taylor. I'm not leaving Sarah, no matter what you or your mother try."
Taylor's grin faltered, but only for a moment. He leaned forward, his voice lowering. "I don't think you understand, John. This isn't about what you want. You don't have a choice here. You leave her, or we'll take her from you by force. And I promise, that will be a lot worse for both of you."
John's heart pounded, the cold dread creeping into his veins. He had known the Lances would stop at nothing to break him and Sarah apart, but hearing it laid out so plainly, so casually, chilled him to the core. Still, he wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing his fear.
"I'm not leaving her," he repeated, his voice steadier this time. "You can do whatever you want to me, but I won't let you control her life."
Taylor's eyes darkened. "You really don't get it, do you? You think this is some noble sacrifice, don't you? But in the end, you're the one who's hurting her, John. Every minute you stay in her life, you're dragging her down with you. And for what? Love?" Taylor sneered, the word dripping with disdain. "Love isn't going to save her, and it sure as hell isn't going to save you."
John clenched his jaw, trying to suppress the rage that bubbled inside him. "I don't need to be saved."
Taylor laughed, the sound hollow and cruel. "Oh, but you will. When we're done with you, you'll be begging for a way out."
The van lurched forward, its tires screeching as it sped down the road. John winced as the movement jostled his bruised body. He glanced at the men sitting beside him, their faces stoic and unfeeling, and he knew there was no easy escape this time. He had to play along, at least for now, until he found an opportunity to turn the tables.
But he wouldn't give up. Not yet. Not ever.
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Evelyn Lance poured herself a glass of wine, her eyes glinting in the soft candlelight of her study. She took a sip, savoring the taste as she leaned back in her chair. Everything was falling into place. Sarah would be broken soon, and once she was, the McCarthy marriage could proceed, bringing the investment needed to save Lance Industries.
The soft click of her door opening drew her attention. She turned to see Peter standing there, looking older and more tired than ever. His once-proud stature had wilted under the strain of the family's troubles, and Evelyn could sense his growing unease about her methods.
"Peter," she said, smiling as she gestured to the empty chair across from her. "Come, sit with me."
Peter hesitated, his eyes narrowing as he approached. "What have you done, Evelyn?"
Evelyn raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "Whatever do you mean?"
"You know exactly what I mean," Peter growled. "This whole plan… Sarah, John. It's gone too far. I've let you handle things your way, but this? This isn't about saving the business anymore, is it? You're playing a dangerous game."
Evelyn sighed, swirling the wine in her glass. "Everything I've done has been for this family, Peter. For our future. You just never had the stomach for it."
Peter shook his head, his voice quieter now. "We've already lost two daughters to these arrangements. I won't lose Sarah the same way. You can't push her like this."
Evelyn's smile faded, replaced by a cold, calculating look. "Sarah made her choice when she defied us. This is the only way to bring her back in line. And don't pretend you care now, Peter. You've stood by and watched long enough."
Peter's eyes flickered with regret, but he stood his ground. "You've gone too far."
Evelyn's grip on the glass tightened. "No, Peter. You're the one who hasn't gone far enough. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more important things to deal with than your moral crisis."
Peter's shoulders sagged, but he said nothing more as he turned and left the room, the door clicking softly behind him.
Evelyn took another sip of her wine, her gaze distant as she considered the next steps. Soon, Sarah would have no choice but to yield, and everything would fall back into place.
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The van jolted to a sudden stop, jerking John forward. Taylor smiled lazily as he leaned toward John. "Looks like we've arrived."
The door slid open, and the cold night air hit John like a wave. Joker's men yanked him out of the van, dragging him toward a familiar building: the Lance mansion.
John's pulse quickened. He could feel it in his bones,whatever was coming next was going to be worse than anything he'd endured so far.
Taylor stepped beside him, chuckling softly. "Remember, John, you can end this at any time. All you have to do is say the words."
John's jaw tightened, refusing to answer.
"Suit yourself," Taylor said with a shrug. "But just know… it's not going to get any easier from here."
The mansion loomed ahead, its shadow dark and foreboding. John had a sinking feeling that once he stepped through those doors, there would be no turning back.