Claire's screams echoed through the grand estate, piercing the night as she was flogged outside. The agony in her voice was unbearable, and Brad flinched with every lash. He stood on the balcony, hands gripping the railing, his jaw clenched. He wanted to stop it, but he knew better than to defy his mother.
When it was finally over, Claire collapsed to the ground, her body trembling from pain. Brad let out a shaky breath. He turned away, unable to bear the sight any longer.
"Make sure her wounds are treated," he ordered the maids in a hushed voice. "And bring her something to eat."
It was the least he could do. But that was all. He couldn't risk angering Olivia. Without another word, he retreated to his room, but sleep did not come easily. He had witnessed the entire argument earlier and it made him fear his mother more of what she could do to him.
The next morning,
At the Obsidian Arena, Sebastian sat across from his grandfather, sipping his coffee as breakfast was served. The elderly man, a figure of power and wisdom, regarded him with a scrutinizing gaze.
"Did she agree to marry you?" the old man asked, his voice laced with concern. "Not that she has much of a choice. You two need to be married before that vile woman finds out and tries to sabotage everything."
Sebastian sighed, running a hand through his neatly styled black hair. "Grandpa, Claire, and I have already decided to work together. What more do you want?"
"My birthday is next month," his grandfather declared, as though that settled everything. "You should come together. I want to see my granddaughter-in-law."
Sebastian stiffened, irritation flickering in his dark eyes. It bothered him that his grandfather spoke as though the marriage was a done deal. He wasn't fond of being pressured, least of all into marriage.
"She's not your daughter-in-law yet," he muttered under his breath.
Ignoring him, the old man took a sip of his tea and added, "I'll pay her a visit soon."
Sebastian didn't bother replying. He finished his meal in silence, but his thoughts lingered on Claire. He had no reason to be concerned about her, yet he couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling gnawing at him. Olivia was still in control of Claire's life, and that woman was dangerous.
***
It was already 8 PM, and Sebastian had expected to hear from Claire. After all, they had an agreement—she should have contacted him for updates. But his phone remained silent. Not a single message, not even a missed call. Perhaps he was being too impatient, but something about the silence felt wrong. His unease grew stronger with each passing minute.
Frowning, he reached for his phone and dialed her number. It rang multiple times, but there was no answer. He tried again. Still nothing.
"Claire…" he murmured, her name slipping from his lips as his grip on the phone tightened.
Unable to resist, he opened Whatsapp and clicked on her profile. Her display picture greeted him—a soft, warm portrait of herself. Her brown eyes sparkled, full of life, her hair like wavy chestnut locks cascading over her shoulders. Her lips, thin and delicate, curled into a small smile, revealing just a glimpse of her two front teeth.
For some reason, that picture made his chest tighten. She looked happy in it. He had only met her twice and she had been bitter each time. He wondered if solving this case would make her smile again.
Sebastian stood abruptly, his decision made. He wasn't going to wait any longer.
He was going to find her.
The first place he checked was the Royal Prestige Hotel and Bar. He waited at the bar for an hour, his patience thinning with each passing minute. When it became clear she wasn't coming, he left.
His next stop was the Harry Manor, a grand estate nestled in the heart of the city. The Harrys owned the most prominent manor in the city center, second only to the Obsidian Arena in sheer magnificence.
As his car rolled up to the entrance, two guards in sharp black suits stood at their posts, their expressions unreadable. Sebastian remained inside while his driver stepped out to inquire about Claire's whereabouts.
"Miss Claire is fine," one of the guards responded curtly. "She is not allowed to leave the estate at this time."
When the driver relayed the message, Sebastian's suspicion only deepened. Not allowed? That phrasing set off every alarm in his mind.
His jaw tightened. How did she get herself into this mess?
He lingered in the car for a while, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, waiting for something—anything—to happen. But the manor remained eerily still, its tall windows revealing nothing, its occupants hidden behind an impenetrable wall of wealth and secrecy.
He wanted to stay longer, but time wasn't on his side. If he didn't return home soon, his grandfather would start worrying. With a reluctant sigh, he signaled the driver.
"Let's go," he murmured, but his mind was already made up.
Just as he was about to leave, he heard the voice of another male, shouting at the guards at the gate,
"Open the gate you fools can't you hear?"
Sebastian looked through his window and gasped "Claire..."