Chapter 14.
The crisp, white lights in Grayson’s office felt colder than ever.
He sat behind his desk, which was overflowing with documents–everything exposing Claire’s elaborate scheme to drive a wedge between him and Savannah. Among the files was a thick stack from a private investigator: photos, audio clips, bmktransfers, even signed affidavits from the so–called
“thugs.”
“She told us it was just an act… enough money, we’d do it, nothing serious–she promised more afterward..”
She had us protend to harass her… no intention to harm…….”
“As long as you believed her.. she’d pay extra.”
Grayson’s knuckles whitened as he gripped a folder. Confering emotions raged in his eyes.
It had all been Claire’s orchestration–every twisted act. And he, Illo a fool, had pushed the woman he loved into the ebyss with his own bands.
Security guards took Claire into the office. She wore a coquettish smile:
“Grayson, why’d you call me here so urgently…”
Before she could speak, Grayson threw the papers in her face.
“Explain.”
She froze as documents and photos scattered across the floor. Claire bent to gather them, trembling.
“These must be framed. Framed by Savannah. She hates me. That’s all!” she stammered
“Savannah?” Grayson’s voice was strangely calm. He pulled a voice recorder from his drawer and pressed play.
“She brought this on herself the worthless bitch-”
Claire’s voice echoed through the office–vengeful and vicious. Her face drained of all color.
She forced a smile as she dropped the papers aside and stepped forward. “Grayson… believe me I didn’t do those things.”
Meeting his key stare, her breathing grew rapid “Believe me. I love you that much…”
“Love?”
Grayson reached out, pinching her chin. “You did this. You crossed that line. Do you not find it disgusting?”
Claire glared back, “Oh, so you’re perfect? You used me as a stand–in, made me think you loved me!”
She yanked free, pointing at him defiantly. “You are too blind to see who truly loved you, and now you play the heartbroken hero? Savannah walked away
because she’d rather vanish than look at you ever again.“‘
Grayson’s pupils shrank. His chest tightened.
Claire laughed cruelly. “Do you know what she left behind? That necklace, your gift. You wore that tracker–so you could follow her disappearance..”
“Those blows,” she continued. “You delivered every one of them, didn’t you?”
The office fell silent.
Grayson stepped forward, His smile was gentle, but his eyes were cold as lee. He touched her face as if caressing a lover
“You’re right,” he whispered. “I was blind. And now.. it’s time to fix that.”
Before she could respond, two guards stormed in and bound her wrists with rough rope
Claire’s eyes widened, nearly toppling. “Grayson! You can’t do this! I–I’ll give the money back!”
Grayson took a calm step back, expression unreadable as she was secured,
“Money? Do you think I care about that?”
He leaned close, his breath cold against her ear: “I want you to feel what real hell looks like.”
‣ GoodShort
