Reflexly, Elise’s gaze traveled around the room, though not focused, as she searched for any cameras. She needed to know if Alejandro’s control had gotten so intense that he now watched her.

Diane gave a small smile. “Yes. If you don’t mind, can I please rub it in?”

Elise nodded faintly, shifting her body to give Diane better access for the massage. As she had learned the previous day, she would only be hurting herself if she refused the treatment.

She had not voiced it out, but she was battling with the gnawing ache in her stomach, her consequence of staying without food for a full day.

Noticing the faint...