“You’ll get everything you want—your mom’s surgery bills, your brother’s education, your father’s loan… and anything else you need—if you simply do what I ask,” Alex said smoothly, his voice low and commanding as his fingers lightly traced the curve of Abigail’s cheek. The space between them had all but disappeared.

Abigail’s breath hitched. “B-but, sir… what you're asking for—it’s wrong. For both of us.”

Alex’s expression darkened, the softness in his eyes vanishing like a switch flipped. “Then I guess you're willing to let your mother die for the sake of your principles.”

The word die sliced through her like a blade.

Her knees weakened. Her eyes welled. The...