Chapter 224

"Excellent. Making her suffer would be too kind. I leave this matter in your capable hands."

The Kingsley and Whitmore families had come to an agreement. Victoria Sinclair's fate was sealed.

In a damp, windowless cellar, Victoria's wrists and ankles were bound with coarse rope. A filthy rag covered her eyes, while a sweat-stained sock gagged her mouth. She could neither speak nor see.

The creak of rusted hinges announced someone's arrival. Heavy footsteps echoed against the concrete floor.

When Victoria sensed the presence, she thrashed violently against her restraints, muffled sobs escaping through the gag.

Evelyn Carter stood motionless, her icy gaze fixed on the trembling woman. "It's me," she said at last, her voice devoid of warmth.

At the sound of Evelyn's voice, Victoria froze. She turned blindly toward the source, though the rag prevented her from seeing.

Evelyn reached forward, yanking the cloth from Victoria's eyes. Terror flooded those bloodshot orbs as recognition set in.

A humorless laugh escaped Evelyn's lips. "What's this? Fear? Where was this fear when you set fire to my home?"

Victoria shook her head violently, tears streaming down her bruised face.

With deliberate slowness, Evelyn removed the gag.

"E-Evelyn, please," Victoria rasped, her voice raw. "I beg you—"

Another cold laugh cut her off. "Beg? You set fire to a building with people inside! You wanted me dead!"

The flames had raged uncontrollably.

Had the fire department arrived minutes later, they'd all be ashes.

And now this woman dared beg for mercy?

Unthinkable.

"I didn't mean—I just wanted to scare you! I never intended—"

For days, Victoria had been trapped in this hellhole. Cockroaches scuttled over her legs at night. The stench of mildew and decay clung to her nostrils.

It was psychological torture worse than death.

"Scare me?" Evelyn's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Sophia is hospitalized with smoke inhalation. Harrison has second-degree burns across his back and arms—permanent scars, thanks to you."

Her fingers curled into fists. "You harmed everyone I love, and now you plead for leniency? Do you truly think yourself worthy of mercy?"

Victoria began slamming her head against the wall. "Kill me then! Just end it quickly!"

She couldn't endure another hour in this nightmare.

Blood trickled from her forehead, painting her face crimson.

Evelyn watched dispassionately, as one might observe a struggling insect.

"I won't grant you death," she finally said. "But I will ensure you suffer."

"No! Evelyn, PLEASE—"

The door slammed shut, cutting off Victoria's screams.

Moments later, a new sound slithered through the darkness.

The telltale hiss of a snake.

Victoria's worst fear.

Her bloodcurdling shrieks echoed through the chamber as the serpent approached. "NO! NO! NOOO—"

Evelyn didn't look back.