Chapter 12 - Locked In
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The loud click of the heavy brass locks sent a new wave of panic through the remaining guests.
“What are you doing?” my father demanded, stepping away from the table. “You can’t lock us in here! This is illegal!”
“It’s my hotel, Arthur,” Adrian replied smoothly, adjusting his cuffs. “I can do whatever I please with the doors. And I suggest you sit back down. We are not finished.”
My father slowly sank into his chair, his arrogance completely broken. My mother, realizing there was no escape, scurried back to the head table, wrapping her arms around herself. Claire was still sobbing on the floor, her makeup smeared across her white dress, completely ignored by everyone.
I looked up at Adrian, my heart pounding against my ribs. I had known Adrian for three years before we married. I knew he was ruthless in business, a man who crushed his competitors without a second thought. But I had never seen this side of him—this cold, calculating punisher.
“Adrian,” I whispered softly, touching his arm. “What else is there?”
He looked down at me, the coldness in his eyes melting away for just a fraction of a second. He touched my cheek, being careful to avoid the wine stains.
“They thought they could hurt you and walk away, Meredith,” he said quietly. “But I don't just defeat my enemies. I salt the earth so they can never grow back.”
Adrian turned his attention back to the room. He raised his hand and snapped his fingers once.
The door to the catering kitchen slowly pushed open.
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Two more of Adrian’s security guards walked into the ballroom. Between them, they were dragging a young man in a white catering uniform.
It was the waiter who had poured the wine on me.
