Chapter 10

Tobias was cuffed and escorted away by the cops. When Elena rushed forward, a police officer shoved her back. "Step aside. Don't interfere with official business." At this point, even a fool could tell what Emmanuel was up to. He'd baited Tobias on purpose, provoking him into a fight just so the cops would take him in—anything to stop him from taking Elena overseas. Tobias shot Emmanuel a death glare, fists clenched. "You've really stooped low this time, Emmanuel." Emmanuel smirked coldly. "Appreciate the compliment. Tobias, enjoy your little vacation in jail. And just so you know, my lawyer's not some rookie. Getting out? Yeah, good luck with that." Tobias snorted, defiant. "Fine, throw me in. It's just a fight, not the end of the world. What, you gonna lock me up forever?" Then he turned to look at Elena. "Elena, don't worry about me. Go. I've already made arrangements for you over there. I won't be in long." "Tobias!" Elena's voice trembled, but he kept his eyes on her. "Listen to me and go. Now." Seeing the predatory glint in Emmanuel's eyes, Elena bit back her tears and strode toward the security checkpoint. But she barely got a few steps before Emmanuel grabbed her wrist. "Elena, you'd really leave Tobias behind in jail like this?" he said. "Let go of me!" He narrowed his eyes. "If you don't come back with me quietly, I'll make sure Tobias gets some 'special treatment' in there." "You're disgusting!" Elena's voice shook with rage. Emmanuel had sunk even lower than she imagined. The lengths he'd go to over someone who didn't even love him—it was terrifying. "You'll get what's coming to you, Emmanuel!" she spat. He gave a cold shrug. "Maybe, maybe not. But let me remind you—this isn't a joke. If I say I want Tobias dead, he'll be gone. You know the types in that place. Hardened criminals. They don't care if they rack up an extra body."Hearing Emmanuel's every word, Elena nearly lost it. "Fine, I'll go with you. But listen up, Emmanuel — I'm giving your precious girl that kidney, so you better not lay a finger on Tobias. If you dare go back on your word, I swear, I'll haunt you even after I'm dead!" Her tone was sharp and cold. Emmanuel's brow twitched, and then he let out a mocking, chilly laugh. "Quit the chatter. Move." Back at the villa, the door had barely closed before Emmanuel shoved her down onto the living room couch. "What are you doing? Emmanuel, you psycho! Get away from me!" Elena screamed as his hands reached for her clothes. She kicked and clawed, panic rising in her voice. Her resistance only made Emmanuel angrier. She used to give in without a fight, even eager sometimes. Now, just a few days with Tobias and she was a whole different person. He hated how her every reaction now seemed to scream Tobias's name. He snapped. In seconds, he stripped her bare. Elena fought like hell—scratching, biting, yelling. "You bastard! You brought me back for a damn kidney, not to sleep with me!" "You don't get a say, Elena." His voice was low and threatening. "Believe him all you want, but he's still stuck in a holding cell. Be smart—do what I say, and he walks out today. Don't, and..." That was all it took for the fight to drain out of her. Emmanuel didn't hesitate, taking what he wanted right there on the couch. Elena stared blankly at the chandelier overhead, eyes wide but void. Her lifeless silence drove Emmanuel to the brink. He slammed into her with anger, trying to provoke a reaction. "What, cat got your tongue? Laying there like a corpse—what the hell are you trying to pull?" But Elena didn't meet his eyes. She was somewhere else entirely, those words he'd said at the airport still echoing in her head. She didn't want this shame, this humiliation. He kept yelling, ordering her to speak up, but she just bit down harder on her lip. She bit so hard it split—blood flowed, but still, not a sound. By the time it was over, they were both drained. Emmanuel kept at it until Elena passed out, and not once did she make a sound.