Chapter 11

Arianna's heart raced as she looked at Caspian and Cedric. She dropped to her knees, clutching Caspian's leg tightly. Tears streamed down her face as she said, "Caspian, please! You have to believe me! It's not what it looks like! Caspian shoved her away, crouched down, and gripped her chin firmly. "Then explain. Why did you hurt yourself? And why did you try to frame Megan?" Arianna felt like her bones were being crushed. Pain twisted her face. "I was terrified. I was afraid of losing you, afraid you wouldn't love me anymore. I know I made a huge mistake. Please, forgive me!" She turned to Cedric in desperation. "Cedric, say something!" Caspian sneered. "Losing us? You're not afraid of losing us—you're afraid of losing the money, the status, the comfortable life you've been living." He slapped her, watching her collapse to the floor, then turned to Cedric. "What do you think we should do?" Cedric's eyes were cold. "Lock her in a room. If she thinks she can play us for fools