Chapter 262

NATALIE’S POV The manor was grand, too grand. Memphis’ manor had luxury hallways, velvet curtains, chandeliers dripping with crystals. On the outside, it was the kind of place people would call beautiful. To me, it felt like a cage dressed in jewels. Memphis kept me close. Always. He walked beside me with his hand hovering near my waist as if I might vanish if he didn’t keep me close to him. At first, I told myself he was kind. I should be grateful to him. After all, he gave me food, clothes, shelter, and guidance when I felt lost. But the longer I stayed, the more I noticed the way he looked at me. His eyes weren’t as soft as I once thought they were. There was nothing tender in the way he watched me. When he looked at me, all I could see was the hunger in his eyes. He looked at me like a predator studying prey. It always made me uneasy. He asked questions constantly. “What are you thinking, Natalie?” “What do you remember about your childhood?” “Do you feel safe here with me?” I woul