Chapter 437

Penelope had always believed the man from that night was Xavier, who had come to discuss a business deal with Pierce. Even while she writhed in unbearable pain, he kept asking her strange, probing questions. The burning inside her didn't subside until she confessed Pierce's secret to him. Then came a rush of pleasure so deep and strange, it felt almost unearthly. Though she remained grounded in reality, she relived that night in her dreams every single evening. She craved him with a desperation that nearly drove her insane. She had always lived under Pierce's control, never daring to resent him even when he used her. But whenever she thought of that night, a spark of rebellion stirred within her. It was that spark that drove her to make the boldest decision of her life—she would sneak out to find him. She knew she'd eventually be caught and brought back, but just seeing him one more time would be enough. Yet when she finally stood before Xavier and met his cold, unreadable gaze