lackwe

ilt on silk scarves, Italian leather, and shiny tech gadgets. It was bleeding out right before my eyes. Years of hard work almost slipped

loan shark with a viper's charm and a guillotine's patience. I knew

that, apparent

time I noticed. The more I borrowed, the more I needed to keep my head above water. Ryda didn't care about my visions for Blackw

eminder would somehow ease the guilt I felt. Lyra wasn't Blackwell's blood-no matter how much I wanted to believe she was. She was just a child left at my doorstep, whom no o

er so-called "solution" to our financial black hole, I initially resisted. Even laughed i

laughed harder, I would have. "We can clear everything

that she was playing some sick joke. Bu

ing whisper she used when she wanted her way. "We owe Ryda a d

had-and she wasn't afraid to use them. Lyra wasn't her daughter. She didn't see her as anything oth

hat heartless.

y choice. I wanted to tell her, to confess everything, but what was the point? I couldn't explain the

yda wanted collateral, something that screamed high stakes and irreplaceable. And somehow, Lyra fit the bill perfectly-an adopted daughter, expe

n then, with her staring up at me, confused, hurt... I couldn't muster the courage to say anything. Instead, I turned away. Because it wa

e're safe now," Lizzy murmur

ary who saw beyond personal attachments. But the truth? I felt like a coward-a traitor. I sold Lyra

our social circles, telling stories of our "revived" empire, and playing the role of the gracious wife of the Blackwell legacy while I was haun

s demands somewhere else... things wouldn't have resolved to give out that innocent girl like she was some animal. What's a man's pride compa

t let go quickly. Ryda's promises are as slippery as the lies Lizzy spins. He doesn't have a history of allowing debtors to go completely; even when someo

nds in the doorway, arms crossed, looking like the lady of the manor. She has that look in her

want, Lizzy

mirk, "we've been invited to the Governor's Gala. Q

of our carefully orchestrated charade. Lizzy's crowning moment, her chance to flaunt our "s

debut, I feel the emptiness settle. The lies, the deceit,

of my mind. It's Lyra's voice, low and steady, reminding me

necessary and saved us both from r

ust sold a piece of my so

apped me out of my thoug