---- He leaned in, his foul breath grazing my cheek.


    And I shiver in disgust.


    The fucker had the bottles tracked! Each and every bottle.


    So thats how he got here despite me eliminating my traces and scent.


    You underestimated me.


    And thats thest mistake you''ll ever make.


    Tclenched my fists behind my back, nails biting into my palms to keep me grounded.


    His words slithered around me, meant to intimidate, but I refused to let them prate the walls I''d built.


    Not anymore.


    Tam immune to them.


    You betrayed us, he hissed, circling me like a vulture.


    And now, you''re going to pay for it.


    His hand shot toward my throat, I didnt flinch.


    There was no fear left in meonly anger simmering beneath the surface, threatening to boil over.


    ---- Chapter 512 But before his disgusting hand could touch me, ck tendrils burst through the air, wrapping around his wrist.


    Gerald yelped, pulling back instinctively, but the tendrils held firm, squeezing until I heard the satisfying crack of bone.


    [is pain should''ve brought me some relief, but it didnt.


    Not when I saw who stood behind him.


    Vincenzo.


    What have I told you about touching her? His voice was low, controlled, but I felt the weight of every word.


    [is aura? It had intensified to something dark and deadly , even the monsters take a step back from him.


    His eyes root daggers at Gerald.


    Vince, Gerald spat through gritted tecth, his panic poorly concealed She betrayed you The tendrils tightened, and Geralds scream echoed ---- through the room.


    She is mine, Vincenzo said, his gaze cold and unrelenting.


    What part of that do you not understand...


    master? Vincenzos tone dripped with sarcasm, the word master rolling off his tongue like a curse.


    Gerald''s face went pale.


    The way he said the word made even Gerald recoil.


    He was mocking his position, but Gerald knew better.


    He didn''t dare retort.


    Rather he gulped and nodded hastily.


    The tentacles retreat , slithering back into his back.


    Gerald staggered back, cradling his wrist as he red at Vince.


    But the fury in his eyes vanished to give way to fear.


    While for me? I bit the inside of my cheek, forcing myself to remain stoic.


    Vincenzos protection should veforted me, but it only twisted the knife lodged in my chest Thad betrayed him, and yet here he was, defending ---- me as if nothing had changed.


    That was the man he was.


    He still loved me after everything.


    Or atleast, some part of him did.


    And the realisation wed at my heart because I was the one responsible for destroying him.


    His eyes connect with mine for a second, they softened for a fraction and then they were back to steel.


    Without another word, Vincenzo turned and walked away, his shadow swallowing the ground as he disappeared.


    A dread settles in my chest He will never forgive me for this.


    Those eyes....


    I had broken something in him.


    And T fear it was irreceable My knees suddenly felt weak, my chest ached as if someone rooted a dagger in it.


    He has left me here, with Gerald and his men.


    Alone: