Lacie’s cries echoed through the room, her body trembling as she knelt on the cold, hard floor. I stood over her, my jaw clenched, my blood still boiling from her lies. Her fear was palpable, a metallic scent that filled the air and clung to my senses. I couldn’t stand it—her weakness, her deceit. She had played me, manipulated me, and now she dared to weep like she was the victim.

“Please, Dominic!” Lacie begged, her voice breaking. “I swear, I didn’t—”

“Silence!” I ...