Chapter 2

Adeline Carter's POV:

I took Alvin's phone and read every single word Brock had typed.

I forwarded the entire transcript to my own phone. Evidence. I had to protect myself.

I stared at the screen, at Brock's profile picture. A handsome, smiling face.

I remembered our early days. He was charming, always making me laugh. He seemed so considerate. I thought he was perfect. Even when we were drowning in debt, even when our tiny apartment felt like a cage, I believed our love was enough.

Did he love me? I think so. Once. He loved me once, truly.

But everything had changed.

I recalled a conversation I'd had with my own boss, Gill Webb.

Gill was openly gay. He had made a shameless proposal regarding Brock, wanting me to set them up.

I had turned him down instantly, without a second thought.

At the time, my loyalty to Brock was absolute. I would never sell him out, not for a promotion, not for money. But Brock? He was ready to sell me.

The betrayal cut deeper than any physical wound. I couldn't accept it. I refused to be his victim.

I closed my eyes, a new resolve igniting in my chest. I had to act. I had to protect myself and fight back.

I started to plan. I would not be a pawn in his game.