Chapter 32: Apologize to me, and I’ll help you.
Anne’s stomach twisted, an uncomfortable feeling coiling inside her. His words were meant to shake her, to plant doubt—but she refused to let them take root.
"It’s my life," she said firmly, lifting her chin. "Mine to worry about. You don’t need to concern yourself with me."
She pushed his hand away.
"You’re still acting stubborn," he snarled, his fury boiling. "If I wanted, I could make him disappear instantly."
Anne’s body went rigid, but she didn’t step back. Instead, she took a bold step forward, her eyes flashing with unshakable determination. "Dare to hurt him," she warned. "And I’ll ruin you."
Her unwavering defiance caught Denis off guard.
She wasn’t cowering, wasn’t pleading. She was standing her ground—against him.
"You’re really ready to fight me for him?" he grunted. "What’s so special about that loser?" His anger burned hotter as he stared at her, daring her to answer. "You barely know him. How can you be so blind? How can you trust him?"
Anne’s expression didn’t waver. Her next words cut deeper than any blade. "I trusted you for years. And what did I get in return? Betrayal. How do you expect me to ever put my faith back in you? Augustine is far better than you. At least he didn’t abandon me alone, in the middle of nowhere. He saved me. And that alone... is enough for me to trust him."
Silence filled the room. For the first time, Denis had no response. The regret twisted in his gut—left him speechless.
Anne let out a slow, measured breath before shrugging. "If you’re not going to take action against Becca, there is no reason for me to keep working here. I’m leaving right now."