Chapter 7: A Dangerous Promise
Maddox sat motionless, staring at his phone. The buzzing in his hand felt as though it were a lifeline to a world he had been trying to avoid for years. Victor Harrington. The name sent a jolt of anxiety through him, stirring memories of the past of betrayal, secrets, and the dangerous game Victor had played with his family.
His fingers hovered over the screen, the weight of the decision pressing heavily on his chest. He had spent the last few years burying the truth, hoping that it would stay buried. But with each passing day, the past seemed to resurface in ways that Maddox could no longer control.
Cambria’s words echoed in his mind. "You lost everything that really mattered." The accusation stung, sharper than he had expected. She was right, in so many ways. He had built his empire on lies, manipulated by his own pride and fears. And now, here he was, on the edge of losing everything again.
He could feel the tension building, the walls closing in on him. There was no escaping this. Not anymore.
The phone buzzed again.
Victor’s name flashed on the screen, an urgent reminder that Maddox was not in control of his own fate. He swiped to answer.
"What is it, Victor?" His voice came out harsher than he intended, but the stress of the moment left little room for politeness.
"Glad you could answer, Maddox," Victor’s voice was smooth, almost too calm. "I think we need to talk. In person."
"About what?" Maddox felt his pulse quicken. The last thing he needed was another round of mind games from Victor.