Chapter 13 Predator and Prey
(Olivas POV)
babelle Stone stared at me in shock, her hand slowly rising to touch the red mark blooming on her cheek Her eyes widened with disbelief before narrowing into furious slits.
Olivia Winters you dare to hit me!‘ she shrieked, raising her hand to strike back.
caught her wrist mid–air with surprising strength, my fingers digging into her skin. The room
felt silent as everyone watched our confrontation.
sabelle Stone” I hissed my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, “let me hear you insult
Lity again and Il tear your mouth apart!
My emerald eyes blazed with maternal fury. The chilling rage emanating from me was
palpable, making tsabelle instinctively step back.
“You’re crazy,” she whispered, but I could see the fear in her eyes.
I released her wrist with a shove, unable to bear staying a moment longer. The pain of hearing Isabelle’s casual disrespect toward my deceased daughter cut deeper than any physical
wound
What hurt even more was Ethan’s indifference. He stood there, silent and unmoved, as his
cousin insulted our daughter’s memory.
Without another word, I turned and walked out, my heart shattering all over again.
Behind me, I heard Isabelle’s voice rise in a dramatic wail. “Cousin…”
I didn’t stay to hear more. The hospital corridor stretched before me like an escape route, and I
took it.
As soon as I left, I heard a sharp slap followed by a thud. The sound made me pause briefly, but I forced myself to keep walking. Whatever was happening behind those doors no longer
concerned me.
Outside, the cool night air hit my face, stinging my skin. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my shaking hands.
I checked my phone and saw six missed calls from James. There were also several worried
messages.
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Chapter 13 Predator and Prey
“Are you okay? Call me when you can.”
“Liv, I’m worried. Please respond.”
“If I don’t hear from you in an hour, I’m coming to find you.”
I dialed his number immediately, guilt washing over me for making him worry.
* Points >
“Liv!” James answered on the first ring, his voice tight with concern. “Are you alright? What
happened?”
“I’m fipe,” I assured him, though the words felt hollow even to my own ears. “Just heading
home now.”
“I can come get you-”
“No,” I cut him off gently. “I need some time alone. I’ll text you when I get home.”
I hung up before he could protest. The last thing I needed was for James to get into another
confrontation with Ethan.
The walk to Maple Grove felt longer than usual. Every shadow made me jump, every sound put
me on edge.
It was almost 10 pm when I finally reached the familiar territory. The streets were quiet, most
residents already retired for the night.
True to my word, I sent James a quick text: “Made it home safe. Talk tomorrow.”
I put my phone away and walked toward my residence, my steps heavy with exhaustion. The emotional weight of the day’s confrontations hung around my shoulders like a lead cloak.
The area between buildings was poorly lit. Shadows stretched across the pathway like
grasping fingers.
As I passed a dark alley, a hand suddenly shot out from the darkness. Before I could scream, it
clamped over my mouth.
Strong arms dragged me backward into the shadows. I struggled violently, kicking and
clawing at my attacker.
“Stop fighting,” a gruff voice ordered in my ear, his breath hot against my skin.
Panic surged through me, but I forced myself to think. My hand found the pepper spray in my
pocket.
Without hesitation, I aimed it over my shoulder and pressed the button. The spray hit him
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Chapter 13 Predator and Prey
directly in the eyes.
His words sent ice through my veins. I tried to crawl away, but he caught me easily.
He lunged at me, his weight pinning me to the ground. I couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe under
“Let me go,” I pleaded, trying to sound calm despite my terror. “I can give you money.”
I struggled beneath him, trying to buck him off. But he was too strong, his body effectively trapping mine.
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