16: A Dark Reckoning

Lily stood trembling under the vice-like grip of Michael. His fingers dug into her wrist with a ferocity that drained the color from her face. "Michael, stop it! You're hurting me!" Lily's voice was a mix of fear and defiance, her eyes wide with shock at his sudden aggression. Alexander's eyes blazed with a fury that Lily had never seen before. "Let you go? To flaunt yourself before other men? You're a Everett now, Lily. Your actions reflect on this family's honor." Lily struggled, trying to free herself. "Have I ever dishonored our family? Release me!" His grip only tightened. "Oh, so now you play the innocent? What lengths are you willing to go to secure our investments? Your beauty? More?" The malice in his voice was chilling. Lily's heart raced with anger and disbelief. "I have done nothing to disgrace the Everett name. I swear it!" Her attempt to reason with him was futile. In his eyes, she was already guilty. Suddenly, Michael yanked her closer, his hand moving