CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY SEVEN – THE LOANSHARK’S DUE

The atmosphere in the room shifted perceptibly, confusion giving way to a simmering anger as understanding dawned. Charlotte felt rather than saw Richard materializing at her side, a solid presence radiating barely contained fury. "I think it's time for you to leave," Richard said, his voice low and dangerous. Frankie's gaze flicked dismissively over him before settling back on Charlotte. "Is this your new squeeze, then? Does he know what a dirty little liar you are? How you came crawling to me, begging for money?" Shame and rage warred within her. "That's not how it happened, and you know it!" "No?" Frankie's lips curled into a cruel smirk. "Then why don't we enlighten everyone, eh? Let's talk about how you signed away your soul for a measly few grand. How you promised to pay it back, with interest, and then... what was it again? Oh, right. You didn't." Each word was like a physical blow. Charlotte felt herself shrinking under the weight of them, under the shocked and pitying sta