I stared at the screen a little longer, trying to understand how my so-called organized father had managed to fall this deep into a mess.
It didn't suit him.
He was always careful. Always in control.
So how did it get this bad?
Before I could think further, I heard footsteps approaching the study.
I froze.
Quickly, I shut the laptop and slipped behind one of the shelves, holding my breath.
The door opened.
My father's voice came first.
"Sooner or later, she'll be gone. And when that happens, Mr. Lynn will have no choice but to make his son sign the contract with us. We just need a little more time."
A pause.
Then his wife's voice followed — sharp, almost eager.
"I can't wait to get rid of her. Especially to see the look on her face when she's getting married to him."
Silence.
But not the peaceful kind.
The kind that settles after something ugly has been said.
"Help me find Arya's present," she added casually, like they hadn't just been discussing my life like a transaction.
I stayed still as they moved around the room, opening drawers, shifting things.
Minutes passed.
Then—
"Here it is."
Footsteps again.
The door opened.
Closed.
Locked.
I waited a few seconds before stepping out.
"…Now I'm stuck."
I exhaled slowly, glancing at the locked door.
Breaking it wasn't an option.
But then I remembered.
The passage.
A small, hidden route I used years ago whenever I wanted to avoid the family.
It led straight to the parking lot.
Not ideal.
But it was my only option.
Without wasting time, I moved toward it, slipping inside and making my way through the narrow path.
A few minutes later—
I stepped out into the parking lot.
The moment I stepped into the parking lot, I let out a small sigh and tried fixing my appearance a little.
My clothes were slightly messy from squeezing through that stupid hidden passage.
Just as I was about to head toward the main entrance, my eyes landed on two expensive cars parked nearby.
A black SUV.
And a Lamborghini.
Latest models.
"Have the guests started arriving already?" I muttered under my breath.
I turned to leave, but then—
Footsteps.
Heavy ones.
Followed by low murmuring voices.
Almost like… pleading.
I frowned slightly but didn't think much of it.
Probably some rich idiot throwing a tantrum at the staff.
I took another step forward.
Then—
A gunshot echoed through the parking lot.
A small scream escaped my lips before I could stop it, and I immediately turned back toward the SUV.
"Who's there?"
A deep voice followed right after my scream.
I stayed silent.
For a moment, I considered leaving.
Actually… running.
But annoyance quickly replaced the thought.
Fear was the last thing I would ever admit to feeling.
So instead, I walked toward the cars.
Slowly.
Carefully.
The closer I got, the clearer everything became.
Two men stood near the SUV.
Tall.
Broad shoulders.
Built like walking weapons.
And annoyingly attractive.
Probably the most ridiculously good-looking men I had ever seen.
Unfortunately, I wasn't in the mood to appreciate beauty right now.
Not when three other men were lying on the ground.
One of them clutched his bleeding leg, groaning in pain.
So that's where the gunshot came from.
"What the fuck do you clowns think you're doing?" I snapped instinctively.
Then—
The Lamborghini door opened.
And for a second…
I genuinely forgot how to think.
Holy hell.
I thought Greek gods only existed in myths.
But the man stepping out of that car looked far beyond human.
No.
Not a god.
Something worse.
Something dangerous.
Beautiful in a way that didn't feel natural.
Dark eyes.
Sharp features.
An overwhelming presence that seemed to silence the entire atmosphere around him.
It felt like the world itself shifted the moment he stepped out.
And somehow…
That terrifying aura suited him perfectly.