Chapter Sixty-Eight: Unraveling
The drive back was quiet.
Daniel kept glancing at Bella from the driver's seat, his brow furrowed with concern.
"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked for the third time.
Bella forced another smile. "I'm fine. Just tired."
Daniel didn't look convinced, but he didn't push.
The city lights blurred past the window as they drove through the downtown core. The buildings grew taller, more expensive. The streets cleaner.
When Daniel pulled up in front of Bella's building, his eyes widened.
"You live here?" he asked, staring up at the glass and steel tower.
Bella's stomach tightened. "Yeah."
"I didn't know you lived in..." Daniel trailed off, his cheeks flushing. "I mean, this is one of the most expensive parts of town."
Bella laughed—a light, dismissive sound that felt hollow in her chest. "The penthouse was part of my divorce settlement. I couldn't afford it otherwise."
Daniel nodded slowly, but she could see the wheels turning in his head.
He's wondering what kind of man I was married to.
What kind of life I lived.
The car idled at the curb. The doorman stood beneath the awning, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Can I walk you up?" Daniel asked.
Bella's heart skipped.
No.
Jack might be there.
"That's okay," she said quickly. "It's late. You should get home."
Daniel's face fell slightly, but he nodded. "Okay."
The moment stretched between them—awkward, uncertain.
And then Daniel leaned across the center console and kissed her.
It was soft. Gentle. His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing against her skin.
Bella let herself sink into it for just a moment.
When Daniel pulled back, he was smiling.
"I had a really good time today," he said.
"Me too."
"Can I see you again?"
Bella's throat tightened. She thought of the photo in her pocket. Thought of Hela's message.
I wonder if Jack would think the same.
"Yes," she said quietly. "I'd like that."
Daniel's smile widened. He kissed her once more—quick, chaste—and then sat back.
"Goodnight, Bella."
"Goodnight."
Bella climbed out of the car and walked toward the building entrance. She could feel Daniel watching her until she disappeared through the glass doors.
The elevator ride up felt endless.
Bella stared at her reflection in the polished steel doors. Her makeup was still perfect. Her hair still in place.
But her hands were shaking.
The elevator chimed softly as it reached the penthouse floor.
The doors slid open.
Bella stepped into the hallway and walked to the door. She pressed her key card against the reader.
The lock clicked.
She pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The penthouse was dimly lit. Only the lamp in the living room was on, casting long shadows across the floor.
Jack sat on the couch.
He was hunched over something in his lap—a leather-bound book with yellowed pages.
The Black Book.
Bella recognized it immediately. She'd seen it once before, months ago, when Jack had been making calls and taking notes late into the night.
It was filled with names. Secrets. Leverage.
Jack's fingers traced down a page, his expression focused. Intense.
He didn't look up as Bella entered.
Maybe he didn't hear me.
Bella moved quietly toward the bedroom, her heels soft against the hardwood floor.
She was almost to the hallway when Jack spoke.
"You're home late."
Bella froze.
Her heart hammered in her chest.
"I had some errands to run," she said, her voice steady despite the panic rising in her throat.
Jack didn't look up from the book. "Errands."
"Yes."
"At this hour?"
Bella's jaw tightened. "Is that a problem?"
Jack finally looked up. His eyes met hers across the room.
There was something in his gaze—something sharp and searching.
But he didn't press.
"No," he said quietly. "No problem."
Bella turned and walked quickly into the bedroom. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it, her chest heaving.
He knows.
He has to know.
She pushed off the door and went into the bathroom. She turned on the shower, letting the water heat up while she undressed.
When she stepped under the spray, the hot water hit her skin like a baptism.
Bella closed her eyes and let it wash over her.
She thought about the date. About the park. About Daniel's shy smile and the way he'd looked at her on the ferris wheel.
It was normal.
It was nice.
It was everything I haven't had in years.
And then she thought about the photo.
About Hela's message.
I want my money.
Bella's hands trembled as she reached for the shampoo.
What if Hela goes after Daniel?
What if she hurts him the way Jack hurt Gerald?
The thought made her stomach twist.
Daniel was innocent. He didn't deserve to be dragged into this world of manipulation and violence.
But he already was.
Because of her.
Bella rinsed the shampoo from her hair and stood under the spray for a long time, letting the water run over her face.
When she finally turned off the shower and stepped out, the bathroom was thick with steam.
She wrapped herself in a towel and wiped the condensation from the mirror.
Her reflection stared back at her—pale, tired, haunted.
I have to fix this.
I have to protect him.
Bella dried off and pulled on a silk robe. She opened the bathroom door and stepped into the bedroom.
Jack was there.
He stood near the dresser, buttoning his shirt. His movements were slow, deliberate.
Bella's breath caught.
She hadn't expected him to be in here.
Jack glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "I'm heading out."
"Where?" The question slipped out before she could stop it.
Jack's lips curved into a faint smile. "Business."
Bella knew what that meant.
She watched as Jack struggled with the top button of his shirt. His fingers fumbled, the angle awkward.
Before she could think better of it, Bella crossed the room.
"Let me," she said quietly.
Jack's eyes widened slightly. He didn't move as Bella reached up and fastened the button.
Her fingers brushed against his throat. She could feel his pulse—steady, strong.
When she finished, she stepped back.
Jack was staring at her, his expression soft. Hopeful.
"Thank you," he said.
Bella nodded, her throat tight.
Jack reached for his jacket and pulled it on. He moved toward the door.
"Jack," Bella said suddenly.
He stopped and turned.
Bella's hands twisted in the fabric of her robe. Her heart pounded.
"I need a favor."
Jack's expression shifted—curious, cautious. "Anything."
Bella took a breath. "I need you to pay Hela what I owe her."
The room went silent.
Jack stared at her, his jaw tightening. "Did she threaten you?"
"No," Bella said quickly. "It's nothing like that. My business just... it can't handle the costs on its own right now."
Jack's eyes narrowed. He studied her face, searching for the lie.
But Bella held his gaze.
After a long moment, Jack nodded. "Consider it done."
Relief flooded through Bella's chest. "Thank you."
Jack turned toward the door again.
"Jack," Bella said, her voice trembling.
He stopped.
Bella's hands shook as she reached out and caught his hand.
Jack looked down at their joined hands, then back up at her face.
"I think..." Bella's voice cracked. "I think it's time I move out."
The words hung in the air like a death sentence.
Jack's expression twisted—confusion, hurt, anger all flashing across his face in rapid succession.
"Why?" he asked, his voice low.
"Because—"
"Is this about what I did to you at King's Paradise?" Jack's grip on her hand tightened. "I promised you, Bella. I promised I wouldn't touch you in this house without your consent. I've kept that promise."
"I know," Bella said quickly. "This isn't about that."
"Then what is it about?"
Bella pulled her hand free and wrapped her arms around herself. "It's just... living with my ex isn't normal, Jack. It's not healthy."
Jack's jaw clenched. His eyes searched her face.
And then the pieces started falling into place.
The money she suddenly needed to pay back.
Coming home late.
Wanting to move out.
"This is about Daniel," Jack said quietly.
Bella stepped back, her eyes widening. "Jack—"
"Isn't it?" Jack's voice rose. "You think I didn't know about your little boy toy?"
Bella's breath caught. "It's not like that."
"Then what is it like?" Jack took a step toward her, his expression dark. "How long have you been seeing him?"
Bella's throat tightened. "A few weeks."
Jack laughed—a bitter, hollow sound. "A few weeks."
He grabbed her hand again, his grip almost painful.
"Does he make you happier than I do?" Jack asked, his voice breaking.
Bella turned her head away, unable to meet his eyes.
I can't answer that.
I can't.
Jack's grip tightened. His breathing was ragged.
And then he let go.
He stepped back, his hands clenching into fists at his sides.
"Leave," he said.
Bella blinked. "What?"
"I said leave." Jack's voice was cold. Hard.
But when Bella looked at his face, she saw something else.
Pain.
Raw, unfiltered pain.
His eyes were glassy. His jaw trembled.
For the first time in forever, Jack looked like he was about to cry.
"Jack—"
"GET OUT!" he roared.
The sound echoed through the penthouse.
Bella flinched, her heart hammering.
She stared at him for a long moment, frozen.
And then she turned and walked toward the door.
Her hands shook as she grabbed her purse and keys from the entryway table.
She didn't look back.
She couldn't.
Because if she did, she might see the tears finally break free.
Bella opened the door and stepped into the hallway.
The door closed behind her with a soft click.
And she was alone.