But before I could move again, he grabbed my hair.
Pain exploded across my scalp as he yanked me down and sideways. I gasped, losing my balance immediately.
“How dare you hurt my son,” he growled into my face, his grip tightening until my vision blurred.
“Matteo—stop—” I choked.
He shoved me hard.
I slammed into the table, ribs hitting first, pain shooting through my entire body. My face struck the wood as everything spun.
And just like that, they were gone.
The door shut.
Silence swallowed the house.
That night, I checked into a hotel under a false name. The city outside looked distant, unreal—lights flickering like something already fading away.
I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at my suitcase like it belonged to someone else.
My phone lit up.
Vincent.
I’m coming for you soon. We’ll leave it all behind.
I exGrantd shakily.
I made it out.
Or at least… I thought I did.
A knock came.
Sharp. Official.
Not his.
I frowned slightly. “Come in.”
The door opened.
Two police officers stepped inside.
“Mrs. Aria Grant?” one asked.
“Yes?” I answered slowly.
“You are under arrest for the attempted murder of Mason Grant.”
My body went cold.
“What?” I whispered.
The officer stepped forward. “Please cooperate, ma’am.”