No wonder he'd wrinkled his nose and refused to touch it.
He thought the meat was cheap.
Of course. I believed he'd spent three years suffering in prison.
But in reality, he'd been traveling the world with his little secretary.
Fine dining. Imported delicacies.
Why would he ever lower himself to share my hardships?
Even that prison visit—he'd paid a hundred and twenty dollars to stage the whole thing.
These past three years, I'd been nothing but a fool. Their plaything, spun in circles by their lies.
When Austin saw my tears, panic flashed across his face. He stepped closer, reaching up to wipe them away.
"Pearl, why are you crying? Did someone hurt you?"
I looked into his eyes.
"If someone hurt me, what would you do?"
"Would you still protect me like you swore before—no matter what, even if it cost you your life?"
Austin fumbled for a tissue, his movements clumsy as he wiped my tears.
He didn't even hesitate. Just nodded, firm and certain.
"Anything, Pearl. Whatever you ask, I'll do it."
I held his gaze—those eyes so full of sincerity.
"Really?"
"Then kill Kathy Barnes."
His head snapped up. He stared at me, stunned.
"What did you say?"