Chapter 272

Liam Croix took a drag from his cigarette, studying Vincent Lowell and his daughter through narrowed eyes.

He suddenly scoffed. "Harvard's top student? More like a failed exchange student. Vincent, your audacity is astounding."

Smoke curled around his fingers as he held up five digits. "Five million. Plus your daughter. Consider the interest waived."

Vincent's face turned ashen.

"If you can't pay..." Liam's gaze slid to Brandon and Margaret. "Shall we add your wife and son to the collateral?"

He deliberately drew out the last word.

This was a mission from his superiors—to make the Lowells suffer beyond imagination.

A perfect chance to complete his task and curry favor with the big shots.

Two birds with one stone.

"No!"

Sophia Lowell's shrill cry cut through the air.

Her entire body trembled, but she forced her chin up. "Mr. Croix, I can bring you greater value!"

"Vincent and the others are yours to deal with. I severed ties with them long ago!"

Her voice cracked with suppressed sobs.

Liam's predatory stare reminded her of the humiliation Sebastian Royston had inflicted.

That degradation—she'd rather die than endure it again.

"Interesting." Liam arched an eyebrow.

Vincent exploded. "You ungrateful bitch! Denying your own father?"

"Father?" Sophia's laugh was ice.

Her wounds still throbbed beneath her clothes.

Each scar bore their signature.

"Take them away." Liam flicked his wrist.

Bodyguards roughly shoved Vincent into a waiting car.

Margaret and Brandon struggled futilely before being dragged off.

Only Sophia remained on the empty lot.

Liam exhaled a smoke ring. "Explain. How exactly will you make me money?"

She leaned in, whispering against his ear.

A calculating gleam flashed in Liam's eyes. "Fine. We'll do it your way."

His fingers dug into her chin. "Don't disappoint me."

Sophia swallowed her revulsion, nodding obediently. "You have my word, Mr. Croix."

"Back to Cloudhaven!" Liam barked.

This game of cat and mouse had only just begun.