Chapter 6 - The Broken MasterWith the police gone and the flashing lights fading down the street, an oppressive quiet settled over the mansion. Marcus walked slowly back to the patio where Elena was still tending to her bruised face.
He sank to his knees on the cold stone, ignoring the dirt staining his expensive designer trousers.
"Elena..." His voice broke, thick with a suffocating mix of guilt and shame. He didn't dare reach out to touch her. "I am... God help me, I am so sorry."
Elena slowly turned her face toward him. The swelling on her cheek was turning a dark, angry purple. Her dark eyes pierced right through him, holding a mirror up to his impulsive, blind fury.
"An apology doesn't fix a broken jaw, Mr. Vance," Elena said, her voice steady, cool, and devoid of the fear he expected. "And it certainly doesn't fix a broken trust."
May you like
"I was a fool. Victoria manipulated meâ"
"No," Elena interrupted, standing up dusting off her uniform. "You weren't just manipulated. You were arrogant. You assumed the worst of someone beneath your social class before looking at the facts. That is your true flaw."
