Chapter 3 - The Ghost in the Apartment
Despite Ethan’s warnings, I needed my medicine and my mother’s locket—the only thing I had left of her—which were still at my apartment. Against Ethan’s security team's strong advice, I insisted on returning under the escort of Ethan’s head of security, a ruthless former operative named Vance.
The apartment building was eerie. The quiet hallway felt claustrophobic. When Vance unlocked the door and pushed it open, the stench of metallic copper instantly hit my nostrils.
The apartment was destroyed.
Framed photos were smashed across the floor. My clothes had been dragged from the closet and shredded with a scalpel. But worst of all was the wall in the living room. Sprawled across the white paint in thick, red spray paint were three words: YOU BELONG TO ME.
"Ava, step back," Vance commanded, pulling his firearm and signaling his men to sweep the bedroom.
My heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird. I backed toward the threshold, my heel stepping on something metallic. I picked it up. It was a digital voice recorder sitting on the entryway table.
With shaking hands, I hit play.
May you like
Adrian’s voice filled the empty hallway, quiet, calm, and terrifyingly close. "Did you really think a few harsh words from your boss would save you, Ava? I built you. I own you. Every piece of success you have, every smile you fake, belongs to me. If Ethan Carter takes one more step into our life, I won't just ruin his foundation. I’ll make sure the next heart I operate on doesn't survive the table—and I’ll make sure his name is on the charts."
The recording clicked off. I dropped the recorder, my breath coming in short, panicked gasps. He wasn't just threatening me anymore. He was threatening innocent lives to keep me in line.
