Chapter 24 : Darkness and Secrets - 2 In the adjacent bed , Tyler Jenkins shifted uncomfortably , his dislocated arm now set in a cast . Both men looked up sharply when the door opened . A man entered , his face concealed by a mask . Despite the disguise , they recognized him immediately the same person who had transferred fifty thousand dollars to each of them to harass Olivia Winters . Brock's voice trembled with fury . " Damn you , why didn't you say she knew self - defense ? She kicked my balls to pieces I'm ruined for life ! " Victor Stone snapped impatiently , his eyes cold above the mask . " Shut up . You'll each get another three hundred thousand dollars . When the police question you , say it was your own lust that made you det . Don't mention anyone hired you , understand ? " Tyler nodded eagerly , blonde hair falling into his eyes . " Okay " For him , three hundred thousand was a fortune worth any risk . But Brock wasn't so easily satisfied . " Three hundred thousand ? You think I'm a beggar ? I want a million ! " Victor secretly breathed a sigh of relief . Vanessa had authorized anything under five million to keep them quiet . He'd been prepared to go as high as two million , so one was a bargain . " Fine , " Victor said coldly . " Give me your account number . The money will be transferred soon . But if either of you leak a word , you won't get a penny , and you won't live long enough to regret it . " His voice dropped to a menacing whisper . " Think carefully . If you admit , guilt , the worst is a few years in prison . But if you expose us , I'll make sure you leave the morgue feet first . " Chapter 24 Darkness and Both thugs shuddered in terror , instantly cowed . Anyone who could casually throw around millions was clearly not someone to cross . After Victor left , another visitor arrived : Frank Langley , Connor Rivers ' senior assistant . His cold demeanor filled the room immediately . Seeing a stranger , Brock stiffened , thinking Victor had returned . " What now- " He stopped short when he realized this wasn't the same person . Frank's eyes were icy as he surveyed the two injured men . " Someone else was just here ? " " No ," Brock lied immediately , " Who are you ? What do you want ? " Frank's tone was frosty . " Why did you harass Miss Winters last night ? " Brock forced a grin , trying to appear casual despite his pain . " Just drunk and saw a pretty girl , couldn't help ourselves . " Tyler nodded frantically , eager to support the story . " Yeah , she's really gorgeous . " Frank's face darkened in disgust . " Watch your filthy mouths . If you say another disgusting word , I'll have your tongues cut out . " Two black - suited bodyguards stepped forward menacingly behind him , making the two thugs pale with fright . Frank pressed again , his voice dangerously soft . " Tell the truth . " Remembering Victor's threats , they dared not reveal anything . Both stubbornly stuck to their story : they were drunk and acted on impulse . Frank saw no point in pushing further and left with the bodyguards , his expression grim . 2/4 Chapter 24 Darkness and ( Olivia's POV ) The next morning , sunlight streamed through my bedroom window at Moonlight Manor . I was just finishing my breakfast when my phone rang . It was the police , informing me that the excessive force case against me had been dropped . I wasn't surprised , knowing this was Connor's doing . Although I was confident I could have defended myself in court and proven it was justified defense , I saw no reason to resist his help in this instance . After ending the call , I dialed Connor's number . He answered on the first ring . " Thank you , " I said simply . His tone was faintly displeased . " Livvy , there's no need to thank me . I never want to hear ' thank you ' from you again . " I stood by the window , sunlight warming my face as I gazed out at the manicured gardens of Moonlight Manor . " Alright , I understand . " Connor added , his voice dangerously low and full of menace . " Those two who bullied you last night - I will make them pay ." A chill ran down my spine at his tone . I worried he might resort to illegal means and quickly tried to dissuade him . " They've already paid the price last night , and the law will punish them . You don't need to do anything more . Leave the rest to justice . " But his tone only grew colder , the oppressive aura palpable even over the phone . " Anyone who hurts you , I won't spare . " I listened in silence , unable to find the right words to respond . A thought crossed my mind , unbidden and unwelcome : but what if the person who hurt her was Vanessa Reed ? Would he still be so resolute then ? Comments