Chapter 16 It was Estelle's first time stepping into Callum's basement . She had once snuck down here years ago - back when Callum had dragged a disloyal subordinate inside . The screams that followed haunted her for weeks . Now she was the one shackled , crying and begging , but the man standing before her looked more devil than human . The more she pleaded , the deeper his smirk cut into her soul . " Estelle , " Callum drawled , his voice like ice . " You could've done a lot of things . But going after Evelyn ? That was your biggest mistake . " He leaned in , voice low and mocking . " You have any idea what I did to get her to marry me ? I tried to make things right with you out of pity . Pity . And you dared to touch her . " His glare alone sent Estelle into violent tremors . Her wrists strained against the chains , eyes locking on something moving in the corner . A hulking black dog , restrained by one of Callum's guards , saliva dripping from its jaws , bloodshot eyes trained solely on her . The beast looked starved - for her . " Didn't you say you needed a therapy dog for your depression ? Didn't Evelyn kill it ? " Callum asked darkly . " So here . I got you another one , " " No ! Please ! I'll talk - I'll tell you everything ! I killed the dog . It was me . I just wanted to frame Evelyn . I saw how much you cared about her . I couldn't stand it . I wanted her gone ! I was jealous . I hated her ! " She sobbed , snot and tears streaming down her face . " I'm sorry , Callum . I'm so sorry . I did it because I love you ! " Callum burst into laughter . Cold . Unhinged . " Love me ? Please . You ran out of money overseas , heard I inherited the Rivers fortune , and came crawling back . Don't insult my intelligence . " He didn't wait for another excuse . A single nod . The leash was dropped . The dog lunged with a bone - chilling howl . The basement was instantly drowned in screams and the sickening scent of blood . " Don't let her die , " Callum said evenly . " I'm not done with her yet . " The next morning , Estelle's scandal was all over the tabloids . Leaked photos . Dirty videos . Her fabricated sob story blown wide open . Her past affairs with aging billionaires in Europe . The hit - and - run accident . ! She was finished . She lay bandaged head to toe , crimson soaking through gauze , her face barely recognizable . Her body trembled in agony and fear . " Callum , what more do you want ? " she rasped . Callum stood over her , arms crossed . Cold . Detached . " Every ounce of pain Evelyn endured , " he said , " you'll feel it tenfold . " Estelle tried to beg , but her voice cracked . Her face contorted in fear when a cameraman entered the room , hoisting up a video recorder . Realizing his intent , Estelle clutched his sleeve . " Callum ! I'll apologize to Evelyn - please ! " Her hand reached for him , desperate . Chapter 16 FLEBY MAN OBER SO SHOULD GIVE 22.41 % He slapped it away . " Film it , " he ordered . " Make it viral . " That week , the entertainment news headlines were filled with Estelle's scandals . Estelle's life is over . Under Callum's gaze , Estelle smashed her forehead against the floor again and again , whispering sorry until her voice was hoarse . When it was over , she looked up at Callum , blood streaking her face . " Please , " she sobbed . " Please let me go . I won't do anything ever again . I swear . " Callum's lips curled into something resembling a smile . " Of course . " She exhaled , almost hopeful - until the door burst open . A team of men in white coats stormed in . Callum's voice dropped to a low whisper near her ear . " Evelyn signed the waiver . I can't throw you in jail - but I found a better place . You said you wanted security and comfort ? You'll have it . " He straightened , eyes gleaming . " Doctors , she's sick . Says she wants to be cured . Do whatever it takes . " Estelle screamed as they dragged her out . She fought . Cried . Pleaded . " No ! Not a psychiatric hospital ! I'm not crazy ! Please- " Outside the ambulance , her new doctor shook his head and muttered to the staff , " Patient displays manic episodes . Begin electroshock assessment immediately . " Soon after , the screams echoing through the ward were raw enough to rattle the foundation . But in that hospital , no one paid attention . Screams were just part of the soundtrack . Chapter 16