Chapter 6 Mervin's words were calm but devastating. Craig's pupils contracted, his mind reeling. He recalled my unnatural calm that day. He'd thought I was manipulating him and playing for money. Now he saw I'd lost everything, hope included. "Why didn't she call me?" He froze, remembering Mervin's words. I'd called countless times, but he hadn't let anyone reject my calls. Whenever my name appeared on the screen, he'd answer, no matter what. There was only one exception. He'd left his phone with Lucia during a meeting. She'd said I called briefly, and then my line was dead. He'd assumed I was sulking, but those calls were my final plea. "Bring Lucia here," Craig said, his voice a brewing storm. Moments later, guards dragged her in, her face a mix of confusion and fear. "Sir, what's this about?" A sharp slap rang out as his hand struck her cheek. Lucia clutched her bleeding lip, stunned. "Why are you doing this?" He stared deadly at her. "When did I tell you to block Michele's calls?" He then summoned every woman he'd brought home to torment me. They shivered under his icy glare. "Tell me what you did to Michele behind my back," he demanded. They quickly confessed to their deeds, like tearing my treasured paintings, locking me in storage rooms, spilling scalding water on me, and forcing me to amuse them like a pet. If I resisted, they'd whine to Craig, asking him to punish me. For my family, I endured. Their words carved his heart raw. He couldn't imagine the pain I'd suffered out of his sight. "Everything you did to Michele, do it to Lucia," he commanded, pointing at Lucia on the ground. Her eyes widened in terror, but no one cared. The women, fearing they'd be next, attacked her ruthlessly. Craig would not spare any of them. Soon, their screams filled the hall. Yet instead of solace, he felt only deeper anguish. 1/2