2.08 % Chapter 3 " I don't think this is appropriate . The presentation is critical - only Sloane fully understands the details . ' " Sloane , just come back tomorrow for the presentation . If Yoo - hoo isn't suitable , we'll switch it out . " " Yes , we can go with Sloane's plan if it's a problem . I think that's fine too . " Madeline's sobbing interrupted the conversation . " " Please don't worry . I've worked alongside Gavin on all company matters . There won't be any issues . " Gavin gently wiped away Madeline's tears , soothingly saying , " I trust you . " He reassured everyone confidently , " Even if Madeline struggles , I'm still here . We all know our company's record , and so do the investors . Tomorrow is just a formality . " Gavin's words acted like a sedative , visibly calming the shareholders . They nodded in agreement . Expressionless , I watched them , saying flatly , " Fine . I'll send you the presentation . " After sending the slides , I stood to leave but was suddenly stopped by Madeline . " Sloane , you can't leave . " " Gavin , Sloane shouldn't go . Tomorrow's meeting is crucial what if she tries to sabotage us ? I don't mean to assume the worst , but tomorrow's outcome affects you and every shareholder . " " She's right , Gavin . Now that Sloane's shown disloyalty , who knows what she might do ? " " Yes , to be safe , we can't let her go . If something happens , and the company suffers losses , I might as well end my life ! " I stood stunned , protesting , " I would never- Auto - added to the Library Madeline sharply interrupted , " Sloane , it's easy for you to say , but how can we be sure ? We should confiscate her phone and lock her up . " Gavin grabbed me forcefully , snatched away my phone , and slapped me hard across the face . Madeline towered over me with a subtle smirk . " To make sure Sloane doesn't secretly contact anyone outside , we need somewhere secure to lock her up . " " Oh , I know ! Gavin , how about the basement at your house ? There's no signal down there , and it's soundproof too . " My blood ran cold . Terror overwhelmed me , and I started trembling uncontrollably . When I was a child , my parents were often busy , and our babysitter had locked me in the basement just so she could sneak off to her weekly poker night . The old basement door was faulty , and once , a wild dog had broken in , leaving five - year - old me covered in bites . It had been seven - year - old Gavin who saved me , chasing the dog away . Since then , basements and dogs had become my greatest fears . " Gavin , please … you can't lock me in the basement . I promise I won't sabotage tomorrow's meeting . Trust me . " The new house was supposed to be our marital home , and Gavin had promised to seal off the basement completely for my sake .. Right now , the basement entrance was blocked by various construction supplies . Desperately , I clung to the door frame , refusing to go in , begging , " Gavin , please . For all the years we've shared , don't put me in the . Chapter 3 313 % CallApp Google Play INSTALL basement . You know how terrified I am . I'm begging you . >> One shareholder , seeing my pitiful state , hesitantly interjected , " Gavin , maybe we can lock Sloane in an upstairs bedroom instead ? " Gavin hesitated slightly . I was about to speak when Madeline swiftly cut me off . " The upstairs bedrooms have windows - what if she escapes ? It's only for one day . We're not starving her or anything . What's the worst that could happen ? Her extreme reaction must mean she's hiding some malicious intent . " " No , Gavin , you know I'm terrified of basements … " " Sloane , there's a limit to making things up . The basement has lights - it's not even dark . What's there to fear ? Besides , confronting childhood fears helps overcome them . I'm only thinking of your own good . If you're resisting this much , are you planning to ruin our funding ? " Hearing this , all the shareholders fell silent . Gavin decisively shoved me inside . Chapter 3