Ten Strikes and You're Out

Tracie and Elton stood at the doorway like a picture-perfect couple, smiling as they waited for me to enter.

When I turned to leave, Morgan stopped me. "Stay for dinner, Jonas. Caitlin was just telling me how much she misses you and your mother."

I could hear the unmistakable threat in his voice. I froze and looked at them in disbelief.

Morgan ushered me to a seat, smiling like a wolf in sheep's clothing. "Tracie is at fault for what happened at the bridal suite, but I heard you've slapped Elton, so let's just call it even.

"A divorce isn't just about you, Jonas. The Conners have a reputation to uphold, and you can't afford to be this reckless, especially considering your mother's health. If you hate that villa so much, I can buy a new home for the two of you.

"As for Tracie and Elton, they grew up together. It's only natural for them to have such feelings. You can't be too demanding, and it's not like you caught them in the act. A man should learn to be content with what he has, don't you agree?"

He was forcing me to swallow the humiliation and subtly reminding me that everything I owed came from the Conners, so I had no right to demand loyalty from Tracie.

The Conners would never allow even the slightest scandal to surface. I'd always known that such affairs were common among wealthy families, but I never thought it'd happen to me one day.

Elton smiled and raised his glass towards me. "I'll apologize for earlier, Jonas. It's my fault, and I shouldn't have taken the game so far. Don't worry. I promise it'll never happen again, so please stop making a scene."

Morgan nodded approvingly. "That's more like it. Since Elton apologized, Jonas, why don't you two clink glasses and try to get along from now on? Take Tracie to your mother later so she doesn't worry."

They were demanding that I swallow my pride and choke down the bitter pill.

Smiling, I picked up my wine glass and hurled it at Elton.

"If this were back in the old days, a man in your position would be bowing at my feet the second he stepped inside, so what makes you think this attitude is going to cut it?

"Here's the deal. Get on your knees or give me a full bow, and I'll agree to let you in and maybe get along with you."

With that, I dragged over a chair and settled into my seat, crossing my legs.

Elton shrieked and stumbled back as shards of glass cut his skin.

As he hissed in pain, Morgan slammed the table, his expression hardening.

"Jonas! Are you sure you want to cross the Conners? Do you have any idea what that will cost you?"

I scoffed and nonchalantly spread my hands. "Mr. Conner, you know what they say about a man with nothing to lose. You can threaten me all you want, but if I tell the world that Tracie spent her wedding night in bed with another man, I wonder if the Conners can afford that kind of scandal."

I'd barely finished when a shadow flashed in front of me.

Tracie clamped her hand around my throat and slowly tightened the grip as she fixed her eyes on me.

"Human life is so fragile, Jonas. Tell me, which one do you think will happen first? You leaking a story or your mom dying?"

My eyes widened in disbelief as my body began to tremble

I knew she wasn't bluffing. People who'd threatened her the same way found their parents dead the next day, and they'd be thrown into the sea.

It was easy to make someone disappear, but I never expected those words to come from the woman I once loved.

"Have you thought it through?"

She loosened her grip and waited for my apology, while Elton and Morgan stood behind her with eyes full of smug satisfaction.

"Yes, I've thought it through."

I obediently admitted fault and promised I'd never say a word of what happened.