Chapter 45: Elena Ward's Smile Sent Chills Down Derek Harlan's Spine

"Wondering why you can't move?" Elena Ward's smile sent chills down Derek Harlan's spine. What was this woman planning?

"Mmph... mmph..." Derek strained to speak, but only managed muffled groans.

Outside, Vanessa Ward smirked at the commotion. Go ahead, Elena. See how you'll make it to university now.

University? She scoffed. More like ruined goods.

Vanessa lounged under the tree, waiting for Derek's signal. She and Vera had plotted this perfectly—once Derek succeeded, Vera would fake an emergency, calling for help. One loud accusation, and Elena's reputation would be shredded.

Let’s see her rise above me then.

Calvin Ward had taken Brandon and the others next door, keeping his hands clean. When the time came, they'd claim Elena seduced Derek. Who would doubt it?

Derek wasn’t stupid enough to admit assault. Elena would be his wife, whether she liked it or not.

Vanessa giggled, shaking with glee. Elena would never outshine her again.

——————

Derek trembled—or at least, he thought he did. In reality, he was frozen like a statue, one knee braced against the bedframe, his hand suspended midair.

Elena twirled a silver needle before his eyes.

A soft, mocking laugh made his pulse thunder. He wanted to scream, to strike her—but not a single finger obeyed.

"Derek Harlan," Elena murmured, pressing the needle to his temple, "if I wanted you dead... the police would only find a brain hemorrhage. Quick. Painless."

Derek's eyes bulged. I don’t want to die! He blinked desperately, all lust replaced by raw terror.

"A worthless gambler and womanizer like you?" Her voice was silk. "Who’d question it? So... should I kill you? Or kill you?"

For a moment, she meant it. In her past life, this brute had beaten her bloody, caused three miscarriages. His parents had branded her a barren failure.

But death was too kind.

"Oh? Did you wet yourself?" Elena wrinkled her nose. "Pathetic."

A dark stain spread across Derek’s pants.

"Changed my mind. I won’t kill you—yet." She withdrew the needle. "I’ll free you, but if you scream or run..." The metal glinted. "Blink twice if you understand."

Derek’s eyelids fluttered like frantic butterflies.

The needle lifted. Derek collapsed onto the bed, muscles screaming from prolonged rigidity.

"Hel—" His cry died as the needle flickered.

"Memory problems?" Elena whispered in his ear. "Let me help you remember."

Agony exploded from his bones. Derek felt himself writhing, howling—but his body stayed rigid. Every fiber convulsed in torment, worse than death.

Outside, Vanessa tapped her foot. What’s taking so long?

Elena’s finished.

"Ready to behave?" Elena pulled the needle free. "Scream again, and this pain returns every two hours—until it kills you."

Derek blinked wildly. That death was unthinkable!

"Call Vanessa in. I’ll knock her out. The rest..." Elena smirked. "You’ll figure it out."

Derek nodded like a desperate dog.

"Try anything funny..." Elena chuckled. "After we marry, I’ll play with needles daily. Like I said—I have a short temper."

Derek shuddered. The thought of sharing a bed with this viper... Death would be kinder.

He nodded again, obedient as a whipped cur.