A chill ran down Nora's spine.
For the first time since she had entered that room, Nora truly understood the kind of man she was dealing with.
This was not someone she could manipulate.
Not someone she could charm.
Her legs felt weak, but she forced herself to stand still, clutching onto what little composure she had left.
The smile she had practiced so carefully was completely gone.
All that remained was fear.
But deep down, Nora knew she could not back down. Not if she ever wanted to take Ivy's place.
She doesn't deserve a better life. Not when I was the one left behind, she reminded herself.
"You're getting it all wrong, Mr. Emerson," she said, forcing her voice to steady. "I'm not here to impress you… I'm here to warn you."
She masked the dread in her chest and straightened, carefully rebuilding her composure.
"Warn?" Xander repeated, his tone flat, unreadable.
Taking his silence as permission, Nora continued.
