His Last Command Came Back to Kill Him novel Chapter 56

Her throat felt painfully dry. Her entire body felt weak, still trembling slightly from the terrifying encounter with Merrick. Yet, in this massive estate, she was entirely alone. Vulnerable and utterly defenseless.

Standing in the shadows, Clive’s gaze bore into her.

"Is that right?" he asked, his voice completely devoid of warmth.

Whitley’s hands balled into tight fists at her sides.

She knew this man too well. Explaining herself was pointless. Arguing was pointless. Even showing vulnerability would just be a waste of breath to him. Saying anything more would likely just invite more humiliation.

Why would he ever believe that Merrick was forcing himself on her? She certainly didn't expect him to stand up for her and risk a fallout with the Thorne family.

It was easier to just swallow it.

She looked up, her voice frighteningly calm. "Yes."

A humorless smile tugged at the corner of Clive’s mouth. "Right."

Without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away, not sparing her a second glance.

She watched his silhouette disappear into the dark before straightening her spine and walking in the opposite direction.

Behind her, Merrick's taunting voice drifted through the air. "You smell amazing, Whitley."

A violent shudder ripped through her, nausea churning in her stomach as she quickened her pace.

-

The party finally dragged to a close as the night deepened.

Without warning, a torrential downpour unleashed over the estate, rain hammering relentlessly against the roof. The mountain air turned bitterly cold.

Whitley sat alone on a sofa in the front hall.

She hadn't planned on coming today. Her painkillers were sitting back at the house. The dull ache in her body was beginning to spread, creeping from her limbs deep into her bones, growing sharper and more unbearable by the minute.

Clutching her phone, she texted Clive repeatedly, asking when they were leaving.

Every message went unanswered.

She had tried looking for him several times, but he was nowhere to be found.

She sent one final text: [I’m waiting for you in the lobby.]

Whitley bit her lower lip, a cold sweat breaking out on her forehead from the pain. Her body couldn't hold out much longer. Without her medication, she wasn't sure she could survive the night.

She had to go back.

"I'm sorry, Esther," she managed to say. "I really have to get back. I have urgent work to finish."

Esther frowned. "Then I'll have Merrick drive you. He's young, he's a good driver."

Panic flared in Whitley’s chest.

Merrick? That was practically throwing herself into the lion's den.

She shook her head instantly. "There's no need to bother him. If it's alright, could I just borrow a car? I can drive myself."

Esther studied her pale, sickly complexion, clearly unconvinced. "You look terrible. You are in no condition to drive. Listen to me and just stay."

"I really have work to deal with. It's an emergency," she pleaded.

Esther clicked her tongue, waving off the excuses. "Nonsense. We have plenty of people here. I'm calling Merrick."

Before Whitley could protest again, Esther turned toward the hallway and yelled, "Merrick! Come drive Whitley home!"