Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1141

Aspen's hands were bound tightly behind her back, with the ropes crossing in front of her chest, pushing her curves into full display.

"Seth, you're absolutely insane," she shouted, her voice full of fury. "Do you even realize we're working for Mr. McCormick right now?"

She struggled hard, but the ropes did not budge at all.

Meanwhile, a dozen enforcers from the Haywoods' private club stormed Supreme Capital Group's office space and smashed everything to pieces.

Seth was grinning as he gripped Aspen's chin, his fingers digging in so hard that pain twisted across her face. He sneered, "Save your strength, Aspen. So what if you're working for Mr. McCormick? Let's be real—Andrew is just that man's lapdog."

"Remember when you first got to Blumedale, the day we met?" His voice dropped low as he leaned closer. "From the second I saw you, I made up my mind—I was going to make you mine."

Then, without warning, he slapped her across the face, hard.

"But you little bitch, you just didn't know what was good for you," he snapped. "That bastard Andrew treated you like crap, but you still defended him at every turn, obeying him like some loyal little servant."

He added bitterly, "Sometimes I just don't get it. What does Andrew have that I don't? I come from a better family, I know how to treat a woman right, I've got charm, and I would've treated you like a queen…"

His voice cracked with frustration. "But you? How did you treat me?"

By now, the smirk had vanished from Seth's face. All that remained was rage and bitter resentment. He struck her again and again, each slap landing harder than the last.