Chapter: 996

"And?" Hank demanded, his grip tightening on her hair.

“She asked about my relationship with Samira," Hadley replied, wincing at the sharp pain in her scalp.

“Really?”

"Yes," Hadley replied, her voice trembling. Her previous compliance seemed to reassure him. He released her hair, but a crazed look still glinted in his eyes.

“Don't lie to me," he warned, his voice a low growl.

A finger raked harshly across her cheek, leaving a stinging scratch.

“If she calls again..." he began, then trailed off.

The thought of Norah's impending death calmed him somewhat.

"It doesn't matter now," he muttered.

“But remember, whoever betrays me pays the price. Stay put. Don't even think of leaving, or you'll regret it."

Hadley huddled deeper into the bed, fear prickling her skin. The memory of his past violence sent tremors through her.

As the word "betrayal" hung heavy in the air, a new fear gnawed at her. Could Norah have discovered her affair with Larry?

Panic clawed at her throat. How? When? Did Norah tell anyone?

A whirlwind of questions swirled in Hadley's head. A desperate realization dawned on her. By warning Norah, hadn't she already taken sides?

A sliver of hope flickered amidst the fear. Maybe Norah wasn't as indifferent to the Wilsons as she appeared, Hadley thought.

Norah hung up the phone, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

Hadley's loyalty pleased yet confused her. It seemed Hadley believed she wielded some hidden power over the Wilsons.

As for the divorce Hadley mentioned, Norah suspected domestic violence. Hank's temper was a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any slight.

Perhaps that was what fueled Hadley's desire for escape. Domestic violence, once unleashed, rarely remained a one-time event.

Norah vowed to use this newfound leverage. If the opportunity arose, she'd repay Hadley's loyalty.

The taxi pulled up in front of the Cloud Club, and Norah alighted, sending a message to Sean.

The club, a beacon of exclusivity for Silverdale's elite, loomed before her.

Membership was a necessity, its velvet ropes a symbol of wealth and power.

Norah eyed the imposing entrance guarded by four burly men, their steely gazes and toned physiques suggesting a past in the military.