Chapter 2

2

As we approached the warehouse, a thick, rhythmic moaning drifted through the air. The woman's voice was soft and breathless, filled with a suggestive tone that made the older workers blush and look away.

I stopped abruptly, my body swaying as if I were in shock. I held up a hand to stop the crowd from moving further.

"Wait! Please!" I said, my voice cracking with fake emotion. "Let me… let me check first. It might be a misunderstanding. Wynter isn't that kind of girl, and Jace would never do this!"

I squeezed my eyes shut, my knuckles turning white as I gripped the air. I looked like a man desperately trying to cling to his dignity.

"A misunderstanding?" Ms. Halloway, the mill's administrative head, stepped forward with a deep frown.

"That sounds exactly like Jace Bennett to me! If they're fooling around in a company warehouse, that's a major scandal. We need to know the truth!"

She didn't wait for a response. She turned to a young clerk behind her. "Go get Manager Bennett, and call the local sheriff!"

I was close enough to hear her. I knew her husband had been eyeing Arthur Bennett's job for years. This was the perfect chance to take him down.

I pretended I hadn't heard a thing and grabbed Quentin's arm with a look of pure grief. "You're my best friend. Come with me."

Before he could protest, I dragged him to the warehouse door. The heavy wood was shut, but Wynter's voice drifted out clearly: "Yes, faster…" followed by Jace's heavy breathing.

I stood there, my feet feeling like they were made of lead. Quentin nudged me, whispering, "Does that sound like Wynter to you?"

When I didn't answer, he kept pushing. "You've given her everything. Your family spent their life savings on the engagement party. If I were you, I'd kill him."

He picked up a loose brick from the ground and shoved it into my hand. His eyes were gleaming with malice.

"Silas, don't take this sitting down! I've got your back. Just go in there and show that bastard what happens when he touches your woman!"

He wanted me to ruin myself just like before. He knew that if I attacked Jace, the mill would fire me and cancel my scholarship immediately.

The hatred in my heart burned hotter. I suddenly shoved Quentin back against the wall with surprising force.

Then, I intentionally tripped, falling into the dirt. I scrambled back toward the crowd, scraping my knees and elbows until I looked like a mess.

"It's nothing!" I yelled, tears streaming down my face as I reached the managers. "It's just some stray cats! I chased them off! Everyone, please, let's just go back to the party!"