Chapter 2

2

"He doesn't feel any remorse at all."

Cyrus's words fanned the flames of Linnea's anger.

"He would rather scrub a skyscraper than apologize to me."

I said nothing, continuing my clumsy attempts to clean the glass.

The height made my head spin, and my stomach churned.

"Gentry, you think silence will save you?"

"I don't think you're embarrassed enough! You haven't felt a fraction of the pain Cyrus is in!"

She grabbed the radio, her voice sharp and piercing. "Someone, give him a real challenge!"

My heart sank. I didn't know what she was planning next.

Suddenly, another drone flew over, carrying a mechanical claw.

The drone hovered right above my head, near the safety line.

"Linnea! Have you lost your mind!" I couldn't help but roar.

Linnea's voice carried a cruel sense of satisfaction. "Mad? We're just getting started."

"Weren't you proud? Let's see if your pride stays intact when you're about to die!"

"Cut the secondary safety line!"

The drone lunged forward, the blades opening wide.

Snap!

The rope severed.

I instantly lost balance, dropping nearly three feet in a terrifying jolt!

The inertia sent me swinging wildly in the air.

I was dangling by a single main rope now.

My heart almost jumped out of my chest, and a short, sharp cry escaped my lips.

The live stream chat exploded. The screen was flooded with curses and excitement.

"They're actually doing it! This is insane!"

"Is she really going to kill him? CEO Linnea is playing for keeps!"

"Hell yeah! Send a gift! Cut the last one!"

Across the way, Cyrus let out a theatrical gasp.

"Oh! How could this happen!"

He covered his mouth, but his eyes were dancing with excitement.

"Gentry! Just apologize! I forgive you, I really do!"

"Linnea just wants to teach you a lesson. Don't be so stubborn!"

I gripped the remaining rope until my knuckles turned white, my palms drenched in cold sweat.

After the initial terror came a wave of fury and disappointment.

I stared coldly at the two people across from me.

"Apologize?"

"What exactly did I do wrong?"

"Is my crime being the target of your insecurity? Do you need to trample others just to feel powerful?"

"Or is it your fault, Cyrus? Do you need to ruin a marriage just to satisfy your sick need for control?"

"Gentry! You're asking for it!"

Linnea was completely pushed over the edge.

"Fine, perfect! You want to be a martyr?"

"I want to see if your bones are harder than this glass wall!"

She grabbed the radio, her voice shaking with rage.

"The weather is too nice. He looks like he's enjoying the view."

"Let's give him a simulated hurricane!"

"Get the high-pressure water cannons ready! Blast him! Don't stop!"

My heart plummeted.

Linnea, do you really want me dead?