"Venice," he said calmly, "I won't allow you to leave me. If you insist on going, then I'll just have to apologize to your dog first."
Her vision blurred with panic. Her hands moved rapidly. [I saw the news. You're marrying Stefanie!]
[You don't love me anymore—let me go!]
Kevin frowned slightly.
"When did I say I don't love you? Venice, I just inherited the McAuliffe family. There are still many internal threats. My engagement to Stefanie is a temporary arrangement."
"Once things settle, I'll call it off and make you my wife."
His voice softened, almost tender. "Until then, we'll live as we always have."
Venice trembled all over, her heart twisting in disbelief. She signed furiously. [Kevin, I will not be your mistress!]
But he ignored her plea and gave a small gesture.
The drone rose higher. Her dog whimpered in terror, struggling helplessly, eyes glistening with fear.
"I'll give you ten seconds," Kevin said, his tone now icy. "Ten."
"Nine."
Venice lunged for the guard controlling the drone, but he easily overpowered her, pinning her to the ground.
"Eight."
"Seven."
Her tears soaked the grass as she screamed soundlessly, [Kevin, you'll regret this! That dog—you rescued it yourself!]
He sat there like a merciless god of judgment, unmoved.
"Six."
"Five."
The drone rose to a hundred meters.
"Four."
Snap! One of the ropes snapped.
"Three."
Another rope snapped. The little body swung violently in the air. Venice's world shattered.
She dropped to her knees, sobbing, signing desperately, [Please! I'm begging you! Let him go!]
"Two."
The final rope gave way—the dog fell several meters before landing in a suspended net beneath the drone.
Kevin lifted the remote control. One button—one command—and the net would release.
Venice's voiceless cry tore through her throat, [Fine! I'll stay! I'll stay with you! Just let him go!]
Only then did Kevin nod. He ordered his men to lower the drone and handed the trembling animal back to her.
Venice clutched her dog tightly, her sobs shaking her entire frame.
Kevin pulled out a tissue, brushed aside her messy hair, and wiped her tears with practiced gentleness.
"Venice, you're the woman I love most in this world. I can't live without you. Stay by my side, behave, and get along with Stefanie. When the time is right, I'll marry you. Don't fight me anymore—I don't want to see you sad. It hurts me too."
The words were barely out when his phone rang.