Rebecca Fletcher. The scholarship student I'd sponsored out of pity. I'd covered her tuition, her living expenses, let her eat at my table and sleep under my roof.

Over time, she'd become my best friend.

I never imagined she'd become the one who dragged me straight to hell.

Rebecca nestled into Jacob's arms with a coy little laugh.

"That's only because you spoil me, Jake."

Then she crouched down beside me, close enough that I could smell her perfume, and put on a show of sisterly warmth.

"Marina, you know what? While you've been away, Jake has taken such good care of me."

"And don't worry, I haven't let you down either. I've been taking very good care of him too. Including in bed."

A triumphant smile spread across her face. "So just relax and keep playing house out here, okay?"

Playing?

My head snapped up. I'd nearly died here. More than once. And they thought I was playing.

My mouth opened, but my throat seized like something had clamped around it. No sound came out.

Jacob waved a dismissive hand.

"Alright, she's had enough fun roughing it. Let's just bring her back."

The words had barely left his mouth before panic flashed across Rebecca's face.

"Jake, are you serious? You're really taking her back?"

"You said this trip was just to check on her. That's all."

"And look, we've seen her, she's perfectly fine! She was smiling and laughing just now. She probably doesn't even want to go back." Rebecca's voice climbed higher, faster. "Why don't we just take a few photos and let her stay here? She's clearly enjoying herself—"

Jacob frowned, hesitating.

"She's still the Henson heiress. I've been telling everyone she went on an extended vacation overseas for the past three years."

"The Hensons have been asking for her lately. If I keep stalling, it's going to raise questions." His jaw tightened. "It's time to bring her out."

A flash of hatred twisted through Rebecca's eyes.

"Fine. She's the Henson heiress, after all."

When they moved to take me away, Kathy and Ivan blocked the path, refusing to let us leave.

"Miss Fletcher, you're really taking her?" Ivan stepped forward, his expression sour. "But you said she was supposed to be my—"

Rebecca silenced him with a single razor-sharp glare.

He shut his mouth.

"Haven't I paid you enough?"

Rebecca pulled out a check and held it up between two fingers.