Chapter 4

The stillness of the library was her only comfort as Donna sat there, gripping the leather-bound book like a lifeline. Her mind churned with plans, all of them half-formed and reckless. She couldn't live like this, trapped in Conner Todd's gilded cage. She wouldn't.

The door creaked open again, and Donna bristled, ready to snap at Conner for yet another unwanted intrusion. But this time, it wasn't him.

A woman stepped in-tall, elegant, and beautiful in a sharp, almost dangerous way. Her black hair was swept into a sleek bun, and her tailored red dress hugged her figure like a second skin. Her heels clicked softly against the polished floor as she approached.

"You must be Donna," the woman said, her voice smooth and confident.

Donna stood, eyeing her warily. "And you are?"

The woman extended a hand, her crimson-painted lips curling into a smile. "Victoria. Victoria Monroe. Conner's... business associate."

Donna hesitated but shook her hand, noting the firm grip. "What do you want?"

Victoria's smile widened, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Straight to the point. I like that. I came to see the woman who managed to tie Conner down. You're quite the topic of conversation."

Donna frowned. "I didn't tie him down. He trapped me."

Victoria chuckled, a low, sultry sound. "Of course he did. That's his style, isn't it? But you're not what I expected. Most women in your position would be groveling by now, desperate to please him."

"Well, I'm not most women," Donna said sharply.

"No, you're not." Victoria's gaze swept over her, as though assessing her worth. "Which makes you a threat."

Donna stiffened. "A threat to what?"

"To Conner's control." Victoria stepped closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "He's used to being in charge, you know. Used to people bending to his will. But you... you're different. You fight back."

Donna's heart raced, but she kept her expression neutral. "Why do you care?"

Victoria's smile turned cold. "Because Conner doesn't like loose ends, Donna. And you... you're a loose end waiting to unravel everything."

The implication in her words sent a shiver down Donna's spine, but she refused to let her fear show. "If you're here to threaten me, you can save your breath. I've heard enough threats for a lifetime."

Victoria laughed softly. "Oh, I'm not threatening you. I'm warning you. There's a difference."

Before Donna could respond, the door opened again, and Conner entered. His gaze immediately locked on Victoria, his expression hardening.

"Victoria," he said coolly. "What are you doing here?"

"Checking in," she replied smoothly, her smile never wavering. "I wanted to meet your wife. She's... intriguing."

Conner's jaw tightened as he stepped closer to Donna, his presence immediately protective. "Your curiosity is noted. Now leave."

Victoria's smile faltered for a split second before she recovered. "Always so hospitable, Conner." She turned to Donna, her eyes glinting with something unreadable. "It was lovely meeting you, Donna. I'm sure we'll see each other again."

Donna watched as Victoria sauntered out of the room, her heels clicking against the floor. The tension in the room was palpable as Conner turned to her.

"What did she say to you?" he demanded.

Donna crossed her arms, glaring at him. "Why? Worried she might have let one of your precious secrets slip?"

His green eyes darkened, and he took a step closer. "I don't like games, Donna."

"Neither do I," she shot back. "But it seems like that's all you know how to play."

They stood inches apart, the air between them electric with anger and something else Donna couldn't name. Conner's gaze dropped to her lips for a fleeting moment before he stepped back, his expression unreadable.

"Stay away from Victoria," he said finally, his voice low and dangerous. "She's not your ally."

"And you are?" Donna countered, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Conner didn't answer. He turned and left the room, leaving Donna alone once more.

Hours passed, and the day stretched into evening. Donna sat in her bedroom, staring out at the city as the lights began to twinkle like stars. Her mind replayed her encounter with Victoria, the woman's cryptic words echoing in her head.

A knock at the door broke her thoughts, and she sighed. "What now?"

The door opened, and a young maid entered, carrying a tray of food. She looked nervous, her eyes darting around the room.

"Dinner, ma'am," she said softly, setting the tray on the table.

Donna gave her a small smile, trying to put her at ease. "Thank you. What's your name?"

The maid hesitated. "Sophia, ma'am."

"Well, Sophia, you don't have to call me 'ma'am.' Just Donna is fine."

Sophia's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded. "Yes, ma'am-I mean, Donna."

As Sophia turned to leave, Donna stopped her. "Sophia, wait."

The maid froze, glancing over her shoulder. "Yes?"

"Is there a way out of here? A way I could... leave?"

Sophia's face paled, and she shook her head quickly. "No, ma'am. Mr. Todd... he doesn't allow it."

Donna's heart sank, but she forced a smile. "It's okay. Thank you, Sophia."

The maid nodded and hurried out of the room, leaving Donna alone once more.

She stared at the tray of food, her appetite nonexistent. She wasn't just trapped physically-she was trapped in a web of lies, power plays, and danger.

But she wasn't giving up.

Donna Kent was a survivor. And no matter how impossible it seemed, she would find a way to break free.