Chapter 10
I knelt in front of the computer, staring at the video files on the screen, and called Alfred.
I held back a sob. "Alfred."
"What is it? Weren't you the one who wanted to cut ties with me?" he asked, sounding a little surprised.
"I just need to ask you one thing. Three years ago, did Daniel ask to keep me in line?"
He fell silent for a few seconds.
"How did you find out?"
I shut my eyes. "So it's true."
His voice was cold. "Back then, Daniel traded a port project worth two billion dollars for the chance to put you in place. I don't know how you crossed him, but I figured having him teach you a lesson wouldn't hurt, so I agreed."
I hung up. Whatever hope I had left went out.
Daniel got close to me, slept with me, and controlled me only to get revenge.
I laughed, quietly at first, then louder. I laughed until tears ran down my face and I could hardly breathe. When I'd finally had my fill, I wiped my tears and stood.
I went to the guest room and dragged out the suitcase I'd packed long ago. From a drawer, I took out my passport and the ticket to Velport.
I gave the room one last look—the place I'd once mistaken for home.
Then I walked into the living room and took the lighter from Daniel's cigar box. It was the first gift he ever gave me. Back then, I thought it meant something special.
Now I knew better. It was nothing but a hunter's mark on his prey.
I flicked the lighter. A flame leaped to life. Then I threw it at the living room curtains. The fire spread fast, devouring every last memory in the house.
I dragged my suitcase to the door and looked back at the room, now slowly lit by the growing flames. I bid Daniel farewell, and with him, my youth.
Half an hour later, fire truck sirens echoed through the neighborhood.
I sat on my suitcase across the street and watched in silence. The flames shot into the sky, painting half the night red.
Soon, a black sedan came speeding down the road. Daniel jumped out of the car. When he saw the sea of flames, his face went ashen. He looked around and finally spotted me across the road.
He rushed over. "Freya! Are you hurt?"
I looked at him and said nothing.
"Why did you set the house on fire? Forget it. Let it burn. Do you feel better now, princess?" he asked, sounding resigned.
I remained silent. I stood, dragged my suitcase, and started to leave.
Daniel blocked my path. "Where are you going?"
"Home."
"I will drive you back to the Seymour residence." He took out his phone. "Mark, get the car ready."
"Don't bother."
I went around him and kept going.
Daniel's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID, and his face darkened further.
"I have an urgent meeting. Mark will drive you back. We'll talk about this later," he said.
I ignored him and walked straight toward a cab at the curb.
"Freya," Daniel called after me.
I looked back at him.
"Stay home and wait for me. I have something to tell you."
With that, he got in the car and left.
I watched the taillights slip into the night and murmured, "See you never."
I got into a cab and told the driver to take me to the airport. On the way, I opened my banking app and totaled how much of Daniel's money I had spent over the past three years.
I transferred the full amount back to him. The medical bills, the cost of staying at his house, and other expenses came to 93 million dollars.
After the transfer went through, I threw my phone out the window. I watched it shatter on the pavement and breathed a sigh of relief.
From now on, Daniel could no longer reach me.
An hour later, the cab pulled up at Belcaster International Airport. I pulled my suitcase and walked toward the departure gate.
"Ma'am, your flight leaves in half an hour," a staff member reminded me.
I nodded and took a seat in the lounge to wait.
Through the window, I saw several private jets on the tarmac. One was getting ready for takeoff, and I saw Daniel walking up the steps. He was probably headed to Graychester for a meeting.
An announcement came over the speakers. "Flight to Velport is now boarding."
I stood and took one last look at that private jet.
My story with Daniel was over.
After boarding, I settled into my window seat.
Two planes were on the runway, facing opposite directions. One headed for Graychester, the other for Velport. It was like our lives, parting ways and never crossing paths again.
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