Chapter 9 Chapter 9 I spent the night at Kates , drowning memories in expensive whiskey . I didnt surface until noon the next day . My phone screen was lit with Adrians missed calls thirty seven of them . I ignored them , focusing instead on the calendar notification: [ Monaco Grand Prix : 5 days remaining ] I smiled grimly , deciding to pack my things today . I deliberately chose afternoon for my return his usual track time . But when I opened the penthouse door , Adrian was waiting in his favorite leather armchair , still in his racing suit , eyes dark as storm clouds . Where the fuck were you ? His voice cut through the air like a whip . I turned toward the bedroom , but his grip locked around my wrist . He slammed the check down on the glass coffee table . What kind of game are you playing with my mother ? The words came through clenched teeth . My heart stuttered . His mothers million dollar check . I forced my face into practiced neutrality , my voice steady . Oh , that ? Your mothers compensation . After three years of being your caretaker , it seems fair . The Chase family wont miss it . Adrian studied me with the same intensity he used to analyze race telemetry , searching for cracks in my facade . Wed been here before , in this same penthouse , but under very different circumstances . Last time , when the Chase family had finally tracked down their missing heir , his mother had slipped me an identical check across this very table . For your troubles , shed said with an icy smile . But before the paper had even grown warm in my hands , Rain had burst in . His eyes had blazed with a fury Id never seen before , hands shaking as he tore the check into confetti . If you make her leave , youll never see me again , hed snarled at his mother , pulling me protectively behind him . I dont care about the Chase name , the money , any of it . Riley is my home now . Try to buy her off again , and Ill disappear so thoroughly you wont find me in this lifetime . His mother had left in tears , and Rain had held me all night , whispering promises about forever between desperate kisses . Same check , different universe . Back then , hed chosen me over an empire . 15-42 Chapter 9 Now ? I was choosing to leave . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!