Maeve’s heart pounded wildly as she realized just how trouble was in. She to a quick escape, but coworkers blocked her path, “Marve, don’t be so one of them teased with a smug grin “Yeah, we heard you and Jeff had a falling out. Isn’t now the perfect to sort things out?” another chimed in, forever nudging her forward. “He’s been waiting for you It all clicked for in an a setup. She shoved their hands away, her voice sharp with anger. “What’s deal? you to lure me here!” coworkers exchanged uncomfortable glances. you? Oh, come on, we’re just to help you out. Jeff’s a catch. you could do so why keep so damn stubbom?” buddies, lounging nearby, resist joining in. Jeff went out of his way to patch things up with you. You should not giving him attitude” little sassis cute,” one of them sneered, his leering gaze making skin crawl, too much just makes you look like a stuck-up b***h” Maeve’s narrowed she met stare. “We’re Jeff. How times do I have say before sinks in?” That was the last straw for Jeff. jumped up couch, Maeve by the and snarled, “You think I’m just let you embarrass me like that? Asking you back to me is doing you a favor, and you’d better start d**n gratitude. “Let go of me!” snapped, her face disgust. I’m not with you, Jeff. And think I’m s**id-1 know exactly why you want me. You need me secure your dad’s inheritance, right?” “You can’t make it on your own, you’re using me as your shortcut. she spat, her words like knives. Jeff’s face turned red fury. After days locked his father had pulled every string to get out. What had once been easy was now an uphill battle. his father had threatened Jeff’s position over to Nestor, older brother. The rivalry between two one on the other to claim their spot in the Graves business. With his father’s soft spot for Maeve, Jeff figured marrying her was his only ticket to stay in the game against Nestor. That pushed over the edge. He yanked at Maeve’s tearing it and exposing skin to the cold air. Maeve’s widened in terror as his face came closer, but she turn time. “You’d get the Jeff’s eyes were bloodshot as his hand tightened around throat. “You think you have choice? Once done with you’ll have no option to marry me!” He turned his friends and barked, ‘Get the cameras rolling!” The group erupted in cheers. “Hell yeah! This is gonna be Jeff, you’re the man!” the cameras at her, Maeve felt a wave of panic. tried to break free, Jeff shoved her against the table. His face, with rage, closed in on her, by the cheers of his friends the cold, indifferent stares of colleagues. Desperate, hand found heavy ashtray on table. thinking, she it over head. The sound of 14:40 Mon, Oct 14 GB Chapter 17 breaking glass shattered the room as Jeff yelled in pain, grip her loosening. Taking Jeff’s momentary confusion, Maeve a fruit knife from the and drove it into the back of all the force she could muster. “Ahhh” Jeff’s tore through the room as he crumpled the floor, his arm twitching uncontrollably, pouring down his face. “Holy s**t! Did she f****g that?” one of the guys blurted out. “Maeve, have lost your d**n mind? Aren’t you afraid the Graves family will come after you?” another stuttered, the whole group frozen in Maeve’s audacity. Maeve yanked the out, brandishing the bloodied blade as she aimed at them. face pale as a ghost, but her eyes were and unflinching- shot back. think I’ve got anything left to lose? Go ahead, try me. You mess me, better be ready for consequences. I might not take all you but a few of you are me. Her words a shiver everyone’s spine, including Jeff, who was still on his knees, clutching his bleeding hand. No had ever thought seemingly Maeve could be so terrifying when pushed to edge. She stood there, fierce and unyielding, like she was ready drag them had to. Despite their numbers, none of them wanted to be the unlucky ba***rd to face she went on a rampage with that knife “F***k! What waiting for? Open the **n door and let her out!” Jeff shouted, his fear starting to overshadow anger. He closest to her, and he knew if she snapped, he’d be the first to pay. “This was all just a okay? were just screwing around, serious! Don’t crazy!” one of the pleaded, to get the door open. Maeve kept her grip tight on the knife, her eyes never leaving them as she towards the exit. When she reached door, she the at them, sending them into a before out. Maeve ran as fast as she could, her heart in her chest. She a and slammed someone, back almost falling. A to catch her. “Hey, are you alright?” voice was soft, like a summer breeze. Maeve looked her a mess sticking to tear-streaked face, like a flower battered by a storm. She clutched her shirt tightly, wide fear, locking onto the man in her. Brown, momentarily stunned, quickly pulled a clean handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to her. “Here, this. What happened? Do you need help?” Maeve snapped back to reality, shaking her vigorously. “No, I’m fine. ” Without taking the handkerchief, she her hand free from his grasp and dashed off, hurrying away. Alex watched Maeve disappear down the hallway, smile tugging at lips. Suddenly, inspiration-something he’d been chasing for ages-began to stir. A vivid image took in his mind, up his with excitement. He rush back to his studio and dive into his work. Maeve the club kept running until her gave out. she collapsed a roadside massaging her sore calves. She’d her coat and handbag behind in the club, without them, she had no way to hail a cab. The night air cool, not freezing enough make Maeve wrap her arms tightly around herself for warmth. She gazed up the crescent her thoughts drifting aimlessly in of the night