Chapter 24 The beauty almost makes me forget what I just witnessed , nearly distracting me from all the Almost . " You saw nothing tonight , " Nathan finally speaks , his voice low and sharp . thoughts running through my head . 1 turn to him , tilting my head to meet his burning gaze . He takes a step towards me , and I have to dig my toes into my shoes to keep from instinctively backing away . " You saw nothing tonight , April . Understand ? " I swallow , unable to find the words . I nod once , biting my lip to stop them from trembling . Nathan's eyes follow the action , and they darken slightly ; that image of us I had before flashes through my mind again . That wasn't Lucas or Sarah's first time , I'm sure of it . That was a regular occurrence and Nathan ... Nathan knows about it . Does he do it , too ? I wonder . Which one of the maids does he use ? Do they use all the maids ? Peter too ? Is this some sick rich people sport ? " I know you have questions , " Nathan says again , his gaze leaving my lips and returning to my eyes . " You will not voice them . Not to me , or to anyone else . " He takes another step , and he's so close that if I breathe in too deeply , our chests will brush . " If you breathe a word of what you saw tonight to anyone , April " -he shakes his head- " the consequences will be too grave for you to bear . " There it is . The Ashfords aren't generous and altruistic and benevolent and kind . At least not entirely . They're also depraved , a little sick . And like all other rich people , they would do whatever it takes to ensure their secrets stay buried and their sparkling reputation stays intact . " I need to hear you say you understand , April . " Nathan might have forgotten me from school , but after tonight , he'll definitely remember me . I swallow again , pushing my trepidation down , down , down . " I understand . " My voice is barely above a whisper , but it seems enough for Nathan as his shoulders relax slightly . Then I reach a hand out to him and unfurl my fist . Sarah's bracelet glints in my palm , and I no longer question how she could afford such an expensive piece of jewelry . " This is Sarah's . It's why I went looking for her , " I explain . Nathan takes the bracelet out of my hand , the brief point of contact sending a tiny shiver through me . " I didn't mean to spy , " I add , feeling my cheeks color with shame . " I'm sorry . " His eyes soften a fraction , but he doesn't say anything else before he opens the door and exits , leaving me alone on the balcony . The second the door clicks shut , my knees give out , and I fall into a crouch , wrapping my arms around me as I shudder . I stay on the balcony for a while , breathing in and out , in and out , in and out , until I feel a little calmer , and I know I can return to the banquet without giving anything away . So I head back , walking briskly , not stopping at the door to hear anything . By the time I return to the dining hall , dinner is over , and the Ashfords are gone . Only a few girls linger , talking amongst themselves . " April ! " Eliza gasps , running towards me . She grabs my arm urgently . " Where were you ? " 1 1/2 172 Chaier 34 she interrupts . " Jessica and Lay have been looking for pros 1 frown , her organic making paren " une " Eliza parts , and the patar sees me in a tight grip , all the thoughts of tonight's occurrences flying out of my head . " Something's tappened to be Chapter Comments Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!