Chapter 26: The Beggar
233 words
The laughter from the ballroom still rang in his ears, louder than the thunder overhead. Thorne stood in the parking lot, the rain plastering his silver hair to his skull. He looked less like a doctor and more like a drowned rat. When Elena’s heels clicked across the pavement, sheltered by a large umbrella held by security, he lunged forward.
"Elena! Wait!"
She stopped, signaling the guard to hold back. She looked dry, warm, and untouchable. The contrast burned him.
"I know things," Thorne sputtered, wiping water from his eyes. "About the mayor's wife. About the botched liposuction in '09. I can ruin them. I can help you destroy everyone if you just... if you buy me out. I need a bankruptcy filing or I'm dead. The loan sharks are circling."
Elena stared down at him, her expression unreadable. She didn't look angry. She looked bored.
"Desperation is an ugly look on you, Marcus. It ages you terribly."
"I'm offering you leverage! These are top-tier negotiation tactics!" he screamed, grabbing at the air near her coat.
"I don't need leverage," she said softly, stepping into her waiting limousine. "I have their medical records from the transfer. I fixed what you broke. They love me for it. I already know every secret you think you own."
She rolled up the window as he pounded on the glass, leaving him alone in the downpour.
End of Chapter 26
