Chapter 201
Chapter 201:
Anson let out a harsh, dry laugh and shook his head, his eyes darkening with a toxic blend of pity and arrogance. “Free?” he scoffed. “You think you can survive without me? You think he can handle you?” His gaze shifted to Dallas, anger giving way to cold, mocking certainty. “You think you’ve won. But you have no idea what you’ve taken on. She is bound to me, Koch. By ten years of history. By secrets you don’t even know exist p>
“I know enough,” Dallas said. “I know she chose me p>
Anson looked back at Eliza. There was no tearful resignation in his eyes — only obsession.
“You’ll be back,” he whispered, his voice trembling with suppressed rage. “When he fails you — and he will — you’ll remember who really kept you safe. This isn’t over, Eliza. Not by a long shot p>
𝘍і𝗻𝖽 ո𝗼𝘷𝖾𝘭 𝖯𝘋𝖥ѕ on
He didn’t wait for a reply. He turned and walked out of the room — not slumping in defeat, but marching, already fueled by a new and darker plan.
The door clicked shut. His threat lingered in the air like smoke.
Dallas turned back to Eliza, his shoulders easing slightly. “It’s over p>
“Not yet.” Eliza gripped the sheet, her brow creased with worry. “He looked like he already has a plan. And the Solomons — the estate. Buck will still sell it p>
“Let him plan.” Dallas dismissed the thought with quiet certainty and sat on the edge of the bed. “As for the estate — my team finalized the acquisition of the Solomon estate’s debt this morning. While you slept p>
“You… bought the debt?” Eliza gasped.
“I am the primary creditor now,” Dallas said. “Buck Solomon answers to me. The house, the art — all of it is under my protection. Under our protection p>
Eliza stared at him, overwhelmed. “So… you’re my landlord p>
“No.” Dallas reached out and wiped a tear from her cheek. “I’m your husband. What’s mine is yours.” He leaned in until his forehead rested against hers. “We’ll burn the house down if you want. Or paint it pink. Turn it into a shelter for stray cats. It’s yours, Eliza p>
Eliza pulled him down and wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his shoulder. He smelled of antiseptic and safety.
“Just hold me,” she whispered.
Dallas held her. But over her shoulder, his eyes stayed fixed on the door where Anson had gone. He knew Anson was right about one thing.
This wasn’t over.
The embrace settled into a quiet, heavy silence. The hospital sounds outside — the squeak of rubber soles on linoleum, the distant drone of the paging system — seemed to fade away, leaving only the sound of their breathing.
Dallas shifted, checking his watch. It was late.
“You should go,” Eliza whispered against his chest, though her hands tightened on his shirt, betraying her own words. “You’re exhausted. Your arm needs rest.” Her eyes drifted to the bandage on his forearm where the knife had sliced him.
“I’m not leaving.” His voice was low, vibrating through her ribs. “The last time I let you out of my sight, you were taken. I’m not making that mistake again p>
He pulled back slightly, glancing at the uncomfortable plastic chair in the corner, then at the narrow hospital bed. He made a decision.
“Scoot over,” he said softly.
Eliza blinked up at him. “Here? The nurses will have a heart attack. It’s against policy p>