Chapter 224
Chapter 224:
Eliza frowned. “Timeline? What are you talking about p>
“The plan,” he muttered, eyes fixed on the gravel beneath his expensive shoes. “I’ve been working on it for so long p>
He turned to look at her, his expression eerily calm. “I knew Buck was stealing from the company three years ago. I saw the books. I saw the transfers p>
Eliza went still. The wind seemed to stop. “You… you knew p>
“I let him,” Anson said.
The words hit like a physical blow. “You let him bankrupt us? You let him destroy my father’s legacy p>
“I needed you to lose everything,” Anson said. He wasn’t apologizing. He was explaining — as though it were a perfectly logical business strategy. “I needed the Solomon name to be worthless. I needed you to be cornered, with nowhere left to go. So you would need me to save you p>
Eliza felt bile rise in her throat. She gripped the edge of the bench. “You engineered the liquidity crisis p>
“I blocked the bank loans.” His eyes were manic now. “I called in favors. I made sure every door closed in your face except mine.” A twisted smile formed on his lips. “I was going to swoop in. Pay off the debts. Buy the estate. And marry you. I was going to be the hero p>
Eliza stood up. Her legs were shaking. “You destroyed my life… for a hero complex p>
𝗔𝘥𝗱𝗶𝘤𝘵i𝗏е 𝘀𝗍𝗼𝘳іe𝘴 o𝘯
“I did it for love!” Anson shot to his feet. “To bind you to me! To make sure you never looked at anyone else p>
“That’s not love,” Eliza said, backing away. “That’s a hostage situation p>
“And Koch?” Anson sneered, stepping toward her. “You think he’s different? Some white knight p>
“He saved me when you were drowning me,” Eliza said, her voice rising.
“He didn’t just stumble upon you, Eliza.” Anson dropped his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “He’s been watching you for a very long time.” He paused, letting it settle. “He has a history with your family. A history he’s kept hidden. He knew your mother — long before the fire p>
Eliza stopped. “What p>
“He’s just playing a longer game,” Anson said, watching the seed take root in her eyes. “A deeper calculation p>
“You’re lying,” Eliza said — but her voice lacked conviction.
“Ask him,” Anson challenged. “Ask him why he used to lurk around your family’s estate as a boy. Ask him about your mother’s secret p>
Eliza turned and ran. She couldn’t breathe. The air felt thin, tainted by his words.
Anson stood alone in the park, watching her go.
“You’ll see,” he whispered to the empty air. “We are all monsters p>
Eliza burst into the penthouse, chest heaving, skin clammy with sweat. The elevator ride had felt like an eternity, Anson’s words echoing in her skull. He knew your mother. He’s been watching you.