Chapter 228
Chapter 228:
Eliza returned to work at S&D on light duty. She felt his presence everywhere regardless — Sentinel in the car, Weston in the lobby. He was a protective shadow she couldn’t outrun.
One evening, she found him on the balcony.
He was leaning against the railing, looking out at the city lights. Smoke curled from his fingers.
“You don’t smoke,” Eliza said from the doorway.
Dallas startled slightly. He stubbed the cigarette out immediately. “Old habit. From the war. It comes back when… when things get loud p>
Eliza stepped out onto the cool concrete. “Why didn’t you come for me sooner? When my parents died p>
Dallas kept his eyes on the skyline. “I wanted to. I prepared to. But Anson was already there. And you looked… safe.” He paused. “I didn’t want to bring my darkness into your life unless I had to. I have enemies, Eliza. The Koch family is a viper’s nest p>
“But you did,” Eliza said quietly. “You brought the Koch enemies. The Lunas p>
“I know,” Dallas said, his voice raw. “And I hate myself for it p>
He turned to face her. “My love for you is selfish. It’s a wish fulfilled for me, but a danger for you p>
𝗗𝗈w𝗇l𝗈𝗮𝘥 𝗣𝘋𝖥𝘴 𝗳𝗋𝖾е 𝗈𝗇.со𝗺
“So let me go,” Eliza said, testing him.
Dallas gripped the railing until his knuckles cracked. He looked at her, and the hunger in his eyes was almost frightening.
“I can’t,” he whispered. “I tried. I can’t p>
The honesty stunned her. It wasn’t a scheme. It was a compulsion — something raw and biological, beyond calculation.
“Goodnight, Dallas,” she said, and retreated inside, overwhelmed.
Dallas stayed on the balcony and watched her go, knowing he was losing her to fear. His phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out.
Weston: Intel from the DA’s office just came in.
He read the message.
They’re fast-tracking the case. The DA is officially seeking the death penalty for Buck. The evidence is irrefutable.
Dallas closed his eyes. “She’s going to break again p>
Eliza was at her desk at S&D when her phone erupted.
News alerts. Texts. More alerts.
BREAKING: Buck Solomon Officially Charged with Double Homicide; Sources Confirm Prosecutors Will Seek Death Penalty.
The court had proved it. He had tampered with the brakes. Premeditated murder of Arthur and Diana Solomon — for the insurance money.
Eliza stared at the screen. The finality of it hit her like a wave of cold water.
She didn’t feel happy. She didn’t feel relief. She felt hollow. Her last living relative was a monster who had killed the people she loved most.
She left work early. The penthouse was empty — Dallas was still at the office. She sat on the sofa in the dark, staring at nothing, depression settling over her like a heavy blanket.
The door burst open. Azalea marched in, swinging a key ring, and flipped on every light.
“Get up,” she commanded. “We are not doing this p>
Eliza blinked against the sudden glare. “He killed them, Azalea. My uncle killed them p>