Chapter 3

On the way to the casino, I sat in silence between Jett and Dalton.

Jett had made it clear I wasn't going anywhere until Melody was out of trouble.

Dalton glanced at me before letting out a long sigh.

"I know. You got reborn too."

I let out a humorless laugh.

"So what? What difference does that make? Are you finally going to choose me for once?"

"I'm sorry," he murmured.

I shook my head. I had no words left.

"Dalton, is that all you have to say after everything that's happened?"

Without warning, he pulled me close and kissed me.

"Zara," he whispered, resting his forehead against mine. "I promise this will be the last time you ever have to deal with something like this. We're only going to the casino to pay Melody's debt and get her out of trouble. You'll be fine."

He paused, then added, "And after this, I'll make you my wife. I'll spend every day making up for what I've put you through."

I tried to smile, but my voice came out rough.

"Dalton, just answer one last question. Can't you see that she manipulates everyone just to get attention?"

Dalton hesitated and looked away from my eyes. "I... I cannot tell for sure."

Did he truly not know, or was he pretending ignorance?

This whole situation was ridiculous. They all saw her games, yet once again I got pushed straight into harm's path.

The casino VIP room existed in its own separate world. Heavy curtains dimmed lights and blocked noise from outside.

Stacks of debt slips and contract copies covered the gambling table.

Melody looked disheveled. She was tied to a couch beside the large window, her makeup streaked with tears and fear in her eyes.

Jett rushed right over beside her. His voice shook. "Melody, are you okay?"

"Hey, nobody said you two get to talk," the casino manager cut in. He snapped his fingers. His enforcers stepped forward and blocked Jett.

"Quit stalling. Pay up, or we'll collect another way."

Dalton clenched his fists. Grinding his teeth he asked, "How much does she owe?"

"One billion dollars. Every detail written plain on paper, and your family name sits right there. Not one cent less," the manager said with a cruel grin tapping the documents.

Jett gasped out loud. "That much?"

Neither of them could come up with that much cash on the spot.

At that moment something inside Jett snapped.

His gaze shifted from the damning papers to me. A reckless idea seemed to take hold.

"Zara is also a Reyes girl. Why cannot she take Melody's spot?"

My whole body froze. Every single eye locked onto me instantly.

"What garbage are you talking?" Dalton's voice rumbled low and dangerous.

Jett scoffed like his idea made total common sense. "If Zara had not gone out of her way humiliating Melody, she never would have run off to this casino. Melody is the innocent victim here. It is only fair Zara stays behind instead."

Right after he finished speaking the casino manager chuckled. "Now that is an interesting proposal. If she is Reyes blood that works fine too. She looks healthy. Her organs would fetch a much higher price."

Dalton's face twisted in anger. "Absolutely no way!"

But Melody started screaming and crying across the room. "Dalton... I do not want to die... please, save me..."

Dalton's firm resolve wavered. His hands balled tight into fists.

Eventually he turned toward me. His voice was careful, almost pleading.

"Zara, you do not want your sister hurt. Just wait here, alright? I'll go back, get the money, and come for you as quickly as I can."

It felt as if my blood turned completely to ice. A hideous, twisted smile spread across my face, worse than any sobbing fit.

"Dalton, are you serious? You plan on leaving me here to take her place?"

Guilt, inner conflict and endless struggle swirled deep inside Dalton's eyes.

"Zara," he whispered. "I will come for you. That is my word."

Jett frowned deeply. His tone left no room for argument. "What is the big problem? You just wait while we get money together. Melody already waited, why cannot you?"

Melody could sit and hope for her hero to rescue her. What hope remained for me?

Thugs forced me down and held me in place. I grabbed Dalton's wrist using every last bit of my strength.

"Dalton! Are you really going to stand by and let them do this to me again?!"

He lifted his hand, like he intended to pull me free.

Melody threw herself forward. She ripped my hands away breaking his grip.

"Dalton, I was so terrified! Let us just go home. I cannot spend another second in this place!"

All conflict vanished from his eyes. He took hold of Melody's hand.

"I know this is unfair for you. But Melody cannot lose her chance to have kids. She always dreamed about raising her own child."

I couldn't help a bitter smile. "So you sacrifice me instead?"

"You will survive," he rushed those words out, most likely trying to convince his own self. "I will get the money, and once you are free we will get married right away!"

The heavy door slammed shut behind them. Silence filled the VIP room.

Debt documents vanished off the table. Two champagne flutes sat down in their spot.

I gave a small signal. Men disguised as casino goons and thugs stepped back and showed me respect.

All traces of my earlier helplessness vanished. Cold hard resolve replaced every bit of it.

"Keep moving forward with our full plan," I ordered.

One of my men nodded. I handed him my family signet ring, and he crushed the tracking chip hidden inside it.

A message would soon circulate among every family faction: [Zara is dead].

The casino manager raised his glass toward me with a knowing smile.

"I look forward to doing business with you, Queen."

From that exact moment Zara Reyes was gone.

In her place stood a woman bent on revenge, ready to plant fear deep inside all their hearts.