Chapter 51

Katrina.

“We’re officially bad blood with the Smiths family,” my father’s voice boomed through the room, the words chilling me to my core. “Anyone caught dealing with them... will be punished by me.”

I stood at the back, arms crossed, trying to ignore the heavy tension swirling around the mansion. My father’s fury was palpable, his eyes still dark with rage from the attack. The memory of him lying there, blood pooling on the ground after being struck in the head, was still too fresh. And for what? For helping Archer.

The Smiths wouldn’t get away with this. Not anymore.

I gripped my phone tighter, pacing the length of my room, my mind racing. Damien and Daphne. They had to be behind this. My gut screamed at me that Archer was with them—whether he wanted to be or not.

I pressed the call button again, my hands shaking with a mix of fear and frustration.

Ring. Ring. Straight to voicemail. Again.

“Come on, Daphne. Pick up.” My voice cracked, and I cursed under my breath.

I needed answers.