Chapter 50

ELOISE

“Why did you do that? We can’t get married. It wasn’t part of the deal,” I said, closing my eyes and leaning back in the car’s backseat as we headed to the airport.

“I had no choice,” he replied, his voice filled with resignation. “Has he done something to you? Something so bad that you’re...” He paused, not finishing his sentence. “This isn’t like you.”

“You must have a father, too, right? I heard he’s still strong and active.”

“Yes, I do. We have our differences, but it’s not like this. Your dad sounds like he’s threatening you, and you’re...” he trailed off.

“I’m afraid of him,” I finished for him. “If that’s what you noticed, then yes.” Frustrated, I exhaled and opened my eyes. “I don’t want to talk about it here.”

Adam glanced at the cab driver and nodded. “We’ll talk about this when we get back.”

“I just want to go home, rest, and then we can talk,” I added. Adam nodded in agreement, not saying anything more.

Three hours ago, before we left my dad’s estate, Adam h