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But before she could make her escape, Mason's voice cut through the tense atmosphere like a knife. "Arabella," he called out, his tone cold and commanding.

She froze, her heart pounding in her chest, and turned to face him, her eyebrows raised in silent question.

"I hope you won't forget everything we discussed today," Mason continued, his words laced with a veiled threat.

"How could I forget?" Arabella shot back, her voice tinged with bitterness.

The memory of their conversation about her mission to destroy Damon Banks hung heavy in the air between them, a constant reminder of the dark path Mason had set her on.

Mason's lips curled into a smirk, a cruel glint in his eyes. "Angel and I will spend some time out of the country. In the meantime, work," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Arabella's fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging into her palms as she fought to keep her composure.

She did not trust herself to speak, the weight of Mason's words pressing do