Chapter 17(Tori P.O.V)

I opened my eyes slowly, scanning the room with a jolt of worry before reality settled back into place. No machines. No drugs. No glass tube. Just soft sheets, quiet air… and safety.

The antidote was working- I felt lighter than yesterday, though still tired in my bones. I pushed myself out of bed and headed toward the kitchen, craving a glass of water.

The moment I stepped inside, I nearly jumped out of my skin. Someone who definitely wasn’t Adrian was standing at the counter, making toast. Then it hit me- Adrian’s sister. Right. She was here too.

She turned when she heard the fridge door open, then bowed slightly when our eyes met. I blinked.

D@mn.                     

She looked around sixteen, maybe seventeen… and she was stunning. Misty green eyes, delicate features, the kind of beauty that makes you stare before you realize you’re staring. For a second, I felt an unexpected twinge of jealousy.

"Hey," I said, breaking the silence. "You must be Ad’s sister, right?"

She nodded.

"I'm Tori." I gave her a small, warm smile.

She opened her mouth to speak, but Adrian walked in at that exact moment- hair messy, eyes sleepy, looking annoyingly attractive even half-awake.

“Hey, sis, you should be in bed,” he began, before noticing me. “Oh- Tori. I didn’t realize you were here.”

“I just came for water,” I said, smiling at him.

He stepped closer, his expression soft. “Right. Well… meet my sister, Nina.”

I glanced at her again. “She looks just like you,” I said before my brain could stop me. Adrian chuckled.

“Your sister should honestly be a model, Adrian. She has everything.”

Nina blushed faintly, and Adrian shrugged. “Maybe when she’s older.”

I took a sip of water, gathering my thoughts. “I need to hire a private investigator. And a lawyer. Competent ones. It won’t be long before Zayn and Dr. Kingston are arrested.”

“It’s good to know you’re thinking ahead,” Adrian said with a small smile.

My eyes drifted to Nina again- she was staring curiously at the tablet I’d brought from my room. I nodded toward her.

“I got you something,” I told her softly. “You’re not in school because of… everything, and that’s partly my fault. I want to make it up to you.”

“That’s not necessary-” Adrian began.

“Oh, please,” I cut him off, rolling my eyes. “Let me do this.”

I turned to Nina. “By the way, you’ll be home‑schooled while we’re here. It’s safer.”

Before either of them could argue, I took Nina to the living room and reached for the parcel Amy had given me earlier. I opened it carefully and brought out a MacBook, two iPads, and a pair of AirPods.

Her mouth parted in disbelief.

“They’re all yours,” I said, smiling.

She hesitated, glancing at Adrian. When he nodded, she finally accepted the items. Then, unexpectedly, she hugged me.

For a moment I froze- then I hugged her back.

“You’re welcome, Nina,” I whispered.

I stepped back and cleared my throat. “We have to be careful now. No online orders. No unnecessary movement. And your phone stays off, Adrian. Dr. Kingston can track it.”

“Got it,” he said seriously.

“If you have any questions, anything at all, ask me,” I told Nina, then headed back toward the kitchen.

I warmed some chips, though my taste buds still felt numb. After forcing a few bites down, I returned to my room and lay on the bed. Sleep didn’t come.

All I could think about was Zayn.

What would happen when he found out where I was?

Would he go after Adrian? After Nina?

They didn’t deserve this danger. None of this would be happening if not for me… for my cursed inheritance… for my family’s death.

I curled into myself, staring at the ceiling.

Mom… Dad… I need you. Please help me escape Zayn’s wickedness. I can’t keep suffering like this. Not anymore.