His Destructive, Toxic Love

She found herself back in Minna's treasure-filled lair. Minna sat there, all calm and collected, watching her every move. "Alright then, let's get Mona on the line."

Minna smirked, clearly amused, eager to see how Eliza would maneuver through her web of deception. Eliza settled into a chair across from Minna and declared, "I am Mona."

Minna burst out laughing, her disbelief evident. "You honestly think you can pull one over on me that easily?"

Eliza didn't bother arguing. She simply dialed a number on her phone and handed it over to Minna. After the call, Minna's attitude shifted dramatically. She even circled Eliza a few times, trying to wrap her head around the fact that Eliza was indeed Mona. "Well then, could you paint me a portrait of Chirpy?" Minna asked.

"And will you let Casper go if I do?"

Negotiations were underway, both sides weighing their options. Unexpectedly, Minna shot down the idea, "No way, but..."

Eliza raised an eyebrow. "But what?"

"...I can let you go for now, but you better make that portrait count." It was her final compromise.

Eliza thought it over. Refusing to leave without Casper might mean she'd never get out. Staying would only drag Casper down.

"Looks like I don't have much of a choice," Eliza conceded.

"Smart move, Ms. Eliza," Minna warned. "But don't try any funny business. I could have you back here in a heartbeat."

"With my guy still locked up with you, what could I possibly pull?" Eliza laid it all out. "You've got eyes on our place round the clock, don't you?"

Minna chuckled, passing a photo to Eliza. "I want you to include Juicy, the little dog that was my childhood buddy, right there with Chirpy."

Looking at the picture of the young girl with her dog and cat, Eliza saw the traces of a lonely childhood. It was no wonder Minna ended up this way. "Sure thing," Eliza agreed.

Minna arranged for Eliza to be

escorted home. Meanwhile,

unbeknownst to her, the president's forces were closing in. Kaleb was already under arrest, and the Christianson family mansion was next on their list.

On the day Eliza completed the painting, news broke of Minna's capture. Watching the coverage, it all felt surreal. Had they really been at each other's throats just days age?

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And what about Casper? A sudden fear gripped her-had Minna taken drastic measures before her arrest?

Heart pounding, she turned to Dillon, "Is Casper okay? Is he safe?"

"Mr. Casper is meeting with the president. He should be back soon," Dillon assured, visibly relieved.

Eliza worried the president might discard Casper, just as the Christiansons had. "I can't help but worry."

"Ma'am, you don't know Mr. Casper like I do. He's always got a backup plan. He wouldn't work with someone like the president without having some leverage," Dillon explained. Eliza nodded, feeling reassured. Casper wasn't one to jump in without a plan, unlike her.

She handed Dillon the painting. "This is what I promised Minna. Those two were her childhood pals, so let's make sure they keep her company."

"I'll make sure it gets to her," Dillon promised.

That night Eliza tossed and turned,

sleep eluding her. She had no idea when Casper would be back. Her eyes stayed glued to the glowing moon outside, until they ached, foreing her to look away.

In a sleepy haze, she felt the mattress dip beside her. Before she could react, strong arms enveloped her waist...