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“A big presentation is scheduled in two days, and I really can’t miss it,” I snapped through the hood. “This thing will be over by then, right? You’d have me back in time? Maybe I should practice my speech with you guys in the meantime. You have said nothing so far, which means you must be good listeners. I’d honestly love some constructive criticism. This presentation is very important, so it’d be utterly splendid to have some fresh eyes on it.”

No answer. Damn, these guys were good.

But I continued, because rambling is better than sitting in silence and losing my mind.

This was all because I’m Cromwell Auclair’s daughter. I was sure of it. Somehow, my father was involved, but whether that was because he instigated it or if the kidnapping was to spite him, I’d have to wait and see.

The hood was working well. I couldn’t see at all.

I let out a groan and resumed my rambling, even if it achieved nothing but to irritate my captors.

Great. My day is ruined.

So, what next?

* * *

The SUV comes to a sudden stop. I hear doors swing open. My arms are dragged. My feet scrape over loose gravel. Men surround me. I hear their voices. There are no women among them.

And then I’m thrust through some kind of doorway.

My hands are really shaking now. I’ve stopped my rambling.

I’m brought down to my knees.

And with a sudden swish, the hood finally comes off. And I’m looking at the face of Cromwell Auclair.

My father.

Oh.

“Lovely,” I mutter under my breath loud enough for Father to hear as he looms over me. “It’s even worse than I feared.”

“Hello, Jolie.”

Father is an imposing man, like many other Elders in the Order. He’s a very successful man with all the confidence of a ruler.

“This is very dramatic, Dad. Even for your high standards.”

“It’s good to see you, Jolie.”

“Cut the crap, Father, why am I wasting a day on your Castaways’ nonsense?”

“Okay, fine,” he replies. “Let’s cut the crap.”

And he tells me what’s happening. He tells me about Fabien. About his joining the Castaways. Potentially. If only he completes one more test.

An impossible test.

Father tells me about what Leopold has set for Fabien. One week. Seven full days. A Castaways penthouse.

Literal hell.

I don’t care about the details. It’s the name that has shocked me. Fabien’s name. Hearing that word is like a gunshot aimed at my heart. It’s a word I never want to hear.

A million words sent to each other. Years of our lives. The way he would look at me like I was the only thing worth caring about in this cruel world.

“Is this happening?” I ask Father, my voice trembling. “For real?”