Damien Steel curses under his breath as he downs his last glass of whiskey. In the dark room, he glares at the empty bottle on the table in front of him, the glass illuminated by the light of the four screens in front of him.

As planned, the tiny night vision cameras he’d had installed inside the coffin give him a view of Ivy from every angle. He doesn’t even need to zoom in to see the fear swimming in her eyes as they widen at the same time her mouth forms a circle. He turns the volume off so he can’t hear her screams—he doesn’t want to. But he feels them vibrating through his body, slicing at his heart, drawing blood.

It’s too late now. There’s no going back.

He runs a rough hand through his already disheveled hair and leans forward. He picks up a bottle of pills, his escape from reality. He pours a few into the palm of his hand, then picks up his whiskey glass and lifts it to his lips, only to remember it’s empty. Enraged, he hurls it against the wall behind the computers and watches the shards of glass rain to the floor of his office.

“How many more sleeping pills can you swallow? You can sleep, but you’ll always wake up to face reality.”

Damien crunches the pills with his fist. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough to see this is not what you really want. I know it’s not my place, but I can no longer sit back and watch you self-destruct.”

Damien fills his lungs with stale air and releases it in a puff. “You know what, Adrian? You’re right about one thing. It isn’t your place.”

“That’s too bad.” Adrian moves further into the room and pulls out the second leather chair. His gaze is on Damien as he takes a seat. “I’ve been silent long enough. I won’t be able to forgive myself if I keep my mouth shut. I know you’re my boss, Damien, but you feel like a son to me… like family.”

“What do you want from me?”

“I want you to stop this madness. You’re out of control.” Adrian glances at one of the screens, then back to Damien. “Let the girl go before it’s too late. Let go of your anger. This act of revenge is hurting you more than you’re admitting to yourself.”

Laughter bursts from Damien’s chest and pours out. He kills it. “So you think this is simple, do you? You think I can just let her go.” Damien shakes his head. “And have her run to the cops? What do you think I am, a fool?”

“So what if she turns to the cops? With all the money you’ve got, you can disappear, start over anywhere else in the world.” Adrian places a heavy hand on Damien’s shoulder. “You have to stop this, or—”

“Or what? You’ll turn me in?” Damien narrows his eyes.

“I could never do that to you. I owe you too much. I’d be dead if it weren’t for you. What kind of employer gives his employee a liver?”

“Why do you keep bringing that up? I told you I didn’t expect anything in return.”

“Exactly. Deep down, you’re a good man. You’ve had a rotten life in many ways. Your first wife’s betrayal and death broke you. But you can let go of the anger now, the poisonous revenge, and start living again. Damien, let the girl go.”

Damien raises his feet onto the table and tilts his head to the side as he watches Ivy pull something out of her back pocket. Distracted, he looks back at Adrian. “You didn’t answer my question. What will you do if I don’t let her go?”

“I’m out. I’ll work anywhere else for you. I’m sure they could use an extra guard at Steel Enterprises. But I will no longer be able to get my hands dirty.” He sighs. “And I can’t keep lying to my wife. Hanna is starting to ask too many questions. She’s not stupid, you know. She doesn’t believe Ivy is mentally ill anymore.”

Damien grinds his teeth silently, the back of his throat throbbing with anger. “Don’t you dare say a word to her.”

“I’ll keep my mouth shut if you let Ivy go. This started out as an act of revenge, but you’ve fallen in love with her. I know it. You don’t really want to hurt her.” Adrian rises and plugs his hands into his pockets. “Don’t turn into him. You’re not a monster, Damien.”

Damien squares his shoulders and folds his arms in front of his chest. “Has it ever occurred to you that I might enjoy being a monster?”

“I find that hard to believe.” Adrian walks to the door. “I’ll be at the office if you need me. I’ll always be there for you, but as I said, I can no longer get my hands dirty.”

“That’s fine. You’re right. You’ve done enough.” Damien swivels his chair so he’s facing Adrian. “I’ll finish the job alone. It’s too late to turn back now. It’s time for her to die.”