Chapter 3: The Voice in the Void
Chapter 3: The Voice in the Void
The penthouse was completely silent save for the subtle, terrifying hum of the television speakers. The screen remained a static gray, a void that somehow felt more intimidating than seeing Eleanor's face.
"Eleanor," Trev said, his voice remarkably steady despite the chaotic hammering of his heart. "Turn off the locks. Let Hannah go. This is between you and me."
A soft, chilling chuckle resonated through the speakers. "Oh, Trev. Always playing the valiant knight, even when your armor is tarnished beyond repair. But I'm afraid Hannah is very much a part of this. After all, it takes two to desecrate a marriage."
Hannah stood up, her fists clenched at her sides. "Mrs. Klair," she said, her voice shaking but defiant. "I know I have no right to ask for your forgiveness. But keeping us here against our will is illegal. It’s kidnapping."
"Kidnapping?" Eleanor’s voice feigned shock. "My dear, the doors are simply malfunctioning due to a routine security update. The technicians won't be available until tomorrow morning. Think of it as a mandatory retreat. Time for reflection."
"What do you want, Eleanor?" Trev demanded, stepping between Hannah and the screen as if he could shield her from the disembodied voice. "You sent the buyout papers. You want the company? Fine. I'll sign them. Just unlock the doors."
"You're so quick to surrender your legacy," Eleanor mused. "Your father would be disappointed. But then, he was disappointed in you long before he died, wasn't he?"
Trev flinched as if struck. The mention of his late father was a low blow, a precision strike at his deepest insecurity. "Leave him out of this."
"I merely point out the pattern, Trev. You take what isn't yours, you ruin it, and then you try to buy your way out of the consequences. But the company isn't enough this time."
Hannah looked at Trev, her eyes wide with panic. "Trev, what does she mean?" she whispered.
"I want a confession," Eleanor stated smoothly.
"You have the photos!" Trev yelled. "You have all the proof you need for the divorce! You get everything!"
"I don't want a confession about the affair, you idiot," Eleanor's voice turned sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. "I couldn't care less about who you sleep with. I want a confession about what happened in Geneva. Three years ago."
The color completely drained from Trev’s face. He staggered back a step, bumping into the coffee table.
Hannah looked back and forth between the television and Trev, her confusion morphing into a new kind of dread. "Geneva? Trev, we didn't know each other three years ago. What happened in Geneva?"
Trev didn't answer. He just stared at the screen, his breath coming in shallow gasps.
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"Tell her, Trev," Eleanor urged, her tone dripping with malice. "Tell your sweet, innocent mistress how you built your fortune. Or shall I broadcast the audio files next?"
What dark secret had Trev been hiding from everyone, and how would it change everything Hannah thought she knew about the man she loved?
