Empire 30

“That damn bitch got us all beaten to hell!” the thugs exclaimed. 

As Liam’s men closed in with brutal precision, the three things scrambled back in a panic. 

“Alan, thank goodness we ran when we did. Those bastards would’ve broken our legs for sure!” 

+25 BONUS 

Alan Weber, their leader, spat on the ground behind him, already regretting ever taking the job. “We didn’t finish the job and still ended up screwed. Worst damn luck!” 

The three thugs hunched at the street corner, their curses sharp and angry. They knew they’d messed with the wrong people this time. Swallowing their pride was their only option now. 

The one with the missing tooth wasn’t ready to let it go, scanning the area. His eyes caught a woman passing by, her curves outlined by tight clothes. 

“Alan, that last chick got away, but look–here’s another one.” 

“After the beating we just took, you’re still thinking with your dick? Some things never change!” 

Alan kicked him hard. Still, his gaze flicked toward the woman before he could stop himself. 

“This chick’s got some looks, huh?” Alan smirked, his grin leering as he shot a glance at his two lackeys. 

Amanda walked down the street, unaware that she had become prey in the eyes of wolves, until a rough hand yanked her backward, throwing her off balance. 

Terror flooded her veins. She screamed, “Who are you? Let me go!” 

“Let you go? We’ve never taken a beating like this. You’re lucky we’re even giving you the time of day!” 

“Get away from me!” Amanda’s face burned under their hungry stares, humiliation twisting in her gut. 

Then, she saw them stripping off their clothes. She bolted, desperation clawing at her chest, but she barely made it two steps before rough hands seized her again, dragging her back. 

“You’ve got some nerve. Still trying to run?” 

Amanda writhed. The thugs took turns driving their kicks into her. When her strength gave out, their hands slid into her collar. 

She looked up at their leering faces, spit flying from their lips. Knowing resistance was useless, she quickly begged for mercy, “Please, let me go! I’ll get you money. Just let me go home and-” 

A scream ripped from her throat as they yanked her clothes down. 

“You really think we’d drag you here just to let you walk away?” 

“Don’t push your luck, bitch! We don’t want your money. You think we’re broke?” 

“Damn right! If it weren’t for Ms. Stinson’s payoff, we wouldn’t be nursing bruises like this!” 

The mention of money was a lit fuse. Their rage burned hotter. 

Fear seized Amanda’s mind, but she snapped to attention at the sound of “Ms. Stinson“. 

Could these men be the thugs Penelope sent? 

“Please, you have to let me go. The Ms. Stinson you’re talking about is Penelope Stinson. I’m her best friend!” 

1/2 

Chapter 30 

+25 BONUS 

Amanda’s voice wavered with desperation, but the men just stared, their eyes hungry as they tracked her every curve. Her words fell on deaf ears. 

Inside the car, Liam cranked up the heat, stealing uneasy glances at Jacklyn. She sat rigid, still shaken. 

“Thanks,” she mumbled, lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes colder than he’d ever seen. “You know those guys?” 

Jacklyn’s brows furrowed. “No. But they were after me. They had my picture.” 

A thought flickered in her mind. Someone she knew was behind this. Her photos weren’t shared casually. Besides Eugene, only the Stinsons had access. 

“This was planned,” Liam said, his gaze piercing. 

“Who else would have my picture and hate me this much? It has to be Penelope.” 

The truth sank into Jacklyn’s mind, her eyes hardening. 

200 

In the alley, Amanda lay abandoned after the three thugs had finished with her. She curled into herself, sobbing for a long time before dragging herself to the Stinson residence. 

Penelope, still awake, opened the door. She recoiled at the sight of Amanda. “Amanda? What happened?” 

“Penelope, they mistook me for someone else. They dragged me into the alley and… and…” Amanda’s body shook as she spoke. 

Penelope’s eyes widened. She didn’t need to hear the rest. Grabbing Amanda’s arm, Penelope tugged her into the room, motioning for silence. 

“Amanda, how could this happen?” 

Penelope hadn’t expected things to turn out this way, either. Her jaw tightened, frustration coiling inside her. Jacklyn had gotten away. All her money was wasted! 

Amanda lifted her head, resentment flashing in her eyes. “I heard them say ‘Ms. Stinson.‘ That’s you, isn’t it? The thugs you hired grabbed the wrong person!” 

Penelope’s stomach lurched. She hurried to smooth things over. “Amanda, it breaks my heart to see you hurting like this. But I won’t let you go through all of this for nothing. Once I’m Mrs. Lloyd, I’ll make sure you meet some of the most promising young men out there.” 

With a fake sympathy, she took Amanda’s hands in hers. Noticing Amanda’s red, swollen eyes, Penelope added, Amanda, just think about it. Who’s really to blame here?” 

“1 

Amanda hesitated. Penelope was the one who had hired those thugs. So, if it wasn’t her, then who? 

Penelope continued, “Isn’t this all Jacklyn’s fault? If she hadn’t run away, those thugs wouldn’t have taken it out on you. And if you just let her go unpunished, she gets off spot–free, doesn’t she?” 

Amanda’s emotions were still raw, teetering on the edge. Penelope’s words slithered in, coiling around Amanda’s anger, twisting it until every last shred lashed back straight at Jacklyn. 

“You’re right. You’re absolutely right! It was all her fault! That bitch! None of this would’ve happened to me if she hadn’t bolted! You have to help me, Penelope. You have to!