Julian's grip bit into my arm as he dragged me across the living room floor. My heels scraped against the hardwood, leaving desperate marks in my wake.
"Julian, stop this!" I screamed, twisting against his iron hold. "You're making a terrible mistake!"
His amber eyes burned with cold fury. "The only mistake was trusting you, Seraphina."
I dug my heels harder into the floor, creating momentary resistance. "If you truly believe I'm guilty, then take me to the police! Let them investigate properly!"
Julian laughed, a hollow sound that sent chills down my spine. "So you can manipulate the system? Use my grandmother's connections to escape justice? I don't think so."
"I'm innocent!" My voice cracked with desperation.
He ignored my pleas, dragging me toward the hidden door at the end of the hallway. When I managed to free one hand, I scrambled for my phone in my pocket.
"I'm calling Tristan," I said, fingers trembling as I tried to unlock the screen.
