Chapter Eighteen

"Ah, Mr. Williams, I thought you were out of town," Michael said, as Carlton approached with an eerie stillness, his hands tucked casually in his pockets.

"I won't see you out; you may leave," Carlton said, his gaze piercing through me, making my throat dry with apprehension.

"Right, Ms. Williams. I'll see you next time," Michael hastily replied, sensing the tension in the air. I nodded at him, silently urging him to leave before he ended up like the bodyguard. As he departed, Carlton's eyes shot daggers after him.

With Michael gone, Carlton closed the distance between us. I met his gaze head-on, folding my arms defiantly, bracing myself for whatever accusations he had in store for me about being with Michael. I had plenty to say myself.

I maintained my composure, refusing to flinch under his scrutiny. After a tense silence, he finally spoke, "Go to your room." his voice eerily calm. Was he going to lock me up again? Or worse?

"No, if you have anything to say, say it here," I challen