Back From Prison, Built For Revenge - Chapter 60: Chapter 60

Even as they were about to part, Yael still didn't release his grip on Chloe's wrist.
His voice, a dangerous blend of flirtation and menace, murmured, "Those earrings look beautiful on you. Make sure you always wear them. I'm certain they'll bring you good luck."
The moment the car door shut, Chloe finally let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding.
Outside the villa, a sleek black car crouched in silence—a lurking predator radiating palpable menace.
The driver stood beside the car, clad in black gloves, and pulled open the door with impassive precision.
Yael stood at an angle, eyes downcast and a faint smirk playing at his lips. He extended his hand in a deceptively gentlemanly gesture, his voice cold as a blade. "After you."
Chloe pressed her lips together tightly, refusing to respond.
Chloe lowered her head as she slid into the car, her skirt whispering softly against the leather seats. Yael followed, and the chilling scent clinging to him instantly enveloped her, making each breath a struggle.
The car door slammed shut. At that instant, Chloe felt the entire space close in around her, leaving her no way out.
The car was unlit, only dim light filtering through the windows, casting Yael's face in deep, menacing shadows.
He turned his head, his cold, predatory gaze openly fixed on Chloe, scrutinizing her like a hunter examining prey about to be dismantled.
Yael suddenly broke the silence, his voice low and suffocating. "Have you been in touch with Carlos lately?"
The words, like a needle, pierced straight into Chloe's ears. Her fingertips twitched involuntarily, but she quickly composed herself.
"No." Chloe shot back instantly, her tone calm and clipped, as if she were severing any lingering ties right then and there.
Yael curled his lips into a bone-chilling smirk, his smile so cold it sent shivers down one's spine. "Really? No contact at all?"
He lowered his head, his slender fingers drumming a measured rhythm against his suit pants—each tap an unspoken threat that tightened the air.
Yael pressed, "Then what's the deal with these earrings?"
Chloe's heart plummeted, her gaze instinctively drawn to the delicate silver earrings dangling from her earlobes.
Chloe instinctively reached up to touch her earrings, then quickly let her hand fall. "Just a gift from a friend—nothing special," she said.
"Just friends?" Yael slowly repeated, his tone drawn out and menacing. "Funny, not everyone seems to see it that way."
Chloe's fingers dug into the soft leather of her purse as she clenched it tightly. She fought to stay calm, but the tremor in her voice gave her away. "Mr. Foster," she said, "if you have something to say, just get to the point."
Yael smiled, a smile utterly devoid of warmth.
"I'm just curious," Yael's gaze sharpened abruptly like a hawk sighting its prey. "What exactly is your relationship? After all, Carlos is quite the charmer, isn't he?"
The air in the car grew thick and suffocating, pressing down on Chloe until she could barely breathe.
"There's absolutely nothing between us," Chloe bit out, her voice low and resolute.
But the more resolute Chloe became, the more unsettling Yael's gaze grew.
He leaned back in his seat and briefly closed his eyes, yet the tension in his furrowed brow betrayed the storm of emotions simmering beneath his calm exterior.
"You know what?" Yael's voice suddenly cut in, laced with a sinister edge. "I've been hearing some rumors about you lately... something involving my sister."
Chloe snapped her head up to look at him, her almond-shaped eyes blazing with a storm of emotions—shock, fury, and a deep-seated wariness.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Chloe demanded.
Yael opened his eyes, his gaze as deep and unfathomable as an abyss. "No need to be so tense... I merely mentioned it in passing."
Yael paused, his tone eerily calm. "Well, some things are better dealt with sooner rather than later. Otherwise, it might compromise your family's safety."
"My family has nothing to do with any of this," Chloe forced out, struggling to keep her voice steady. "I hope you won't drag them into your affairs."
"Of course," Yael chuckled, his smile holding a razor's edge. "As long as you play by my rules, your family won't have any... unpleasantness."
The air inside the car grew increasingly stifling—even the driver couldn't help but steal a furtive glance in the rearview mirror. But just then, the car abruptly veered off its intended course.
The familiar cityscape outside the window suddenly gave way to unfamiliar sights—a desolate, secluded road now stretched ahead.
Chloe bolted upright, her heart hammering wildly against her ribs. She whipped her head toward the driver, then glared at Yael beside her. "Where are you taking me?" she demanded.
"Don't worry," Yael said coolly, but the icy glint in his eyes betrayed the truth.
"No. Don't change routes." Chloe's voice rose as she fought to suppress her fear, yet the tremor in it betrayed everything. "Stop the car." she demanded.
The driver ignored her completely, continuing to drive as if her words meant nothing.
Chloe felt as if she'd stumbled into an elaborately laid trap—one that was slowly, inexorably closing in around her, pushing her toward the edge of despair.
She couldn't help but reach for the car door, desperate to escape, but Yael's hand shot out and clamped around her wrist. His grip was icy and unyielding, sending a jolt of pain shooting up her arm and through her entire body.
"Stop struggling," Yael leaned in, his voice a venomous whisper against her ear. "And don't even think about running—it's utterly pointless for you."
Chloe struggled furiously and snarled, "Let go of me."
Yael didn't loosen his grip. Leaning in until his lips nearly brushed her ear, he whispered in a voice meant only for her, "Remember, from today on, you belong to me alone.
"If you ever defy me, I can't be held responsible for what might happen to your grandmother."
The words struck Chloe like a thunderclap, leaving her utterly frozen. She stared at Yael, her eyes wide—a turbulent mix of disbelief and fury, with a deep, gnawing terror lurking beneath it all.
The car finally came to a stop.
Outside lay a secluded lakeside, its emerald waters shimmering with an eerie glow under the moonlight.
Yael released her, but only for a split second before seizing Chloe's wrist again, dragging her out of the car.
The howling lakeside wind whipped her hair into disarray, yet nothing could veil the profound despair in her eyes.
Standing by the lakeside, Yael turned and placed his other hand on Chloe's shoulder—a gesture that appeared intimate yet carried a suffocating weight.
"Mark my words," he said, pausing deliberately. Then, with a bone-chilling smile, he added, "Otherwise, I can't guarantee what might happen."