“You have his money,” James said, pointing a finger at me. “Look at those diamonds. Look at that dress.”

He took another step, his face twisting into a desperate snarl.

“I need fifty thousand dollars, Sophia. I owe some very bad people.”

“That is not my problem.”

“It is your problem,” James hissed, reaching out and grabbing my arm.

His grip was cold and tight.

“Because if I don’t get that money, I’m going to take Lily.”

My heart stopped.

“You wouldn’t,” I breathed.

“I know where she is,” James whispered, his face inches from mine. “I saw the old lady taking her to the park today.”

“I’ll kill you if you touch her,” I said, my voice shaking with a sudden, violent rage.

“You won’t do anything,” James said, pulling me closer. “But your boss might. Tell him to pay me, or the kid disappears.”

“Let go of her.”

The voice came from the doorway.

It was quiet, but it filled the entire terrace.

James froze, his eyes widening with terror.

Dante stood in the doorway, his silhouette framed by the golden light of the ballroom.