Richard chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Such harsh words, my dear Clair. After all this time, you'd think you'd be happy to see me." He took another step closer, his eyes glinting in the dim light. "As for what I want... well, that's a complicated question, isn't it? Let's just say you and your little friend stumbled upon something you shouldn't have. Some things are best left buried, Clair ."
Marcus, still groggy but alert, spat on the floor near Richard's expensive shoes. "Go to hell. You won't get anything from us."
Richard didn't even flinch. He simply smiled, a thin, cruel smile that revealed nothing. "Such loyalty. Admirable, but ultimately... pointless." He turned his attention back to me. "You always were the clever one, Anabelle. I underestimated you, I admit. I thought I had you fooled for good. All those years of playing the devoted husband... a waste, it seems."
"What are you talking about?" I demanded, my voice trembling. "Why are you doing this? You could have had everything! We had a good life! What more did you want?"
"A good life?" Richard scoffed. "That pathetic charade? I wanted power, Clair . Real power. The kind you can't earn playing by the rules." He gestured around the grimy room. "This isn't exactly the life of a devoted husband, is it? But it's on your way to where you are going."
He paused, his eyes narrowing. "You know, I was almost hoping you wouldn't figure it out. It would have been so much easier. But you had to go poking around, didn't you? Unearthing secrets that were never meant to see the light of day."
"The secrets about what, Richard? About your illegal dealings? About the lives you've ruined? About the project you are still working on after how many years!" I yelled "Tell me!" He was silent for a moment, considering. "There is no way I would tell you.
"You were always too curious for your own good. Such a shame," Richard said, shaking his head in false regret. "But don't worry, I have a solution. A permanent one." He nodded to someone behind him and two men are now in the room.
Richard watched with a curious look "take him away". The two men untied Marcus and started dragging him. "NOOOO!!! Leave him alone, what are you doing to do with him?" I screamed. Richard smirked and started laughing. "He is not going to talk. So we have no need for him!."
Richard turned back to me "I will do what I need to do to get what I want. I will get rid of anyone gets in my way."
I could feel myself getting sick to my stomach. The realization of what he was capable of hit me like a physical blow. This wasn't the man I thought I knew. This was a monster.
"Please Richard…" I begged tears streaming down my face. He didn't care, he just turned around and walked out of the room.
The door slammed shut, leaving me alone in the darkness, the echo of Richard's words ringing in my ears. I was trapped, betrayed, and utterly helpless. But one thing was certain: I wouldn't let him win. I may be bound, but my mind was still free. And I would use every ounce of my cunning and determination to escape this nightmare and bring Richard Westgate to justice. Even if it was the last thing I did.