BEHIND THE FACADE R18

Be a Good Little Missy.

MALCOM'S POV

As I descended into the basement, my thoughts turned to Landon's proposal. The deal could bring immense power and wealth, but at what cost?

Natalie's words echoed in my mind: "We must be cautious, Malcolm. We can't trust Landon but this will benefit the empire." She was right. Landon cannot be trusted but if we were to combine his empire with the Ross, it will lead to great benefits.

My mind shifted to our warehouse, where Natalie and I had informed our men of the new changes. They were loyal, but I knew some would question my decision. I would deal with any dissent swiftly.

But for now, I had more pressing matters. I had been informed that Mia visited Mark, and my anger simmered. How dare she defy me?

As I approached Mark's cell, I heard muffled voices. I pushed open the door, and my eyes narrowed. Mark and Mia were embracing.

A surge of jealousy coursed through me, hot and bitter. How dare she touch him? How dare she love him? I clenched my fists, forcing myself to remain calm. I wouldn't show my hand. Not yet.

"What is going on here?" I demanded, my voice low and menacing.

Mia quickly pulled away from Mark, her eyes wide with guilt.

"Why did you do this to Mark?" she demanded, defiance burning within her.

I chuckled, amused by her audacity. "And who are you to ask me that question?" I sneered, towering over her.

Mia's shoulders squared, her gaze meeting mine. "He doesn't deserve this," she protested. "He did nothing wrong. You're punishing him for loving me."

She stood tall even if I was twice her size.

My expression twisted into a snarl. "Yes, he does.  He tried to take you away from me. He betrayed me, and now he's paying the price."

Mia's eyes welled up with tears, but I felt no pity, not for the betraying scum who tried to take what belonged to me.

"Look how brutally injured he is," she pleaded. "At least let him go to the hospital. Have some mercy."

My voice dripped with malice. "It was your fault, Mia. You shouldn't have tried to run away from me. You'll get your due punishment soon."

Mark struggled to his feet, his eyes locked on me. "Don't do anything to Mia," he warned. "She did nothing wrong. And for your information, even if you beat me to death, it won't change how I feel about Mia. No matter what, I will always love her."

I smirked, amused by his declaration. "Really?" I drawled, before calling out, "Victor!"

The door burst open, and Victor, accompanied by several men, rushed in.

"Take him away," I ordered.

As the men dragged Mark out of the room, Mia begged, "What are you doing?"

Mrs. Jenkins pleaded, "No, please have mercy, Mr. Reed!" but I ignored her then she turned to Mia, desperation etched on her face. "Please stop him, Mia. Please save Mark. He was only trying to protect you."

Mia's eyes locked onto mine, pleading. "Don't do this to Mark," she begged. "He's done nothing wrong. You're punishing him for loving me."

My gut twisted, but I kept my mask intact. "He deserves every hit he gets," I said, my voice devoid of emotion.

Mia's voice cracked. "Please."

I raised an eyebrow, pretending indifference. But inside, I seethed. She was begging for him, pleading for his life. Didn't she know she was mine?