The small white pill landed on Elise's tongue.

She clenched her teeth, refusing to swallow.

Anything from Samuel couldn't be good.

They remained locked in a tense standoff.

Suddenly, Samuel pinched her nose shut.

The suffocating sensation forced her lips to part.

He seized a nearby bottle of water.

He poured it violently into her mouth.

Deprived of air, her body betrayed her.

She swallowed reflexively.

The pill slid down her throat with the water.

A vicious, triumphant smile spread across Samuel's face. "Curious about what you just ingested?"

Her eyes were glacial chips of ice.

Pure, unadulterated hatred radiated from them.

"I thought you were incapable of any other expression." His voice was a low, pleased hiss. "I've grown so tired of your perpetual indifference. This fire in your eyes... I adore it. It was an aphrodisiac. Soon, you'll be begging, consumed by a desperate, overwhelming need."

Elise had already surmised his plan.

He intended to create compromising footage.

This was his method of coercion.

"Did Sophia teach you this?" Elise fought to steady her racing heart.

"Never!" Samuel denied instantly, defensively. "She would never stoop to something this vile!"

"So you acknowledge it's vile?"

"You left me no choice! If you had just cooperated with Mitchell Corp, none of this would be necessary! This is on you, Elise! You did this!"

"Have you considered the consequences?"

"You'll have no option but to comply."

"I'll tell you what will happen. I would rather die here than ever help you or Mitchell Corp. Do you truly believe this pathetic threat will work on me, Samuel?"

"Aren't you afraid? A video of us, intimate, released for the entire world to see? Everyone would see your nakedness. What would William think? You'd lose even your place as his mistress! The internet is a cruel, unforgiving place, Elise!"

"You think I fear that? My life was torn apart at eighteen. This is just a repeat. It won't break me. The only result will be your utter ruin, and the destruction of Mitchell Corp!" Her voice was steel.

"I don't believe you!" Samuel was beyond reason. "Do you think I can stop now? If I release you, you'll have the police here in minutes. I know exactly who you are."

"Let me go, and I give you my word. I won't call the authorities."

He let out a short, derisive laugh.

Her promise held no weight with him.

"If you proceed, you will regret it for the rest of your miserable life," Elise threatened, her voice low and dangerous. "William will kill you."

"Using William's name to frighten me? He has a wife! You're just his plaything! Do you honestly believe he'd commit murder for you?" Samuel mocked. "Your arrogance is astounding."

"Your death will be slow and painful."

"So be it." Samuel was resigned, his path chosen. "Wouldn't it be a romantic end? To die in the throes of passion?"

Elise glared, her eyes burning with fury, the whites tinged with red.

"You should feel honored I still desire you. You slept with a man at eighteen, bore a dead child, and now you spread your legs for William. What gives you the right to act so pure? Be grateful I still want this used body of yours." His fingers traced the outline of her hip. "You can't be that bad, I suppose. Not if William is so obsessed."

His disgusting words echoed in her mind.

"By the way, I should mention. This is the very room where I first betrayed you with Sophia. The walls are steeped in memories of us together. Don't you find the poetic justice thrilling?"

His nauseating voice was the only sound.

She bit her lip until she tasted blood.

A tremor ran through her.

She knew further pleas were useless.

He had crossed a line from which there was no return.

A strange, unwelcome heat began to bloom deep within her.

Her body started to react traitorously.

The sensation was hauntingly familiar, a ghost from her eighteenth year.

A deep, tell-tale flush crept up her neck, staining her cheeks.