Wherever they were, the women were powerless, left to fate and the mercy of others.
A film of tears clouded her eyes beneath the mask.
She’d thought her heart had long since turned to ice—nothing and no one could shake her again.
Still, if there was a silver lining, it was that the tragedy of her past life had ended before it could begin.
Sabrina forced herself to pull together. When she opened her eyes again, the vulnerability was gone, replaced by a cold, razor-sharp resolve that could shred anyone in its path.
She would stop at nothing to make them pay.
Half an hour later.
The car finally left the black market’s shadowy district.
Burt handed Yvette over to Sabrina and Jocelyn. His first task was done; now he had to deal with the Seven-Shot gang.
“Thank you, Burt. And thank you, Samuel,” Sabrina said.
Burt nodded, his voice even. “Just doing what I’m told.” Orders from the boss were law.
Faye was shaking so badly she could hardly feel her hands. She rubbed them together, willing the numbness away, and then reached out. “Yvette, come here, sweetheart—let Mommy hold you…”
The little girl, numb and silent for so long, finally stirred. She looked at the familiar face, her lips trembling.
Is this…Mom?
Her mother looked more tired than she remembered, thinner too.
Yvette slowly lifted her small hand, hope flickering in her eyes. Faye grabbed her and pulled her close, clutching her in a fierce embrace.
For the first time, the emptiness in Yvette’s eyes filled with tears.
That familiar scent—it was her mother.
Yvette couldn’t hold back any longer. She broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.
Faye’s arms trembled as she held her daughter close, both of them crying, voices raw with pain.
She was losing her mind.
This wasn’t the bright, cheerful child she remembered. The thought tore Faye apart.
Faye wiped her tears away, forcing a shaky smile. “Don’t flatter yourself. I don’t have time to walk you out—I need to be with my daughter.”
She paused, her voice rough with emotion. “Sabrina, thank you. Really. From now on, whatever you need, I’m there. You’re my friend now—end of story.”
Sabrina was about to brush it off, to remind her that this wasn’t friendship, just a deal—each of them getting what they needed.
But Faye looked at her, serious and unwavering, and held out her right hand. “I swear to God, Sabrina, you’re my friend for life. Through thick and thin, I’ll stand by you. If I ever betray that, may lightning strike me down.”
Sabrina’s breath caught. She hadn’t expected Faye to make such a solemn vow.
She didn’t believe in promises. Never had, never would.
“I don’t care for oaths. You haven’t even agreed to my terms yet. Stay with Yvette tonight. I’ll come for you tomorrow.”
Their deal was simple—a condition in exchange for information about Yvette.
Now that Yvette was safe, Sabrina’s condition still stood.
“I’ll wait for you,” Faye whispered, managing a small smile. Whatever the price, she would pay it.

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