Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

Claire furrowed her brow, a familiar crease forming between her eyes. One look from the old butler, and the mercenaries nearby automatically stepped back,

giving her space.

She slid into the car behind the butler. The route they took was all too familiar; it led to the grand old theater. But why were they headed there?

Halfway through the ride, a thought struck her. "Where's Barrett?" she asked.

"Mr. Barrett is waiting for you at the theater," the butler replied, his voice calm and steady.

That eased her mind a bit. Barrett had always been just a plaything to her, like a loyal pet dog. She never truly cared for him. Yet, his steadfast presence during her darkest times had touched her, even if she didn't want to admit it.

They soon pulled up at the grand theater. The butler stood outside, bowing slightly. "Madam, please go in on your own."

The massive doors of the theater stood open, beckoning her in. Claire stepped inside, her pace measured and deliberate. The interior was dimly lit, the air thick with neglect, as though the place had been left to gather dust for ages.

Her eyes drifted to the stage. The red curtain hung there, silent and ominous as if soaked in blood.

Memories of past performancenet

flitted through her mind, each one

more macabre than the last. Every show ended with the stage awash in blood. Of course, someone would clean up afterward, but the stains had seeped deep into the wood over time. The once golden floorboards now bore a deep crimson hue.

Claire felt nothing-no remorse, no guilt. To her, those lives were as inconsequential as ants. Yet, there was a time when she was kind-hearted and just. But the world hadn't returned her kindness. Since then, she saw life as nothing more than a playground where nothing really mattered.

Suddenly, a noise interrupted her thoughts. It seemed to be coming from the stage. Claire moved closer, curiosity piqued. With each step, overhead lights flicked on, cascading in waves like an ocean of light. By the time she reached the stage, the entire auditorium was bathed in a brilliant glow.

As she stepped onto the stage, the curtain slowly parted. The sight that greeted her was chilling. There was Barrett, transformed into a marionette. Thin wires pierced his hands, feet, and chest, suspending him in the air. His head hung low, unmoving. It was impossible to tell if he was alive or dead.

Blood seeped steadily from his hands and feet, dripping onto the stage with a rhythmic patter. The sound she heard outside had been this grim drip. A large pool of blood had formed beneath him-some of it dried and dark, some fresh and bright red. Clearly, he'd been there for more than just a day or two.

Seeing this up close, Claire recoiled, taking a couple of steps back, shocked. She'd seen many bleed out and meet their end on this stage but always from a safe distance, like watching a 3D movie that felt eerily reat. This was different. She was part of it now. The stench of decay filled her nostrils, and the grotesque,

surreal scene overwhelmed her. Claire turned away, unable to hold back the urge to retch.noveldrama