My Ex-Husband Begged Me to Take Him Back - Chapter 296

Chapter 296: Luke€™s demand Chapter 296: Luke€™s demand “Wait a moment,” Dylan murmured, pulling out his phone.

“I’ll arrange his security here.

I don’t want Lydia or Erica to hurt him yet again.” He phoned Justin.

The line connected, and Justin’s voice came through.

“Sir?” “Send some guards to the hospital immediately,” Dylan commanded.

“Make sure the butler is protected at all costs.” A brief pause.

Then Justin asked, “Is he awake?” “Yes,” Dylan confirmed.

“And he told me everything.

Erica and Lydia pushed him down the stairs to keep him quiet.” His voice hardened as he continued, “If they find out he survived, they won’t hesitate to finish what they started.

I need him secured-he is the key witness to their crimes.” “Understood, sir.

I’ll take care of it.” “And one more thing,” Dylan’s grip on the phone tightened, “freeze Lydia and Erica’s bank accounts.

I don’t want them having the means to escape.” “Got it, sir.” Dylan ended the call and slid the phone back into his pocket.

His eyes met Ava’s.

Reaching out to hold her hand, he said, “Let’s go home.” Ava gave a small nod, intertwining her fingers with his.

Together, they left the hospital, stepping out into the cool night air.

~~~~~~~~ Erica’s phone vibrated, the notification flashing across the screen.

It was a video message from Luke.

Frowning, she tapped on the message-only for her breath to hitch in horror.

It was the video of their intimate moments at the club.

Her blood ran cold.

Her face turned pale in an instant, her trembling fingers pressing against her lips.

“No€¦ No, this can’t be happening.” A sickening wave of dread washed over her.

Luke had recorded everything.

And now, he was throwing it back in her face.

Panic flared into anger.

She dialed his number, her hands shaking with fury.

The call connected almost instantly.

“What the hell is this, Luke?” she barked, her voice trembling with outrage.

“You recorded those moments?

Don’t you have any shame?

And why the hell did you send this to me?” “Watch your tone,” Luke growled from the other end of the phone.

“How can I stay calm?” she hissed.

“You crossed the line!” “Did I?” His voice turned cold.

“Let’s talk about who really crossed the line.

You took my money and fed us the wrong information.

Because of you, we suffered a massive loss.” Erica’s pulse spiked.

She gripped the phone tighter.

“I-” “Save it,” he cut her off.

“Now, you have two options-pay me back double what you took, or this video goes public.” A sharp chill shot through her veins.

“What?” Erica exclaimed, her earlier bravado shattering.

“No, you can’t do this.” “You heard me,” he said coldly.

“I want my money back.

You have twenty-four hours.” Her stomach twisted in sheer terror.

Her vision blurred as her mind raced.

She didn’t have that much money.

How was she supposed to arrange it in just one day?

“Luke, please don’t do this,” she pleaded.

“I-I don’t have that much right now.

Give me some time.

I swear, I’ll pay you back.” “I don’t have time,” he growled.

“Tomorrow.

Or the video gets out.” “No, please€¦” She choked on the words, panic tightening around her throat.

“I-I’ll do whatever you want, just don’t do this.

I’ll find a way.

I swear.” The other end of the line fell into a heavy silence.

Erica swallowed, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill.

Maybe Luke would take pity on her and give her more time.

“You said you’d do anything for me.” His words dripped with sarcasm, but there was something else-something darker-that Erica couldn’t quite place.

Out of desperation, she nodded and said, “Yes.

I’ll do whatever you say.

Just-please don’t release the video.” A low chuckle hummed through the receiver.

“That depends on how obedient you are.

Come to my place.

Right now.” Beep Erica let out a sharp gasp, staring at her phone screen.

A sickening dread settled in her stomach as she wondered what Luke was going to make her do.

‘I’ll find a way to pay him back,’ she promised herself.

‘But right now, I have no choice-I have to go.’ Picking up her purse, she hurried out.

“Where are you going at this hour?” Lydia’s sharp voice sliced through the air, making Erica freeze.

Erica spun around, forcing a casual smile onto her face, masking the turmoil raging inside her.

“Oh, my friends are having a party,” she said lightly.

“I won’t be coming back tonight.

See you tomorrow.” Before Lydia could press further, Erica turned and bolted out of the house.

“Hey€¦” Lydia wanted to stop her, but Erica was already out of the house.

“A party?” She narrowed her eyes at the door that had just slammed shut.

“I don’t know what kind of party that girl is attending.” Shaking her head, she returned to her room.

~~~~~~~ Erica stepped into Luke’s lavish penthouse.

Luke was perched lazily on a plush leather couch, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand.

His bathrobe hung loosely around his frame, barely tied at the waist, exposing the sculpted planes of his chest.

A slow, sultry tune hummed from the speakers, weaving a seductive tension through the air.

“You made it.” A smirk tugged at his lips as his gaze landed on her.

“Come and sit here.” He patted his thigh, taking a sip of his drink.

Erica’s heart gave a sharp lurch, but she masked her unease behind a practiced smile.

She had played this game before.

Steeling herself, she strode forward.

She obediently sat on his lap.

“Thank you for giving me a chance, Luke,” she purred, reaching for his glass.

Tilting the bottle, she poured more amber liquid into it before lifting the rim to his lips.

“Tell me€¦ what do you want me to do for you?” Her voice dropped into a sultry whisper.

Luke’s lips curled into a knowing smirk, his eyes darkening as they swept over her.

He took a slow sip.

“You’re a smart woman, Erica,” he mused, his fingers tracing idle patterns against her thigh.

“You already know the answer.” A slow, coy smile curved her lips.

Of course, she knew.

Men like Luke were predictable.

Lust, control, pleasure-it was always the same.

If giving him what he wanted could buy her more time, then so be it.

Besides, Luke was sexy, powerful, and insatiable.

Sleeping with him wasn’t exactly a punishment.

It was fun.

Trailing a finger down his jawline, she leaned in.

“Since that’s the case,” she whispered, her lips brushing his, “let me please you.” She lifted the glass to her lips, taking a lingering sip of the burning alcohol before pressing her mouth against his, parting her lips just enough to let the liquid slip between them.

Luke groaned against her, his grip tightening around her waist.

He pulled her closer as he deepened the kiss.

Their tongues moved in a heated dance.

His fingers tangled in her hair, tilting her head back as he devoured her lips with raw hunger.

Erica’s hands roamed over his chest, tracing the firm ridges of his muscles.

Her fingers trailed lower, grazing his abdomen before deftly tugging at the knot of his robe.

The fabric loosened, slipping apart effortlessly, revealing his taut body.

He exhaled sharply, his grip tightening on her jaw as he locked eyes with her.

His gaze burned-dark, commanding, filled with unspoken intent.

“Kneel,” he commanded.