Chapter 174

"You were always just a means to an end, Mary. Don't pretend like you were ever more than that."

Mary felt a wave of nausea wash over her. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had given this man her heart, her trust, and her body. And this was how he repaid her?

With a surge of adrenaline, Mary launched herself at Albert, her fists flying. 

"You monster!" she screamed, her anger and hurt boiling over. "You'll pay for what you've done to me!"

But Albert was too strong, and he easily overpowered her, holding her in a tight grip. 

George's swift action halted Mary's forward momentum, his strong arms encircling her waist as he pulled her back from the brink of confrontation. He positioned himself firmly between Mary and Albert, his broad shoulders creating a barrier that shielded Mary from further harm.

Mary's fists still clenched, her body trembling with tension as she struggled to break free from George's grasp. He