Chapter 81

Maxwell cuffed his hands around Carmela's wrists, holding her tight. She winced in pain, her eyes wide with fear. "Please," she said, her voice shaking. "Please, let me go. You're hurting me."

Maxwell looked into her eyes, his expression pained. "I'm sorry," he said. "But I'm doing this for your own good. You have to trust me."

"Why?" she asked, her voice breaking. "Why are you doing this? Just let me go. Please."

"I love you, Carmela," Maxwell said, his voice cracking. "Please, just trust me. If you do, everything will be all right."

"No, this isn't love," Carmela said, tears streaming down her face. "If you loved me, you wouldn't be doing this. If you loved me, you would let me go."

"I can't do that," Maxwell said, his voice rising in frustration. "Just cooperate, and everything will be all right. I promise."

Maxwell pulled out his phone and called a cab. When it arrived, he opened the door and ushered Carmela inside. The driver looked at them through