Ana's POV
Toby's eyes held a glimmer of respect as he watched my composed facade.
"Ms. Vernon, you're truly the most remarkable woman I've encountered."
His stare felt like a serpent's gaze, and chills ran down my spine.
I narrowed my eyes, demanding, "What do you want from me?"
If Toby had taken me just to use against Morris, then what did that make me...?
'Am I nothing more than a pawn in this game?'
The thought made my stomach churn with dread.
Toby lounged back casually, his stare roaming over me with deliberate slowness.
His attention fixed on my clenched fists—knuckles bone-white where I pressed them against my legs without realizing—and a satisfied smirk played at his mouth.
"Ms. Vernon, there's no need for fear. I won't hurt you, I assure you. I simply... find you fascinating. Nothing more," Toby murmured, his tone deceptively soft.
My flesh crawled at his words.
His expression held no trace of jest—he meant every word.
