Sterling's Ambition

Silas stared at the sharp porcelain shards glittering against the expensive Persian rug. His chest heaved with ragged, uneven breaths, the reality of the situation suffocating him. He swayed again, his face a mask of ashen dread.

Helena lunged forward, grabbing his trembling arm with both hands. Tears pooled in her eyes, threatening to ruin her meticulously applied makeup. "Honey, listen to me,"