70
~Bella's POV
Before I could react, Mr. Lancaster suddenly pushed past me, stepping into my small room as if he owned the place. My breath caught in my throat, and I stumbled back, my heart pounding against my ribs.
"What…what are you doing?" I stammered, trying to keep my voice steady despite the fear twisting my stomach.
He turned and looked around with a sneer. "Don't play games with me, Bella. We both know why I'm here. You have my money, don't you?"
My hands trembled as I reached under the mattress, my fingers brushing against the envelope Alex had given me. I pulled it out slowly, my chest tightening. I knew this wasn't going to be enough, but I had no choice.
I held it out to him. "This is all I have."
Mr. Lancaster snatched the envelope from my hands, his eyes narrowing as he tore it open. He thumbed through the bills, his sneer deepening. "This?" He laughed coldly, shaking his head. "This is nothing compared to what your father owed me."
