Page 207 of The Life of Anna-Tenth Anniversary Edition: Act 1

Devin arched a brow as she approached. “What’s all the excitement?”

She excitedly told him about Vincent’s invitation. At the end of the explanation, she clapped her hands in joy and gazed up happily. “Isn’t it wonderful?”

Devin frowned at her. “No. Absolutely not.”

“What?” Anna’s heart fell and her hands tingled at the stern expression on his face. “What do you mean?”

He took her arm and pulled her to the side of the room. “You may not go, Anna. I will not allow it.”

“Why not?” Her heart squeezed in her chest as her chin trembled.

“Why not?” He laughed. “You can’t leave San Francisco. Dancing is something I allow you to do for fun. Your real purpose is to serve me. You cannot do that from the other side of the country.”

All excitement vaporized at his words. She blinked away hot tears and stared at the floor as reality hit her square in the chest. Of course. How had she so quickly forgotten her true purpose in life?

He put his finger under her chin and lifted her face. “Go tell Vincent you cannot accept his invitation. Although I do suggest youencourage your boyfriend to take the offer.” Devin raised his brows. “For his own... safety.”

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

Devin glared. “I don’t fucking care what he is, but you’d better encourage him to go without you.”

She stared at him, unable to speak. Why was he threatening Nate? What had he done to deserve Devin’s scorn?

His eyes flashed with rage. “Has it been too long since you’ve felt the sting of a whip, Anna? You are slow to obey.”

“But Devin . . . please . . . This is such a wonderful opportunity?—‍”

“Yes, it is a wonderful opportunity. It is a wonderful opportunity for Nate toget away before things get messy. But you, Anna, you will remain in San Francisco for the rest of your life.” His tone turned low and gravelly. “And if you want to continue dancing, you will obey me immediately or I will shut you away in the Manor like the rest of my girls.”

She swiped away the tears that had fallen as she hurried back to where Vincent and Isaak were talking.

“Anna, what’s wrong?” Isaak asked.

“I—‍” She looked at Vincent and swallowed. “Thank you for the offer, but I can’t accept it.” She stared up into his kind eyes. “I wish I could,” she added in a whisper before fleeing to the bathroom, where she let her tears flow freely.

Chapter 96

It took Anna nearly fifteen minutes to compose herself enough to leave the bathroom. She fixed her makeup, smoothed her hair and dress and lifted her chin, resigned to her fate. If she didn’t upset Devin further, perhaps he’d let her continue dancing. And she would send Nate away to keep him safe from Devin.

She’d taken no more than a few steps out of the bathroom when Nate appeared in front of her. “Anna, what’s wrong? Isaak said you rejected the offer for New York.”

Anna blinked. “I can’t go.”

Nate drew his brows together. “What do you mean, you can’t go? You’re an adult. You can do what you want.”

“I just...” How could she make him understand? He didn’t know anything about her life and would never understand why Devin had so much control over her. “I just can’t.”

Nate stared at her in disbelief. “You can’t be serious. Don’t you realize what a chance this is?”

Anna shook her head. “I do, but it doesn’t matter. Ican’t leave San Francisco. I have things I have to do here.”

Nate took a step forward, taking her hand. “Isn’t there anything I can do to change your mind? It’s such an amazing opportunity.”

Anna shook her head and pulled her hand away. Devin had made up his mind and there was no changing it. But... Alex. Alex could make him change his mind. If there was any part of him that ever cared for her, surely he’d advocate for her. “Maybe...” She searched the room and found his tall, distinguished figure on the other side of the room. “I’ll be right back.”

She hurried to where Alex stood with his father. “Alex, you have to talk to Devin...” She told him about the offer to go to New York and Devin’s reaction. She was talking so quickly she hoped he understood her, but she couldn’t slow herself down. Hope had risen anew.

When she finished, she looked up into his eyes, hope filling her heart. His face was impassive again. “Alex?” Why didn’t he react? She looked desperately at Wilhelm, who gave her a sad smile.

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