Chapter 443

I kept my focus on the match playing on the TV. It was intense, two of the best players going head-to-head. Every point felt like a work of art. Without bothering to look at her, I casually asked, “So, who do you think’s gonna win this?”

Tanya didn’t bother answering. Instead, she snapped, “You’ve got some nerve showing up here.”

I shrugged and pulled a chair next to her bed, eyes still on the game. “Weren’t you waiting for me?” I mean, her whole attack on Lena? That was definitely meant for me.

“It doesn’t matter,” she hissed. “I’m gonna make sure you pay for this. Trust me, the pain you’ll feel is gonna be way worse than if it happened to you directly.”

Onscreen, my favorite player nailed a killer forehand smash, winning the set. The crowd roared. I glanced over at Tanya. She looked like a ghost—pale, gaunt, lips tinged blue. Honestly? Pitiful.

“I don’t know what price I’m paying, but you…” I leaned in a little, lowering my voice. “You’re not looking so hot these days, huh?” I reached out like I might touch her face.

She flinched, pulling back. “Don’t touch me.”

I laughed. “What, scared I’ll do something right now?”

I pulled my hand back and glanced down at my nails, suddenly remembering what Hayden had said last night, right in the heat of the moment: “Tomorrow, I’m trimming those claws of yours.”

Tanya’s voice snapped me back. “If you’ve got the guts, kill me now. If not, just wait—I’ll be coming for you.”

I lifted my gaze from my nails and locked eyes with her. “So, tell me—who’s gonna finish who?” She just glared, all hate, no answer.

The match on TV was heating up, and honestly, it was way more interesting than this conversation. The players were in a crazy rally, each shot more intense than the last. I couldn’t help but murmur, “This is insane.”

Right when I was fully into it, Tanya decided to break the silence. “Drop the act. I know why you’re here. And FYI, your frie…