Shattered Vows Romano Revenge - Full Story

While Barrett was breaking down in federal custody, Taryn Vance believed she had found a way to save herself.

In a luxury suite at the Carlyle Hotel—paid for with the last bit of cash she had hidden in a safe deposit box—Taryn paced back and forth, furiously speaking on her phone with her criminal defense lawyer.

"Did the prosecutor sign the immunity agreement?" Taryn demanded, pouring herself a large glass of vodka with shaking hands. "Did they agree to drop the co-conspirator charges?"

"They're reviewing the evidence you provided, Taryn," her lawyer replied over the line. "Containing the text messages where Barrett ordered you to transfer the funds helps, but prosecutor Julian Thorne is being tough. He wants full disclosure on the domestic assault."

"I told them everything!" Taryn cried out. "I testified that Barrett kicked Mallory! I told them he dragged her to the basement! I didn't touch her! I even gave her a glass of water before he locked the door!"

"That's a lie, Taryn," a soft voice spoke from the suite's entryway.

Taryn froze. The phone slipped from her hand, thudding onto the plush rug.

Standing near the open doorway was me, accompanied by Rocco and two plainclothes security officers. I wore a crisp white silk blouse, black tailored trousers, and high heels. I looked sharp, rested, and completely in control.

"Mallory..." Taryn stammered, backing away toward the window. "How... how did you get in here?"

"My father owns the Carlyle, Taryn," I said smoothly, stepping into the room and closing the door behind me. "I don't need a key."

Taryn’s eyes darted around frantically, looking for an escape, but Rocco stood quietly near the door, blocking the only exit.

"Mallory, please," Taryn began weeping, dropping her glass onto the rug. "You have to believe me! Barrett forced me into all of this! He manipulated me! He told me you didn't love him anymore, that you were planning to ruin him! He threatened to fire me if I didn't go along with his scheme!"

I walked over to the bar and picked up a crystal glass, pouring myself a lime soda.

"You always were a terrible liar, Taryn," I said softly, taking a sip. "Even back in college when you stole my design portfolio and submitted it as your own. I knew it was you back then, but I forgave you because I thought you were just desperate."

Taryn lowered her head, sobbing uncontrollably. "I was jealous of you, okay?! Is that what you want to hear?! You had everything! The beauty, the talent, the wealth, the perfect reputation! Everything came so easy to you!"

"Nothing came easy to me," I corrected her, my voice turning hard as iron. "I worked eighteen hours a day to build Studio Romano while you spent your time chasing rich men at hampton parties. And when you couldn't beat me, you tried to take my husband and my company."

"I'm sorry!" Taryn begged, dropping to her knees on the rug. "I'll do whatever you want! I'll testify against Barrett! I'll tell the jury he's a monster! Just please don't send me to prison!"

I looked down at her, feeling a strange mix of pity and cold detachment.

"Julian Thorne isn't going to give you immunity, Taryn," I said softly.

Taryn gasped, looking up. "What?"

"Because three hours ago," I continued, pulling a flash drive from my purse, "we turned over security camera footage from the hallway outside the basement. The footage shows you holding the basement key, locking the padlock yourself while Barrett was washing his hands."

Taryn’s face drained of every drop of color. "No... no, that's..."

"You weren't an innocent bystander, Taryn," I said, leaning down until I was inches from her pale face. "You were an active participant. You locked me in that dark room while I was bleeding from broken ribs. You wanted me to die down there so you could take my life."

I stood up, handing the flash drive to Rocco.

"The police are waiting downstairs, Taryn," I said calmly. "Enjoy your stay in federal prison."

As I walked out of the suite, Taryn’s hysterical screams echoed down the quiet hallway of the Carlyle Hotel, but I didn't turn back.