"I'm not here for your nonsense, Faye," Rufus said, keeping his voice curt. "Call Grace immediately. It's urgent."
Faye crossed her arms defiantly, her gaze narrowing further in suspicion.. "And why should I? You're nothing but trouble, Rufus. I'm not letting you drag Grace into whatever scheme you're up to."
Rufus clenched his jaw, suppressing the urge to lash out. He knew Faye wasn't easily intimidated, but he had a card to play that would leave her with no choice.
"Listen, Ms Faye, you might want to rethink that attitude. Call her this very minute if you still want to be her friend. If not, don't come crying later."
Faye scoffed. "Our friendship has nothing to do with you. Whatever you're scheming, leave me out of it."
Rufus' eyes darkened, and his voice dropped to a low, menacing whisper. "You really think this is about me?"