Sensing something was off, I shot Oliver a serious look. "Mr. Hatcher, what's going on here?"

He didn't answer. Instead, he poured me another drink, lips curled in a cold sneer. "Last time our dinner had to be cut short because you weren't feeling well, Miss Reynolds. Now that we're working on this joint project, I don't feel comfortable letting someone else handle it. I came here tonight to talk business with you-surely you won't leave me hanging, right?"

Oliver chuckled obsequiously on the side, wringing his hands. "Oh no, Mr. Sullivan, we're the lucky ones. It's a privilege to work with someone like you."

Graham clearly enjoyed the flattery.

I stayed silent, he cut me a glance. Oliver immediately grabbed a bottle of alcohol and handed it to me. "Natalie, come on. Toast Mr. Sullivan, make it up to him."

I shot him a glare-what a disgusting jerk. Oliver leaned close and hissed in my ear, "If you make Mr. Sullivan happy tonight, there'll be rewards in it for you. But if you pull any stunts... Southveil's not that big-you sure you wanna risk your career over this?"

Gritting my teeth, I took the bottle and got up to pour Sullivan a drink. But just as I turned back, he suddenly grabbed my wrist. I struggled hard, spilling wine all over the table, but he just wouldn't let go.

Then a sound came from the door-someone pushed it open. Oliver flashed a quick grin at Sullivan. "Gotta take a call, I'll be right back," and exited.

I was livid. Sullivan abruptly let go, and I stumbled back, red wine drenching my white blouse. The fabric clung to me, clearly showing my undergarments. Sullivan let out a perverse laugh and gulped down another glass.

I watched him down his drink like water and quickly formed a plan. Settling back into my seat, I covered my chest with one hand and poured him more wine with the other. "Mr. Sullivan, last time was my bad. Please don't take it personally. Let's not let this mess up our companies' partnership."

But Graham wasn't fooled. His bloated hands knocked the glass aside, and he leaned in, grabbing my face. The stench of alcohol on his breath made me gag, but I forced myself to stay still. If he really did anything to me tonight, I'd rather be dead than live with it.

"Let me go..."

He bellowed out a laugh, and then I heard him unbuckling his pants. Terrified, I spun to run, but he yanked me back by the ankle and pinned me under his weight. "You little bitch, I've forked over thirty grand to your adopted mom. Think I'll let you off easy again?"

He grabbed my blouse and started tearing. Most of my chest was exposed, the cold air stinging against my skin. In the chaos, my hand found the wine bottle that had fallen. Without a second thought, I raised it and smashed it hard against the back of his head.

"Ahhh!"

He screamed and clutched his skull, staggering off me. I scrambled backward across the floor, made a dash for the door, threw it open, and ran out. Behind me, Graham cursed as he stumbled after me.

Just then, someone appeared in the hallway. Desperate, I flung off Graham's hand and ran like my life depended on it, latching onto the man with wild eyes. "Please... please help me!"

Graham came charging over and tried to drag me back. "You slut! Think you can run? I'm not letting you get away this time!"

I shut my eyes in despair, thinking it was all over-when a gust of wind brushed past my ear out of nowhere, followed by Graham's painful grunt. The next second, I was yanked into an uncomfortably cold embrace.

I opened my eyes just in time to see Graham sprawled on the ground, unable to get up. Then I looked up and met a pair of icy, sharp eyes.

Theodore. Again.

His voice came out low and threatening, and his gaze briefly swept across my exposed skin before narrowing even more. His stare was like ice needles pricking my scalp.

Graham pushed himself up with a hand, wiping the blood off his lip with the other. "Who the heck are you, kid? Got a death wish messing with my business?"

Theodore stepped forward and placed himself between us. His eyes stayed locked on Graham. "Mr. Sullivan."

Graham's face froze the moment he finally got a good look at him. He was stunned. Then his eyes flicked back to me, and he scowled like he'd swallowed a lemon whole. "Natalie, not bad. You really know how to pick 'em. Fine, I'll let it go this once. But don't think this is the end of it."

He shot me a death glare and stormed off, one hand over his head.

I clenched my fists. Vivian, you better be ready. I'm coming for you after tonight.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to pull myself together, turned, and was about to leave when someone grabbed my wrist from behind. Theodore had stepped closer, crowding into my space until my back hit the sliding door behind me. There was nowhere to run.

"Use me and just walk away like nothing happened?"

"Must be nice, huh? Even dare to play me. Done using me, now tossing me aside?"

I kept my eyes lowered, voice shaky. "That's not it."

"Not it?" His laugh was cold and sharp. He didn't look away for even a second. When I ducked my head lower, he suddenly grabbed my chin with his icy fingers and forced me to look at him.

"Girls like you? I don't give a damn about. So don't push your luck. You won't like where that leads."

His words cut way deeper than whatever Graham had planned. It was like someone stuck a needle right into my heart-sharp, sudden, and brutal.

I bit down hard just to keep from crying, but my voice caught in my throat.

Then his gaze flicked, and he noticed my hands-pressed against the door under his grip. His eyes hesitated when he saw the blood.

I'd scraped myself on some shards of glass trying to get away earlier. Cuts stung across my palms and wrists. Blood had started to trickle again, dark against my skin.

We stared at each other-me, biting back tears; him, stunned speechless. The room held its breath with us. But I knew I couldn't hold out much longer.

A quiet sob escaped me.

Theodore froze, eyes locked on mine. Then, after a long pause, he let go of my wrists, peeled off his suit jacket, and tossed it at me without a word. He glared at me one last time before turning on his heel and stalking off down the hallway.

Only when his back vanished around the corner did my knees finally give. I slumped to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

After a while, when the crying dulled into numbness, I stared at the jacket he'd thrown. I had nothing else, so I reluctantly slipped it on and dragged myself out of the restaurant, eyes swollen, clothes messed up, head full of chaos.

I opted for the bus. In this state, I didn't want to risk it with a cab. My reflection in the window-red eyes, crumpled clothes-turned heads even at the back of the bus. A few older ladies kept glancing my way, whispering with judgment written all over their faces.

But I'd take gossip over possibly ending up in some creepy driver's trunk any day.

I dropped onto the sofa the moment I got home, completely wiped out. Didn't even bother to turn on the lights.

Then suddenly, the doorbell rang, sharp and insistent. I instinctively looked toward the door, heart lifting into my throat. I've always been independent, yeah, but I'm still a woman living alone, and after hearing all those horror stories out there...

I stayed frozen for a second, debating what to do. The doorbell kept buzzing non-stop. Gritting my teeth, I grabbed a broom with one hand and twisted the doorknob with the other. The second it creaked open, a tall shadow slipped inside. Without thinking, I swung the broom hard, eyes shut.

A hand caught my wrist mid-swing. "Are you insane?"

I shuddered. Theodore stepped around me, stormed inside, and yanked the broom out of my hand, tossing it aside. He curved two fingers under my chin, lifting my face.

My eyes, still swollen and puffy from crying, met his as he stared down at me.

He was so close, towering over me, then-without warning-he leaned in and kissed me.

My eyes flew wide open in shock, but before I could even make a sound, he bit down harshly on my lip. There was nothing gentle about the way he kissed. Every move was rough, deliberate, punishing. My tears started falling again, but he didn't let up.

My whole body went weak from his kiss. He pulled me firmly into his chest. As soon as we were pressed that close, it felt like a surge of electricity shot straight through me.

Just when I was starting to lose myself in the moment, he abruptly let go. His eyes were colder than ice as he stepped back and spit out, "What, you enjoy being forced? Pathetic."

That snapped me back fast.

The expression on his face-mocking, smug-hit me like a punch in the gut. I shoved him hard, tilting my head up, trying my best to look defiant. "Yeah, sure, I'm pathetic! So what? You knew that already-why'd you even come back? This place is too cramped for someone like you. Get out!"

My words clearly pissed him off. He spun around and clamped down on my wrist, his face clouded with fury.

He wrapped an arm around my waist, spun me around, and pinned me up against the door. His breath was hot against my neck as he whispered, "Say it... I wanna hear you say it..."

When his hand yanked open my shirt and grabbed my chest, I didn't even hesitate. With all the strength I had, I slapped him across the face. A loud smack echoed, and I felt the sting on my palm.

"Are you out of your mind? This is my place! If you want a woman, go find someone else!"

He froze for a moment, then grabbed my chin hard. "Natalie! Cut the act! Pull this manipulative crap with some other guy. I'm sick of your games-got it?"

I took a shaky breath and glared back at him, brows drawn tight. "You're full of it! What scheme exactly have I pulled on you? Honestly, if you're doing all this because you blame me for pushing you toward marrying Isabella, then fine-but let me tell you, I'm not gonna let that wedding happen. Don't get too comfortable."

His eyes narrowed, like he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "What are you plotting now? Let me say it clearly-I won't let you mess around with my marriage. Don't even think about it."

I shot him a sarcastic smirk, clearly provoking him. "Then let's wait and see. I've got a little show planned-I'm pretty sure you'll find it very entertaining."

"She's your sister!"

"She isn't!"I shouted, my voice sharp and loud enough to make him freeze for a second. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to calm down, then said more evenly, "Look, you don't need to worry. After this, I'll stay out of your life. I don't even really know you. This whole mess between us was just one giant misunderstanding. So just go."

But instead of backing off, his face got darker, like he'd just snapped. His tone was like a wild animal's growl. "Why should I believe you? Maybe this is all just some twisted game you're playing to get me hooked."

I almost lost it. "Are you serious? I don't care if you believe me or not!"

He sneered, voice full of mockery. "Even if you're not one of Clifford's people, don't think I can't see through you. That innocent act, those tears? I've seen it all before."

His words were laced with contempt. I couldn't help but think back to Graham nearly assaulting me. That feeling boiled over in my chest like I might explode.

What the hell did I do in a past life? No mother's love, no father's care-always being used and hurt. Vivian, Oliver... and now even Theodore had to step on me like I was nothing.

Snatching up the broom off the floor, I swung it at him with everything I had. "I don't even know who the hell Clifford is! Get out! I don't ever want to see you again, you jerk!"

He took a couple of hits before grabbing the broom and shoving me hard. I lost my balance and fell back, landing on the floor with a thud. Pain stabbed through my wrist where it was already hurt, and tears sprang to my eyes from the sheer sting.

Theodore's face was pure ice, his stare sharp and filled with fury, like a demon straight out of hell. "I despise liars. I don't care who else you've manipulated, but if you try to mess with me..."

I tilted my head up to meet his glare, defiant even in pain.

"I'll make you wish you were dead."

*****

The next morning, I woke up on the cold floor. Walking to the bathroom, I stared at myself in the mirror-puffy eyes, messy hair, collar all askew. There were faint, blotchy kiss marks on my chest.

Marks left by Theodore.

When did it start? When did everything-my body, my mind-get wrapped up in him? His presence lingered like a scent that clung to my skin and refused to leave, sinking in deep enough to suffocate.

Just as I stepped out of the bathroom, my phone rang. It was Lucille, and the second I picked up, she practically screamed at me. "Natalie! What kind of friend are you? Something that major happened and you didn't call me? You were kicked out by that deadbeat Hubert and didn't even tell me? If you've got the guts to hide this, then don't ever show your face to me again!"

I winced, rubbing my ear from the verbal assault. "Okay, okay, my bad! Where are you? I'll come find you right now and beg for forgiveness."

She huffed, "Outside Graham's office. With his wife."

I shot up from the couch like it was on fire. "What the hell are you guys planning to do?"

Her laugh was low and chilling. "After what that bastard did to you, even his wife can't stand him. I'm not letting him off easy. Meet us there-one hour."

Twenty minutes later, I rushed to the door, and just as I was about to bolt, I noticed a white plastic bag on the floor. I paused, picked it up and looked inside-Arnica Gel, gauze, bandages, cotton, scissors... every kind of wound care item you could think of. And on top of it all? A bowl of abalone porridge, long gone cold.

I blinked, remembering last night-Theodore might've come back after he left.

No one else had been here. No one.

Could it really be him?

My mind went blank. I stood there frozen, unsure what to do next.

Just then, my phone buzzed again. A message from Lucille: [Where are you? You coming?]

I shook my head, snapping myself out of it. After checking the address she gave me, I left the medical supplies and porridge on top of the trash bin outside the door and rushed down the stairs.

An hour later, I rushed into Sullivan Corp and jumped into the express elevator to the top floor. Just as I stepped out, I could already hear Lucille shouting angrily.

I straightened my back and walked through the office area, ignoring the glances from the staff. A few female employees were whispering behind their hands, and one of them said under her breath, "She's got some guts. The real wife's here and the mistress still dares to show up like she owns the place. Such a shameless seductress."

I paused for a second, then turned and gave her a sharp look. Once our eyes met, she went pale and shut her mouth real quick.

I sneered deliberately and said, "So this is what Sullivan Corp calls elite employees? Maybe you should consider quitting."

That shut them up instantly.

The secretary tried to stop me but failed. I barged straight into the inner office and saw Lucille cursing at a woman dressed in designer from head to toe. Graham sat at his desk with a face like thunder and slammed the table.

"Enough!" he barked.

What really threw me off was seeing Theodore sitting directly across from Graham. He glanced at me coldly, then looked away like I was just some stranger.

As soon as I walked in, everyone turned to look at me. Graham pointed at me and asked, "How did you get in here?"

"I called her!" Lucille stepped in front of me and snapped, "Don't think you can get away with everything just because you've got Theodore backing you. I swear I'll drag your company down if I have to!"

"Stop slandering me!" The woman in luxury brands snapped back. "My husband already said he was meeting Ms. Reynolds for business last night! Manager Oliver was there, even Mr. Sterling can confirm it. Watch your mouth or I won't be polite!"

My face turned dark, and I pulled Lucille aside. "What the hell is going on?"

Lucille gave me an annoyed glare before she sighed and explained. She got an anonymous call last night, saying Graham tried to assault me. She couldn't stand the idea of me being hurt-never could since we were kids. Whether it was real or not, she didn't care. She immediately spent money, pulled some strings, and found out Graham had a jealous wife. So she invited her along to confront him in person.

The wife was all fired up when she got here. But just when they arrived, Theodore happened to be around for a meeting with Graham. And for whatever reason, he sided with Graham, saying there was no inappropriate behavior at all last night.

Lucille, still fuming, turned to Theodore and said, "Mr. Sterling, I know Sterling Group is trying hard to win the Southveil construction bid right now. Besides Reynolds Corp and Sullivan Corp, there's no other real competition. Reynolds' second daughter is about to get engaged to you-so is this about business? Are you covering up for Graham just to secure that deal?"

My brows furrowed. I stared at Theodore in disbelief, but his face was stone cold. He looked straight at Lucille and said in a flat voice, "You might be close friends with Ms. Reynolds, but you know better than anyone how many rumors she's been in over the years. How can you be sure this isn't just another scheme she orchestrated?"

"She's not that kind of person-"

"She's never been innocent. You're underestimating just how manipulative she can be."

My mind went blank. It felt like someone threw me into a freezing lake. I was numb, frozen all over.

I was a fool. Right now, I only regretted not using my phone to record everything last night.

Graham sneered coldly at Theodore's words, his gaze locked on me like a cold blade. "Miss Reynolds, you're at that age where marriage is knocking, aren't you? Word is, Mr. Sterling's mother had her eyes on you before suddenly switching to your sister. Could it be that you're just bitter... or maybe just lonely enough to throw dirt on my name too? Keep throwing baseless accusations, and I'll be seeing you in court. Then let's see how that pristine image of yours holds up."

"You-"

I clenched my jaw, nothing would come out. I had no evidence, Oliver had been bought off, and Graham had clearly warned the restaurant in advance. Sullivan Group was a major name in Southveil. Add in the fact that Theodore, who actually saw what happened, was siding with him, and I had no way to defend myself without looking completely pathetic.

After a long silence, I balled my fists, lifted my chin, and shot a smirk at Theodore. "I'll remember what you did today, Mr. Sterling. Trust me, I'll return the favor when the time's right."

His face turned dark, eyes narrowing into dangerous slits as if he could will me to drop dead on the spot.

I tugged Lucille's arm, glared back at him defiantly for a few seconds, then turned on my heel and left without even glancing back. But I could still feel that icy glare burning into my back as we walked out.

As soon as we exited Sullivan Group's building, Lucille's face twisted in anger. "I can't believe I went to all that trouble finding his wife! And this is the guy you almost married? Honestly, he's trash. Maybe we should thank your stepmom. If she hadn't bribed Julian to drug you and set you up, leading to the broken engagement-God knows how bad it could've gotten if you'd ended up stuck with him."

She rant-huffed a bit more, then saw my pale face and quickly fell silent. "What is his deal? Every damn thing out of his mouth was aimed at you. Do you know him from before or something? I've heard things about him... You sure you didn't piss him off somehow?"

My cheeks burned up, chest heaving with anger, and I barely croaked out four words, "He's a disgusting jerk."

Just as we were about to leave, not even a block away, we spotted a black Maybach parked along the curb. I recognized it instantly. No way I'd forget that car. It belonged to Theodore himself.

I stormed toward it, yanked a nail clipper from my bag, flipped out the small hidden blade attached, and jammed it straight into one of his tires.

It felt ridiculously satisfying. Lucille, watching all fired-up, looked like she was ready to hype me into flipping the whole damn car. Neither of us noticed the looming shadow until a voice cut through like ice.

"Pay up."

I froze before slowly turning around. And there he was-Theodore.

His expression was stone-cold, eyes sharp enough to prick skin. "One hundred grand."

Panic surged inside me. He stepped closer with purpose, glanced at the tire, then grabbed the wrist that had held the blade. "One tire. One hundred thousand. You're paying for it."

I bit back the urge to scream at him and shot a quick look at Lucille, trying to signal her to run. But Theodore was faster. His driver had already intercepted her, dragged her to a waiting cab before she could react, shoved her in, gave the guy a wad of cash, and slammed the door shut.

Lucille's pissed-off shouts echoed across the street, catching plenty of attention from passers-by. Not that it helped. The next second the cab disappeared around the corner.

Something felt real wrong. I turned to bolt but barely made it two steps before he caught up. In one swift move, he hooked my legs and lifted me over his shoulder like it was nothing. I screamed and flailed, but he shoved me into his car and climbed in right after, snapping at his driver, "Bring another car."

My face burned as I yelled, "What the hell are you doing? We're on a freaking public street!"

Then both his hands moved, coming at me fast.