Chapter 7

When I woke up the next day, the sky was just beginning to lighten.

Beside me, Leo Archer was still deeply asleep.

Our clothes were tangled together in a crumpled heap, tossed carelessly by the bed.

Through the sliver of light filtering in from the curtains, I glanced at him briefly before getting up to leave.

My car was parked downstairs, and as I settled into the seat, Grace handed me a cup of iced Americano, speaking softly:

“Ms. Sterling, the second phase of the equity acquisition was completed last night, and no one has yet discovered our involvement.”

I held the cup, listening quietly as she detailed the specifics.

“…Additionally, your father called this morning, ordering you to return to the Sterling Family today.”

I nodded slightly, “Ignore him. Block his number if he calls again.”

“Continue with everything according to the original plan.”

Grace nodded, hesitating slightly before glancing at my neck.

“Ms. Sterling, your neck…”

I looked at the rearview mirror and understood.

I raised my hand to fasten the top button of my shirt properly:

“Don’t worry, just a dog’s bite.”

I had intended to go home to change clothes before heading to the office.

But I never expected Julian Thorne to be at home.

He sat on the sofa, his shirt open, holding a few papers in his hand.

Upon seeing me, he spoke coldly, “Victoria Sterling, aren’t you going to explain?”

I glanced at the papers.

It was the divorce agreement I had previously asked a lawyer to draft.

I remained silent.

“Speak up, have you gone mute?!”

He suddenly stood up, striding over to me, “Do you think you have the right to bring up divorce with me?”

“Victoria Sterling, have you forgotten how you once debased yourself, kneeling before me, clutching my pant leg, begging me to marry you?”

He threw the divorce agreement at my face.

The thin edge of the paper cut the skin near my eye, and blood began to flow.

I raised my hand, feeling the sticky wetness.

Taking a light breath:

“…I thought you and Chloe Parker were truly in love, and needed me to step aside.”

“You have no right to decide my affairs.”

Julian laughed in anger, “Victoria Sterling, you’re nothing more than a dog raised by the Sterling Family and sent to my side.”

“Now that the Sterling Family sees you with a slightly better face, able to say a few words at Sterling Group, have you forgotten your place?”

He gripped my chin, forcing me to look up at him,

“The second phase of the S District project, Thorne Group will cease all cooperation with Sterling Group.”

“Victoria Sterling, this is your lesson–only when I choose to give you face, do you have the right to live like a human.”

He released my chin, chuckling softly.

Returning to his former lofty demeanor.

“Go back and think carefully about how to please me, so I might forgive your offense this time.”

“For example, beg me once more.”