Chapter 3

With the balance in my card, I went to the gym downstairs.

Fortunately, my in-laws had bought property in a good location—everything was nearby. After getting a seasonal membership, I still had $2,900 left.

Looking at my messy hair in the mirror, I steeled myself and cut it all off.

For the next three months, I put all my focus into working out.

Ethan was gone every few days. I barely noticed.

After losing over forty pounds, none of my old clothes fit anymore.

I wanted to ask Ethan for money to buy a few new outfits, but he wasn't as generous as usual.

He scolded me for wasting money and buying random things.

After lecturing me for ages, he transferred me five hundred dollars.

I accepted it through gritted teeth.

Just then, a man named Lucas Reed approached me.

He looked refined and scholarly. He invited me to dinner.

Seeing the Rolex watch on his wrist, I had a sudden flash of insight.

Right—"marry for food and shelter," as they say. If there was nothing I wanted from this person, why would I be with him?

Right. I should find myself a new match.

So that evening, I went with Lucas to a private estate to fish. It was a remote location, but everyone who came and went looked wealthy.

I didn't like Lucas. He wasn't attractive, and his eyes were sleazy.

After chatting for just a few minutes, he kept steering the conversation toward sex.

This guy was way too eager—definitely not a good person. I shouldn't get too involved with him.

I lost patience and stood up to leave.

But Lucas got agitated and grabbed me. "Where do you think you're going? You got in my car—leaving isn't that easy."

I found his words absurd. "What are you going to do, stab me?"

Lucas wouldn't let go. "I'm not going to stab you. But I've got plenty of ways to make you cry."

Psycho. He's sick!

I lifted my leg to kick him. Lucas dodged.

I went to grab his hair instead, and we made quite a commotion.

The estate owner heard the noise and came over. Seeing the situation, he quickly pulled us apart and dragged Lucas aside.

"Can you chill out today? I've got a client here."

Lucas tugged at his collar indignantly. "What kind of VIP client tells me I can't hit on a girl?"

"The chairman of Zenith Holdings. Just arrived. You know his background—he doesn't like people making a scene."

Lucas's expression shifted. "Zenith? Adrian Castellan?"

"Yes, him!"

"I heard his wife died a few years ago. He moved the company to a new city to avoid being reminded of her. Why would a widower come out to the wilderness?"

"The way you talk—the man just wants to relax and enjoy nature. You think everyone's like you?"

I stood to the side listening as their voices got quieter and quieter, like mosquitoes.

Annoyed, I tried to sneak away.

After a few steps, I got lost.

Then I ran into a man dressed in casual clothes.

The moment our eyes met, we both froze.