Chapter 4

I strained my ears, and the woman's voice was agonizingly familiar.

The door clicked open.

Marcus Reed stood before me, completely bare-chested.

His hair was a mess, his skin flushed with lingering heat. Panic flashed across his eyes for a split second before vanishing behind a wall of cold arrogance.

Inside the room, Nicole sat on the edge of the bed, wearing sultry lingerie I had never once seen her put on for me.

Terrified that their affair would ruin their reputations, the two of them dragged me inside, beating and kicking me until my breath stopped entirely.

I could still feel the sheer, suffocating despair of my dying moments.

I snapped out of my memories. The agony of the past washed away like a receding tide, and Greg's repulsive face came back into sharp focus.

"Lucas, someone as useless as you belongs down in the dirt," Greg sneered, utterly pleased with himself.

Ignoring him, I turned toward a nearby table to sit down. Greg stuck his foot out to trip me.

Expecting it, I caught my balance and stepped down hard directly onto the toe of his polished dress shoe.

"Fuck! Are you blind? You just ruined my shoes!"

He hopped back, pointing aggressively at my face, his voice dripping with venom.

"What the hell are you standing there for? Get on your knees and wipe it clean! Consider it your apology, you worthless temp!"

The sycophants surrounding Marcus erupted into snickers, eyeing me with naked mockery.

I stared at Greg coldly, saying nothing.

Just then, Nicole frowned. A complicated flicker of emotion crossed her face, and she bit her lip, hesitating for a fraction of a second.

"Greg, that's enough," Nicole said abruptly, her tone edged with irritation.

"Whatever he is, there's no need to take it that far."

Greg blinked in surprise. He immediately softened into a sycophantic grin.

"Nicole, I'm just putting him in his place. Trying to stand up for you, that's all."

"I said drop it," Nicole brushed him off, turning her head away to hide a sudden trace of unease.

Marcus also frowned, clearly annoyed. "Greg, don't waste your breath on trash like him. We have important business to attend to."

Greg nodded vigorously, bowing slightly. "Yes, of course, Mr. Reed. You're absolutely right."

The group moved toward an executive lounge table and sat down.

Marcus took a sip of his champagne, a glint of greed in his eyes.

"I heard the heiress of Crawford Enterprises and the heir of Vanguard Group are both attending tonight. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

If we can secure a partnership with either of them, our company's future will be completely set."

Marcus set his glass down, scanning the grand ballroom.

"I heard rumors that the two corporate giants are merging through marriage," an older business owner chimed in beside Marcus. "Honestly, does that leave any room for smaller fish like us? By the way, Vanguard's heir hasn't shown his face in public for years. I was actually hoping to introduce my daughter to him!"

Nicole gave a faint nod, a calculating gleam flashing in her eyes.

Just as Marcus and his circle were plotting how to cozy up to Crawford Enterprises and Vanguard Group, a sudden ripple of excitement washed over the crowd.

Everyone's eyes shifted toward the grand entrance.

I knew she had arrived.

Eleanor Crawford entered the hall in a stunning evening gown. Her regal grace and natural elegance outshone Nicole by miles.

Seeing Eleanor's face, the jealousy in Nicole's eyes practically spilled over.

Beside Eleanor walked her brother, Ethan Crawford, holding our daughter's hand.

Marcus's eyes lit up instantly. He set down his glass, adjusted his tie, and rushed forward with eager steps.

"Miss Crawford! What an absolute honor to meet you tonight."

Marcus plastered on his most charming smile, his gaze hungry for approval.

Others swarmed forward, showering Eleanor with lavish compliments.

"Miss Crawford, you look magnificent tonight! Truly breathtaking!"

Not wanting to be left behind, Nicole pushed through the crowd, putting on a radiant, flattering smile as she addressed Ethan.

"You must be the young master of Vanguard Group. So young, yet so accomplished!"

Ethan's brow furrowed in utter disgust. He didn't even grant Nicole a single glance.

At that exact moment, my daughter wriggled free from Ethan's hand, took off running straight toward me, and cried out sweetly:

"Daddy!"

The entire room froze.

The smiles on Marcus's and Nicole's faces instantly shattered.

Eleanor glided over, her lips parting into a tender smile as she took my hand.

"Lucas, darling. Sorry to keep you waiting."