Chapter 4

In the CEO's office, I first sent a quick text to the maid: "Well done. Payment sent." Then, as Marcus Thorne turned around, I discreetly hid my phone, clutching the jacket around me and trembling on the sofa.

I kept my head down, tears streaming down my face.

Marcus Thorne looked at me and an unfamiliar sensation stirred within him.

He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to me. His sharp gaze softened as he spoke calmly.

"What happened today, Phoebe was in the wrong. I apologize on her behalf. She's just a little spoiled, she doesn't mean any real harm. Please don't take it to heart."

*No real harm?* I scoffed inwardly, finding it utterly cynical.

She thinks there’s "no real harm" now, humiliating me in front of everyone. If she *did* have bad intentions, would I end up like my brother?

Such a woman—vicious and cruel—but in Marcus Thorne's eyes, she was dismissed with a few dismissive words.

Did he know that my brother was killed by Phoebe Sterling?

He was the brother who raised me, who bought me the dresses I loved, working on construction sites until his hands were raw and calloused, never complaining.

Even when he was accepted into a prestigious overseas university, he willingly dropped out of college to take the toughest, most exhausting jobs, just to take care of me.

Though our home was poor, my brother never let me feel the hardships of life.

My good, kind brother… I would never see him again.

Thinking of my brother, my eyes glistened with tears even more, unstoppable.

"I won't blame Ms. Sterling, and I certainly won't blame you, Mr. Thorne."

"I just hope that Ms. Sterling won't misunderstand me again, and that I can work peacefully in this position."

Seeing my vulnerable appearance, Marcus Thorne couldn't help but frown.

"Is this job so important to you?"

My eyes, glistening with tears, wavered.

"Yes, it's very important."

"My parents passed away when I was very young. It was my brother who gave up his studies to raise me, but a year ago, my brother also passed away."

"Our family accumulated a lot of debt for my education, so I can't afford to lose this job."

Marcus Thorne's gaze deepened, but he didn't ask any more questions.

"Compose yourself. You can go out later."

I nodded, leaned back on the sofa, and soon cried myself to sleep.

Marcus Thorne had seen countless beautiful women. His stern eyes betrayed no other emotions, but seeing the sparkling tears still clinging to my pale face, his gaze flickered involuntarily.

He took the blanket nearby and draped it over me, then half-knelt in front of me, his expression cool.

Just as he was about to stand, I, in my sleep, suddenly grabbed his hand and, crying, placed it on my face.

"Brother, don't leave me..."

"Brother, I miss you so much..."

He paused, hesitated for a moment, then gently withdrew his hand.

A few days later, Marcus Thorne was invited to a corporate gala, and as his assistant, I naturally attended with him.

Phoebe Sterling saw me at the event. Though seething with anger, with Marcus Thorne present, she could only grit her teeth and put on a facade of generosity.

She intended to keep a close eye on me, but unexpectedly, she felt lightheaded after only a few drinks and was about to fall asleep. She had no choice but to say goodbye to Marcus Thorne and go upstairs to rest.

Watching Phoebe Sterling leave, my lips curled into a cold smile.

Of course she would drink too much and leave early. Earlier, when she asked me to fetch her a drink, I had secretly put quite a bit of sleeping medicine in it when no one was looking.

Now, with her gone, everything would be much easier.

Many people at the banquet toasted Marcus Thorne. He was in a good mood and hardly refused anyone.

Even with his high alcohol tolerance, he was swaying and about to collapse.

I helped him sit down and casually poured a glass of water to hand to him. But my hand slipped, and the entire glass of water spilled directly onto him.

I grabbed some tissues to frantically wipe it, but Marcus Thorne, his breathing hitched, gripped my wrist tight.

"Don't move!"

His shout startled me, and I then realized the water had spilled in an awkward spot.

I quickly retreated a few steps.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Thorne! I'll go get you a clean set of clothes."

Marcus Thorne's face was cold, and he practically gritted his teeth.

"No need. You can go first."

I didn't dare look at him again, quickly pulled a room key card from my pocket, placed it on his table, and fled in a panic.

Leaving the banquet hall, I took the elevator directly to the twenty-second floor.

The room key card I gave him was for Phoebe Sterling's room, but I had already arranged for Phoebe to be sent home.

I changed my clothes, lay down on the bed, and turned off the lights.

Half an hour later, Marcus Thorne indeed swiped the key card and opened the door.

He didn't turn on the lights, staggering in, loosening his tie, and taking off his jacket.

An intoxicating floral scent filled the air, making him instinctively reach out and pull me close.

My soft, slender waist curved perfectly into his palm. He leaned down and kissed me, his voice hoarse and low.

"Phoebe..."