Chapter 5

Victor’s voice was filled with venom, sending a chill down my spine. After ending the call, I quickly contacted my lawyer, desperate for answers. That was when I learned the truth.

Victor had been busy posting emotional videos online, mourning his “beloved late wife.” The theatrics had earned him sympathy and caught the attention of Richard Cross, a notorious figure who claimed to have recently returned from overseas.

It turns out that when Victor was detained, he managed to reach out to Richard, insisting he’d been framed and pleading for help. To my surprise, Richard agreed.

Now, feeling invincible with a powerful ally, Victor had wasted no time taunting me. When my lawyer sent over Richard’s photo, I couldn’t help but laugh.

Before marrying Victor, I’d handled corporate affairs for my family’s business, so I’d heard plenty about Richard Cross. He was no philanthropist; his name was synonymous with shady dealings and countless casualties.

Victor and Ruby, those fools, were nothing more than disposable pawns in Richard’s eyes. All it would take was one night in Richard’s world, and they’d be begging to return to police custody.

Pushing aside my amusement, I focused on preparing documents for work the next day. Later that evening, my boss, Samuel, approached me.

“I heard you’re back in the game. A few of our old clients are eager to catch up. Why don’t we celebrate tonight over dinner?”

I readily agreed. Having been away from the professional world for so long, I couldn’t pass up the chance to reconnect. But as I stepped into the private dining room, froze.

Victor and Ruby were there. Victor sneered the moment he saw me.

“What are you doing here? We have Mr. Cross on our side now. You’re nothing but a failure, and you can’t touch us!”

Ignoring him, I turned to Samuel, who gestured me over.

“Lillian, come here. Mr. Cross specifically asked to meet you.”

Under the stunned stares of Victor and Ruby, I walked over and shook Richard’s hand.

“Years ago, one of your projects left a strong impression on me,” Richard said, his tone almost admiring. “When I heard you were back, canceled other plans just to meet you. I hope we can collaborate in the future.”

I exchanged a few polite words before taking my seat.

Throughout the dinner, Victor and Ruby stood awkwardly in the corner, treated like glorified waitstaff. They were ordered around by everyone at the table, forced to pour drinks and serve plates.

Despite their humiliation, they dared not show anger. Instead, they plastered on strained smiles, swallowing their pride with each glass of alcohol.

By late evening, Richard suggested moving the party to another venue, his grin lascivious. I declined, feigning illness, and left.

As I waited for my car outside, Victor appeared out of nowhere, grabbing my arm in a vice–like grip. His voice was low and menacing.

“I don’t care how you’re doing this or who you know, but stay away from Mr. Cross. Don’t ruin my chance at a better life!”

I stared at him, momentarily struck by how unfamiliar he seemed.

This man–this venomous stranger–was the same one who had once knelt before me, promising eternal love.

I smiled faintly.

“I don’t stoop as low as you do.”

That night, a furious knock on my door woke me.

Victor’s late–night disappearances had always been a source of pain for me, back when still hoped he might choose me over Ruby.

Now, the irony of him finally coming to me–when I least wanted it–was not lost on me.

Peeking through the peephole, I saw Victor kneeling outside. His face was bruised, his body covered in marks.

Tears streamed down his face as he begged, “Please help us! Richard Cross is a monster He forced Ruby and me to entertain those disgusting old men. Ruby’s still there–she can’t get out. You know him, don’t you? Can’t you ask him to stop?”