Chapter 4

He was leaning against a pillar in the corner of the hall.

The clamor stopped instantly.

Serena’s face paled, and she tugged at Liam's sleeve.

Liam’s expression darkened.

"Mr. Vance is in a generous mood. Too bad the lady doesn't seem very appreciative."

His spiteful gaze landed on me.

"Chloe, someone is willing to pay so much for you. Why aren't you smiling?"

I stared at Liam, unable to believe he could humiliate me like this.

Julian chuckled softly and wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

"Mr. Hayes, you misunderstand. I didn't buy this dance to actually dance. I just wanted some peace and quiet, so stray dogs wouldn't bother my fiancée."

He walked up, pulled me by my waist, and announced to the crowd:

"Had enough fun?"

"Let's go home, babe."

With that, he pulled me out of the auction hall.

In the car, Julian grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him.

"Do you have any idea what Liam and your father are doing? Their shady business is a one-way ticket to prison! Right now, everyone is watching you, wanting to use you as a scapegoat! You need to stay as far away from the Sterling family as possible."

"Otherwise, you'll be the next one taking the fall!"

A familiar headache hit me, but I didn't even know where the pain came from.

Faced with his interrogation, I could only cry silently.

"Julian, I give up."

That night, I ran a high fever.

I felt trapped in the long memories of my past life. I couldn't remember what shady business Julian was talking about, nor could I recall what happened after our marriage, why I was locked up, or even how I died.

I couldn't remember any of it.

In my daze, a warm hand rested on my forehead, and someone fed me water and medicine.

I struggled to open my eyes.

Under the dim light, Julian sat by the bed, his expression complex.

"Julian... what really happened in our past life?"

Julian was silent for a moment.

Then he gently kissed my forehead.

"Rest, Chloe. I'll tell you everything later."

"Don't be afraid. I'm here."

I didn't know if I could trust him, but I wasn't going to sit around and wait for doom.

I turned my head away. After he left, my phone buzzed under the pillow.

It was a short text message:

`[RUN]`

The day I recovered was the day of Liam and Serena’s wedding.

The wedding venue was grand and luxurious. Wearing his tuxedo, Liam kept looking anxiously at the guest seats.

Serena noticed his distraction.

Using the excuse of touching up her makeup, she quickly went to the bridal suite.

The moment the door closed, she dialed a number, her voice vicious and angry.

"He still can't forget that bitch!"

"Julian Vance is attending the wedding today. Do it now, and make sure it's clean!"

Meanwhile, when I woke up again, I was inside an unfamiliar car.

The car was driving on a massive bridge over the ocean. At the highest point, the driver looked back at me and unbuckled his seatbelt.

His voice was emotionless.

"Miss Sterling, it's time."

With that, he pushed the door open and jumped out.

The car instantly lost control and crashed violently into the guardrail!

In a split second, the car flipped, exploded, and plunged straight into the deep ocean.

After a few loud splashes, only ripples and burning oil remained on the dark water.

It was a horrific crash.

At the same time, in the wedding hall.

Julian walked straight up to Liam, blocking his path.

"Liam, stop. You know that project is dirty."

The polite smile on Liam's face froze.

"Mr. Vance, mind your own business."

Julian’s eyes darkened, and he sneered, "If you die, she'll be devastated. Otherwise, do you think you're worth my time? Serena has bad intentions pulling you into this. Don't let the Hayes family's legacy die in your hands."

"If you want to die, go do it somewhere far away from her!"

Liam seemed completely triggered, his voice rising.

"Julian, stop acting so righteous! You didn't even let her attend my wedding. You locked her up with your dirty tricks, depriving her of even the freedom to breathe!"

"You're a madman. You'll drive Chloe to her grave sooner or later!"

Julian’s face twisted in rage.

He grabbed Liam’s collar, the veins on his forehead bulging.

"I hid her because there are countless greedy fools out there like you who want to tear her apart!"

Liam violently shoved his hands away, his voice hoarse.

"I would never hurt Chloe. I love her!"

Right then—

The giant screen in the ballroom suddenly cut to a breaking news broadcast:

`[Breaking News: A horrific car accident occurred at the coastal bridge this afternoon. A vehicle lost control, crashed through the railing, and plunged into the ocean. The occupant is suspected to have died on impact.]`

`[The victim has been identified as Chloe Sterling, the eldest daughter of the Sterling Group.]`