Chapter 5

When I got in the car, Julian was teaching Sophia.

How to grasp market trends, the company's product advantages...

Things I'd never heard from him.

He explained everything point by point on the computer, very professionally.

I used to look at him with the same admiration Sophia now showed, watching him so spirited and accomplished.

Then I vowed in my heart---I would become someone like Julian.

The wedding ring on his ring finger hurt my eyes.

I looked away and turned toward the window.

Through the rearview mirror, our eyes met.

I lowered my gaze.

I don't want to become someone like Julian.

Finally we arrived at the private room. When I saw who was there, my expression immediately changed.

I stared hard at Julian, asking in disbelief.

"Why are people from Sterling Group here?! This project belongs to Huarui!"

I'd worked overtime for three months to finally land this tough account.

If the collaboration went smoothly, Walker Corporation's year-end profits would rise two percentage points.

Sterling Group had been declining for years. They couldn't handle a project this large, and Sterling had always been at odds with Walker Corporation.

"I proactively canceled the partnership," he said. "Sterling Group needs this project more."

Slap!

I trembled with rage.

Julian turned his head, running his tongue over the inside of his cheek.

He grabbed the hand I'd hit him with, his voice low. "You said it yourself---you joined Walker Corporation to repay your debt. This is what you owe me too."

The impact didn't register. My hand shook until it went numb, the numbness spreading all the way to my heart.

I stared into his eyes and couldn't help but laugh.

Taking my life's work to pave the way for Sophia---he was so naturally good at it.

I pulled my hand free. "Fine."

I turned and entered the private room.

I saw Sophia give a look to Ms. Sterling across from her. The man immediately raised his glass and walked over to me.

" Ms. Rivers, I've heard so much about you. It's an honor to work together. I'll drink it all---you do as you please."

He drained his glass in one go.

The other two men followed suit.

Julian was about to speak when Sophia immediately clung to his arm. "Julian, when we broke up before, my father felt so guilty."

Julian fell silent.

Ms. Sterling laughed heartily. "Julian, once you marry my dear daughter, Sterling and Walker will be like family."

Julian tapped his phone a few times, then leaned over to whisper in my ear. "Don't worry. I had someone go buy hangover medicine."

He sat up straight and filled my glass, not daring to meet my eyes.

The high-proof liquor's scent shot straight to the top of my head.

I didn't look at him. I picked up the glass and drained it.

A round of cheers. " Ms. Rivers can really drink!"

An irrepressible nausea surged from my stomach. I suppressed it hard.

One glass, two glasses...

Soon the bottle was empty.

A strong burning sensation came from my stomach, constantly spasming. Each time felt like the pain of near-death.

I gasped weakly and rapidly, my face drained of color.

Julian suddenly pressed down on my hand, hissing under his breath. "Stop drinking!"

I shook off his hand and tilted my head back to pour it down.

A sweet fishy taste surged up my throat. I grunted and vomited a large mouthful of blood.

"Vivian!"

The world became very quiet.

I stared down at that pool of blood, actually feeling relieved.

Julian, I don't owe you anymore.

When I woke, I was in a hospital room. Cold liquid entered my body through an IV. Cold.

Julian heard the noise and jerked his head up.

His eyes were red. "You're finally awake. You scared me to death."

I didn't speak.

He hesitated.

"Rest well. Sophia was frightened tonight. I'm going back to stay with her. I'll come see you tomorrow."

I stared quietly at the ceiling.

Sleep peacefully. From now on, you won't wake up next to this fake anymore.

...

Julian got up early the next morning to make oatmeal.

He carried the thermos toward the hospital room but was stopped by a nurse.

"Excuse me, sir, there's no patient in the VIP room now."

He turned around. "The woman with stomach bleeding from last night."

"That lady checked out last night."

How is that possible?

Julian rushed forward and pushed open the door.

Clean---no trace that anyone had been there.

The thermos crashed to the floor.