Chapter 3

"Ding."

The elevator doors opened at the penthouse level.

This was the most exclusive area of the Royal Club. The hallway was covered in thick, hand-woven carpets, silencing every footstep.

The manager led us to the door of Suite 888. His hand shook so violently he could barely turn the handle.

"P-Please, go on in. Enjoy your evening, distinguished guests."

With that, the manager practically fled down the hall like he’d seen a ghost.

Richard couldn't wait. He pushed open the heavy mahogany door.

The suite was empty.

On the table sat bottles of ultra-premium Romanee-Conti wine and expensive platters.

Tyler looked around, swallowing his saliva greedily.

"Dad, it looks like the Director isn't here yet!"

Richard rubbed his hands together, his eyes shining.

"Even better! Important people are always busy. Let’s get things ready!"

My mother turned to me, her face turning instantly cold.

She marched over, grabbed my shoulders, and shoved me hard toward the cashmere rug in the center of the room.

"You useless brat, what are you just standing there for?"

"Get down on your knees!"

I kept my legs perfectly straight, looking down at her coldly.

"Kneel to whom?"

Furious, Helen raised her hand to slap me.

"To the new Director, of course! What do you think you’re here for?"

"You're just a piece of meat we brought to close the deal! Take that damn coat off!"

Chloe chimed in with a nasty smirk.

"Mom, I think she's doing this on purpose to ruin Tyler's wedding."

"She probably thinks this suite is too fancy for her. A trash-picker who managed to scrape through college has no place here!"

Hearing this, Tyler's anger flared.

He marched over and kicked hard at the back of my knees.

"Damn it! We're giving you a chance and you're acting like this?"

"For my three apartments today, you’ll crawl like a dog if I tell you to!"

I swiftly sidestepped.

Tyler kicked empty air, stumbling and nearly faceplanting onto the coffee table.

He barely stabilized himself, turning red with embarrassment and rage.

"Dad! This bitch actually dodged!"

Richard was furious. He grabbed a heavy crystal ashtray from the table and pointed it at my face.

"Have you lost your mind today?"

"If you don't strip and get on your knees right now, I'll bash your head in!"

I looked at the three disgusting faces in front of me.

Twenty years of abuse, humiliation, and neglect instantly crystallized into a cold, lethal calm.

I tightened my grip on my briefcase, a mocking smile appearing on my face.

"Do you honestly think the Director who decides your fate would ever look at your disgusting faces?"

"Have you ever thought... what if the person walking through that door tonight isn't the savior you want to buy off?"

"What if they are the one who is going to destroy you?"