Chapter 4

Jane walked under the streetlight with heavy steps, each one heavier than the last. The Manila file Madam Tiffany had given her was still clutched tightly against her chest.

She barely heard the few cars speeding past her. The world around her had gone completely numb.

All she did was walk, as though she was counting every single step, and one mistake would make her collapse. Memories crowded her mind.

She remembered her last birthday. Everyone in the Vale family had woken her up with a surprise celebration, and even the house staff had joined in. They had laughed, eaten, smiled, and treated her like she truly belonged.

There had been no trace of hate, no sign of evil plans. So how? Jane still found it hard to believe.

When she and Lila had competed for the position of Head of the Cosmetic Department, Henry Vale had stood before them and declared he would not choose favourites.

“Whoever is worthy of it will get it,” he had said. “The board will decide.”

Jane had been more qualified, she won fairly, or so she thought. Now she understood, it had all been part of the plot.

The family trips to the park, the constant encouragement from Henry and Kate, the praises, the trust, they had only wanted her to rise higher so her fall would be louder.

Jane bit down hard on her lip. But she had loved Lila and Leo like true siblings, she had protected them, defended them, and wanted the best for them, especially Leo.

Many times had she covered his mistakes at the company, countless times had he spoken harshly to her, yet she still forgave him. The same Leo who would grin and say, "You are my favourite sibling.”

He knew of the plans and never for once warned his favourite sibling. Jane stopped walking for a second, and fresh tears slid down her cheeks.

Then she remembered Madam Tiffany.

“If only I had waited to listen, maybe things wouldn’t be this severe,” Jane muttered to herself.

She sniffed and wiped her tears. “But would I have believed her?” She let out a bitter laugh.

“I trusted my family more than anyone.” She looked around.

The streets had grown quieter, only one car passed every few minutes. Ahead was a bus stop with an old bench. Jane walked there slowly. She had nowhere to go, no friends in Velmoura, no home, no idea where she truly came from.

She sat down heavily, then Greg’s betrayal pierced her heart again. More tears streamed down her face.

All his words. ''Don’t change your last name yet, stay at your parents’ house and come over only on weekends, we can’t have sex yet, I’m not ready, let's stay in separate rooms.''

She finally understood why Lila was never at home during weekdays, yet always appeared on weekends.

Weekdays, Lila was with Greg, and on weekends, Jane went to be with Greg. It was more like a shift job: the secret wife and the public side piece.

Jane wiped her tears with the back of her hand and threw her head back. A sudden burst of laughter nearby made her sit upright.

“Who could this be, if not my wonderful adopted sister?”

Lila stepped into the light, and behind her stood about seven men. They laughed as they stared at Jane with hungry eyes, like predators who had found prey.

“Your fall is the talk of the town now,” Lila said with a smirk. “Did you think you could steal everything that belongs to me, the true heiress of the Vale family, and get away with it?”

“Lila, I never knew Greg was your man,” Jane said weakly. “I thought the board judged fairly and gave me the position. I had no idea you believed it should be yours.”

Lila’s face darkened. “It’s too late now, Jane. You enjoyed your time at the top and looked down on me.” She gestured toward the men. “Now enjoy this moment too. These boys will keep you company tonight.”

Jane was too stunned to say a word. Lila turned and walked past them, then looked back with a laugh.

“Have a nice time with her, boys.” The sound of her heels echoed in the silent night before she disappeared into the dark.

Jane remained frozen until the men began walking toward her.

“Please…” she whispered, moving back. “I’ll give you whatever you want. Just don’t touch me. Please.”

Their leader smirked and licked his lips. “No prize is more expensive than having you tonight. This will be one of our most memorable nights.”

Jane reached the end of the bench. “Please…” she begged again, tears blurring her sight.

She tried to run, but the men were faster, they formed a circle around her. One grabbed her shoulder, and Jane screamed. Another reached for her chest, she struggled wildly and bit his hand.

He roared and slapped her hard across the face. For a few seconds, she couldn’t see anything. She had not eaten all day, and no strength was left inside her.

Seven men? There was no way she would escape. Jane’s body weakened at the thought. Tears rolled silently down her cheeks.

Another man grabbed the hem of her dress and began lifting it when, suddenly, bright headlights flooded the area.

Everyone staggered back, shielding their eyes. A sleek black car had driven so close that the tyres nearly touched the curb.

The men stopped immediately, cursing at the driver.

“Who the hell is this son of a bitch?” the leader shouted.

The car door opened. A tall figure stepped out. He said nothing, he didn't need to. His presence alone was intimidating, the way he moved, the way he filled the space around him.

The man walked toward them with calm, calculated steps. The leader charged toward the man first.

He barely got close before the stranger struck him down, and the others rushed together. What followed happened too fast for Jane to process.

Fists, cries, bodies crashing to the ground with men wiggling on the floor holding different parts of their bodies. The stranger fought like someone used to fighting bad guys.

Their leader was left bruised and bleeding. When the remaining men finally found their feet, they ran for dear life. Everywhere became completely silent.

The stranger walked over to Jane. He removed his coat and wrapped it gently over her trembling body, then he lifted her with one arm as though she weighed absolutely nothing.

With his other hand, he picked up her documents from the bench and carried her to his car, opened the door, and placed her carefully inside.

Then he walked around and slid into the driver’s seat. Jane still had tears streaming down her face, blurring her vision. Without a word, the man reached into his pocket, took out a clean handkerchief, and gently wiped the tears from her face.

Her vision cleared, and she looked up at him. Shock hit her instantly.

“Dravyn Woods?” Jane called softly, her voice trembling with surprise.