Chapter 3

Without thinking, I jumped into the water to search for it.

Before I went under, I heard Elena guiltily say, "Sorry, Ryan. It's my fault for not holding it properly. I've upset your sweetheart."

Ryan sneered, "Sweetheart? She was just some toy I raised on a whim after you got mad at me."

By the time I found the charm and climbed ashore, the place was already empty. I couldn't tell if the wetness on my face was from my tears or the pool water.

That night, I kneeled outside Ryan's door the entire time before he finally agreed to let me attend the company's manager selection.

I couldn't rely on Ryan's charity forever. I had worked hard for a year to prepare for this manager position and wasn't about to give up. But as soon as I arrived at the office, whispers followed me everywhere.

"Is she really the daughter of that murderer? How does she even have the nerve to apply for manager?"

"She's just clinging to Mr. Carter! Now that Ms. Jones is here, there's no room for her."

"Yeah! Didn't you notice? Mr. Carter couldn't take his eyes off Ms. Jones today."

"I feel sorry for Ms. Jones. She lost her parents because of her. What a tragic fate."

I returned to my desk in a daze and glanced over at Elena's spot.

Elena simply sat at her desk as she listened to the whispers. She was quietly wiping away her tears.

The others only grew more resentful upon seeing her cry.

"She has the killer's blood. We'd better stay away from her."

As everyone dispersed, Elena walked over with a triumphant look.

"Nat, you've worked hard for the manager role, but with Ryan supporting you, you don't really need it. I'm different. I never take money from men, so I really need this job."

I scoffed. How could she act so self-righteous when she was living off a job handed to her by Ryan?

Elena leaned close and whispered in my ear, "It's just a job, but you still owe me two lives."

I stared at her and said, "I apologize for the death of your parents on behalf of my father. I'm withdrawing from the selection. Good luck."

As I packed up to leave, Elena slapped me across the face. I was about to fight back when Ryan arrived.

Elena tearfully complained, "Ryan, the coworkers found out about Nat's father. I tried to defend her, but she called me a busybody and said my parents deserved to die. I lost control and hit her."

Without a word, Ryan grabbed my throat in front of everyone.

As I struggled for air, a vague memory flashed. Years ago, a debt collector had done the same to force me to repay money.

Back then, Ryan had torn that man's arm off, swearing no one would ever lay a finger on me again.

Now, everything had changed. After Elena's relentless pleading, Ryan finally loosened his grip as if granting a favor. He gave me a cold look and said, "Kneel and apologize to El right now. Don't forget who's been supporting you all these years."

I kneeled quietly outside the manager's office until late into the night.

Before leaving, I propped up my stiff legs and placed my resignation letter on Ryan's desk.

Ryan invited me into his car as we headed to the party the next day.

After a moment of silence, he said, "I've approved your resignation. Don't try to compete with Elena. As long as you behave, the Carters can support you for life."

I nodded calmly and asked, "What's Mr. Daniel's room number? Take me to see him."