Chapter 1

"Sweetheart, how about I take you on a trip around the world?" Yale Zane asked, gently stroking Sophie Ward's long hair. There was something in his eyes she couldn't quite read. "We'll start in northern Manchernius. They have the most beautiful jade there."

Sophie was so caught up in the excitement of becoming a bride that she didn't notice anything unusual about his tone. She readily agreed, and Yale happily helped her pack, his eyes full of anticipation.

It wasn't until their plane landed at an airport in northern Manchernius that Sophie discovered someone else had come along: Yvette Lane, the woman Yale had always been in love with.

"Yale, what's the meaning of this?" Sophie tightened her grip on her suitcase handle as she watched Yvette slip her arm through his.

His smile vanished, replaced by a coldness that sent a chill down her spine.

"You didn't actually think I brought you here for a vacation, did you, Sophie? You think I'd really marry you? If it weren't for your family's money, I wouldn't have given you a second glance."

Yvette forcibly snatched Sophie's suitcase away.

"Stop dreaming. I'm the only woman Yale has eyes for. As for you..." Her smile turned cruel. "I'm going to sell you off here in northern Manchernius. You'll disappear for good."

At the mention of northern Manchernius, Sophie went cold all over. Even her voice began to shake.

"Please... I'm begging you, let me go. I'll give you everything my family owns. Just please, don't send me there..."

Seeing her beg only made Yale more vicious. He kicked her to the ground, his face twisting into a cruel grin.

"Scared already? I thought you loved me. Well, if you love me so much, why don't you die for me? That's the only way Yvie and I can finally live without a care in the world."

"That's enough, Yale. Stop wasting your breath on her. The boss is still waiting to inspect the merchandise."

Yvette stood in front of Sophie with a faint smile, unable to conceal the smug satisfaction in her eyes. She reached into her bag and pulled out a syringe, running her fingers along it as though admiring a precious trophy.

"One little shot, and you'll do exactly what you're told."

Her smile grew even colder as she raised the syringe.

"Be a good girl. It'll be over soon."

The needle drew closer, inch by inch. Sophie's breathing grew rapid and uneven, her chest heaving as panic overwhelmed her. Her fingertips had gone icy, yet her palms were slick with cold sweat.

"No... don't..." she whispered, staring at the syringe in Yvette's hand. "Please... I'm begging you... don't..."

Her voice shook with desperation, and soon her entire body was trembling uncontrollably. All her strength suddenly deserted her, leaving her slumped helplessly on the floor.

With every step Yvette took toward her, Sophie felt as though her heart were being crushed underfoot. Her throat tightened as if an invisible hand had closed around it, making even breathing a struggle.

"No! Please! I'm begging you! Don't!"

Terror filled Sophie's eyes as she pleaded desperately and tried to back away. Yet no matter how far she retreated, she couldn't escape the needle.

Its cold tip finally touched her skin, sending a violent shudder through her body. Her breath caught, and for an instant, it felt as though her heart had stopped.

"No... no..." Sophie struggled one last time, but Yvette seized her wrist in a vise-like grip. Her sharp nails dug into Sophie's skin, sending a stab of pain through her arm.

A second later, the needle pierced her skin, and the cold liquid slowly entered her body.

Sophie went limp on the floor in despair. The light in her eyes gradually faded until it disappeared completely.

In the final moment before she lost consciousness, she caught sight of Yvette's triumphant smile. Her eyes were filled with contempt and mockery, as though she were laughing at how helpless Sophie had been to resist.