Chapter 4

The gash on my shoulder split apart even more because of my strenuous activities. Blood gushed out from the open wound, but I didn't even wince at the pain.

Jonah, whom I was dragging along by the wrist, looked down at my shoulder that was bleeding profusely with no signs of stopping. His lips trembled, but in the end, he just averted his gaze.

"I'll… I'll compensate you for what happened today in the future," he muttered, his words sounding as much like a promise as an attempt to comfort himself.

Compensation?

I barked out a silent, bitter laugh.

"We stopped having a future together a long time ago, Jonah," I thought to myself.

…

The York family's crucial business deal was scheduled to take place the next day. The location was a private port in Southglade.

The wound on my shoulder was tended to and wrapped up in thick layers of bandages. However, it was impossible to tell that I was even injured after I put on a crisp, black suit.

Jonah was uncharacteristically quiet during the ride toward the port. He was probably feeling guilty for what happened, considering how his gaze would occasionally stray in my direction. His eyes shone with an inexplicably complicated emotion before he hastily looked away.

Meanwhile, Rose looked like a triumphant peacock as she lounged by Jonah's side. Her eyes glimmered with arrogance and unbridled provocation when she looked at me.

I ignored her and focused all my attention on the mission. Although there had been ups and downs during this particular business deal in my past life, it had ultimately come to a close without any real danger.

But many things had already veered off their original course in this life because of the changes I'd made. I couldn't afford to let my guard down.

Both parties had agreed to meet in a massive warehouse at the end of the port for the business deal.

The other party, Black Crows, was a local gang that was notorious for its ruthless methods.

I immediately sensed that something was amiss from the moment we stepped into the warehouse.

It was too quiet, and the faint scent of rust permeated the air.

"Wait… It's a trap!" I hissed before swiftly shoving Jonah in the direction of the escape route that I had secured beforehand. "Leave now and don't look back!"

The warehouse's huge shutters dropped down with a deafening bang the moment the words left my lips, cutting off all escape routes.

Dozens of muscular thugs who were armed to the teeth swarmed out from behind the containers, surrounding Rose and me.

Their leader was a man with a scarred face. He languidly clapped his hands as a wicked smile stretched across his lips. "Impressive reflexes, Ms. Lily Stenson. Unfortunately, you're too late."

Rose had never been in such a dangerous situation. Overwhelming fear gripped her heart. The strength fled from her legs, causing her to crumple to the floor.

I calmly scanned my surroundings as the gears in my head whirred rapidly, calculating the possibility of breaking out of the warehouse.

Just then, the voice of Scarface's accomplice resounded from a walkie-talkie that was placed in a corner of the warehouse.

"The fool's so good at following orders, boss! He really came back!"

My heart plummeted into my gut as I whipped around.

Jonah, whom I had just sent away, had returned with a silver briefcase. His face was deathly pale as he stood at the entrance of the warehouse.

"Let go of them," he said shakily, trying his best to stay calm. "I've brought what you asked for."

Scarface snickered. He seized the briefcase and glanced at its contents before nodding in satisfaction. "You truly are a loyal man, Mr. York. However, our boss had a last-minute change of heart."

He pointed at Rose and me and said, "We'll take the briefcase, but only one of them can leave with you. The other one will have to stay behind to act as a punching bag for us to express our anger for our fallen comrades."

Once again, Jonah had to choose between Rose and me.

Rose immediately leaped up from the floor and shouted, "Forget about me, Jonah! Take Lily with you and leave this place now! Lily's an excellent fighter. She can protect you even when I'm no longer around. She can definitely save you if you get stuck in a crisis like this again in the future!"

Her voice rang with righteous conviction, making it sound as though she were sacrificing herself for the greater good. However, in reality, every single word that she said was indirectly reminding Jonah that I was strong—that I would survive the encounter if I were left behind.

I didn't look at Rose. Instead, I silently stared at Jonah.

"Who will you choose this time, Jonah?" I asked, my voice ringing clearly through the air.

Jonah's eyes widened upon hearing my words. His entire body trembled as the color drained from his face.