Chapter 3

The air fell silent for a moment.

What met me wasn't rescue, but another sharp slap from Chris.

"You're Ms. Milstein's husband? Then what does that make me? I've been by her side for five years. I've known her for ten. I've never once heard that she's married. You think you can lie to me?"

I spat out a mouthful of blood and forced myself to speak. "We grew up together. I really am her husband."

At the mention of Ella's name, a few of the secretaries hesitated, concern flickering across their faces as if they wanted to stop him.

But Chris waved them off, utterly unconcerned.

"Relax. I know Ms. Milstein better than anyone."

He looked me up and down with open disdain.

My torn clothes lay discarded to the side like rags. I wore no expensive watch, not even a single piece of trendy clothing. The lunch I'd brought was in nothing more than a cheap, common eco bag.

Chris let out a scornful laugh. "Just look at this pathetic man—there's not a single brand-name item on him. How could he possibly be Ms. Milstein's husband?"

I had finally managed to catch a breath when I saw him pick up the medicine.

A terrible sense of dread rose in my chest.

"Blood—he's coughing up blood!" one of the secretaries cried, stepping back in alarm.

My heart began to race. Panic flooded me. Even as blood poured from my mouth in heavy gulps, my eyes remained locked on the medicine in his hand.

"Give it back…"

I lifted my hand weakly, trying to reach for it—but all I felt was another surge of blood spilling from my lips.

Chris glanced at me casually and snapped at the others, "What are you shouting for? It's just a little blood. What's there to be afraid of?"

No one dared speak for me again.

Propping myself up with what little strength I had left, I nearly begged, "Please… give me the medicine back.

"My medicine… the medicine…"

But no one stepped forward to help. They only watched, cold and detached, some with a faint, hidden thrill in their eyes.

Chris simply stood there, watching me for a full ten minutes. At last, I couldn't hold on any longer and collapsed again.

Only then did he take out his phone and dial a number.

I thought he was finally calling an ambulance.

Instead, I heard Ella's voice.

"What is it?"

Her tone was clipped, giving nothing away.

"Ms. Milstein, a man came to the company today, trying to bring you lunch."

Facing her, Chris's manner was completely different from the arrogance he'd shown while beating me. His voice dropped low, almost syrupy.

Ella sounded impatient. "You need to ask me about something like that? What did I hire you for? Handle it yourself."

She hung up without another word.

Chris arched a brow and looked around smugly. "You heard her. Ms. Milstein told me to deal with you."

I tried to cry out for help, but I was too weak to make a sound.

Clicking his dress shoes against the floor, Chris walked toward me step by step.

He planted his shoe on my face, grinding it down. "With how much blood you've lost, even if I took pictures, the platform would flag them as violent content.

"Consider yourself lucky—you've escaped that. But now… it's your face's turn. Without that pretty face, let's see how you seduce Ms. Milstein."

As he spoke, he pulled a utility knife from a cabinet and hovered it over my face.

Just as despair closed in, his phone rang.

It was Ella.

Chris answered immediately.

"I need the documents for that Alpstein project right now. Prepare them at once."

"Yes, Ms. Milstein."

"I'll be at the company shortly…"