She Had Betrayed Her Own Dignity

The sharp pain coursed through Aurelia's body, making her stiffen and freeze in place.

Tears flowed uncontrollably, wetting the blindfold that still covered her eyes.

She hated herself.

She had betrayed her own dignity. The shame mixed with the pain, but she gritted her teeth and forced herself to stay silent.

It's just a moment, she thought. Just one horrible moment to endure. Tomorrow, everything will begin anew.

"Why? Can't handle it already?" the man sneered, his voice cold and detached, void of any humanity. "Women outside who take money for this kind of thing know how to put on a proper act. So, who are you trying to fool?"

The cruelty in his tone was like a knife twisting in her chest. She bit down hard on her lower lip, fighting the urge to lash out.

Was this man sent by him?

It almost felt deliberate, the way he tortured her, compared her to women on the streets who sold their bodies to survive.

But deep down, she knew she wasn't any different. She had traded her flesh and dignity for money, just like them.

The only difference was the price tag.

She had no idea how long it had lasted.

At some point, the pain and exhaustion overwhelmed her, and she drifted into unconsciousness.

When she woke again, the blindfold had been removed. The sunlight streaming through the window stung her eyes.

Morning had come, but the bed beside her was cold and empty. The man had left long ago.

Aurelia sat up slowly, her body aching all over. In front of her was a massive mirror, reflecting the disarray in the room.

Her face burned with shame as she saw the torn pieces of her dress scattered across the floor.

The urge to leave the room immediately consumed her. She couldn't stand to remain in this place a moment longer.

Picking up the shredded remains of her expensive dress, she let out a frustrated sigh. It was beyond repair.

She tossed it aside and reached for her bag, hoping to call for help.

To her surprise, her bag was already placed neatly on the table. Underneath it was a fresh set of clothes.

She picked up the clothing and held it against herself. The size seemed perfect, as though it had been chosen just for her.

As she unfolded it, a small object fell out, a packet of white pills wrapped in tinfoil, with a sticky note attached.

The note read, "Be well!" in a bold, flamboyant script.

Aurelia's lips curled into a bitter sneer. She ripped the note to shreds, crushed it in her hand, and threw it into the trash.

Without hesitation, she unwrapped the pills and swallowed them dry, enduring the bitter taste.

Her thoughts were cold and calculated.

At least they had one thing in common, neither of them wanted anything lingering from this encounter.

She had planned to buy the pills herself, but of course, he had already anticipated it. He was a rich man, after all.

Probably afraid she'd come knocking on his door if something went wrong.

Slipping on the clothes he had left, Aurelia grabbed her sunglasses from her bag and walked out of the room without a single glance back.

She exited the most luxurious five-star hotel in Everstone Hill and headed straight for her next battlefield.

Kingcrest International

The towering glass building of Kingcrest International stood as a symbol of power and success in Everstone Hill.

In recent years, it had risen to prominence, overshadowing the Prescott family's once-glorious legacy.

But what stung most was the identity of the man behind it all, Alexandrez Kings.

Aurelia's heart clenched with bitterness as memories flooded back.

Alexandrez Kings, the man she had loved for ten years, had been her family's downfall.

Her father had once brought him home from the orphanage, raising him as his own.

Now, that same man was the reason her father lay in a hospital bed, clinging to life.

Shaking off the painful memories, Aurelia straightened her back and entered the building.

The receptionist looked up, her professional smile faltering when she recognized Aurelia.

The Prescott name had become a laughingstock in Everstone Hill, and Aurelia was the center of it all.

"I'm here to see Alexandrez Kings" Aurelia said coldly, removing her sunglasses.

The receptionist's polite demeanor vanished, replaced by thinly veiled mockery. "I'm sorry, Miss, but President Kings is extremely busy. Without an appointment, you won't be able to see him."

The receptionist's tone was dismissive, but Aurelia refused to back down. She had no time for games.

"Then schedule an appointment for me," Aurelia said sharply, her patience already wearing thin.

"Of course, Miss. Let me check his availability," the receptionist replied, feigning politeness.

Minutes dragged into ten. Still, the receptionist continued to "search," her expression indifferent.

"Have you found anything yet?" Aurelia demanded, her frustration boiling over.

The receptionist smirked. "Ah, I see. President Kings's schedule is fully booked until October next year. What do you think?"

Aurelia's jaw tightened. She knew the receptionist was toying with her.

There was no way a mere front desk worker had access to Alexandrez's schedule.

Anger simmering beneath her composed exterior, Aurelia turned toward the elevator, determined to find him herself.

But before she could take another step, the receptionist rushed forward, blocking her path.

"Get out of my way!" Aurelia snapped, her voice icy with rage.