Family

"Let me have access to your body in an intimate way, and I'll help you get your revenge," he proposed. 

Stunned was an understatement to Crescentia's reaction. It felt like the world had paused as she continued to stare at Damian, hoping either she woke up from her nightmare, or he would laugh and dismiss what he said by claiming it was a joke. 

However, he looked way too serious for it to simply just be a joke. His stoic expression made it almost impossible for her to breathe. 

"So, what do you say?" He asked when she went silent for too long. 

'He's serious?' She wondered. 

Just like the night of the family dinner, last night was supposed to be the last time they were supposed to see each other. But here he was, making up another excuse to keep her by his side. 

"I'm sorry but I'm not some prostitute," she replied, an edge to her tone because just as shocked as she was, she also felt insulted for the way he instructed her to stay by his side and satisfy his lust. 

A smirk stretched on Damian's lips. "Oh really now? Wasn't that how we met? You came to my house as a hooker," he reminded, and the words bit into Crescentia's skin. 

If she could turn back time, she wouldn't have done that. Being reminded of how she sold her body made her blood boil. 

"Also, you'll need protection because once you leave this hospital and your uncle finds out that you're alive, he's going to come after you. He won't stop until he's gotten rid of you," he added, and Crescentia's fist clenched around the bed cloth. 

She'd always suspected Magnus was the one who killed her parents, but planning her accident gave a waking-up call that he was far more dangerous than she'd presumed. He could easily eliminate her whenever he wanted. 

"Let's not even get down to how I saved your life."

His words earned him a glare from Crescentia. 

"I don't owe you for that. I'm sure many people on that street could have helped me," she retorted. 

"Of course. They would call the ambulance and wait for half an hour before they arrived. By that time, your soul would already be shaking hands with your creator. Of course." His sarcastic tone was something Crescentia hadn't experienced before, however, she couldn't admit he was right. He saved her, and she owed him for that. 

But there was no way she was going to repay him with her body. 

"I'm not going to—"

"Noella," Damian mentioned, and all the fiber in Crescentia's system stiffened. "Once Magnus successfully gets rid of you, do you think he would spare your little sister?"

Damian felt satisfied when he saw her strong barrier-breaking. She was just about to reject his proposal but mentioning Noella instantly got her reconsidering. 

'How can someone love a sibling so dearly?' He couldn't help but wonder. 

Crescentia's heart nearly flew out of her chest at the thought of Magnus going after Noella. She was just a ten-year-old girl whose life had barely even begun. 

The image of Magnus murdering Noella made shivers run down Crescentia's spine and Damian's smirk only stretched further when he saw he got her on a hook. 

"I'll give you two days to consider my proposal. Just remember, I can give you all the protection you need and help you however way you want to get back at them. But if you decide to refuse my offer, that's still fine by me, but then you won't only be putting your life at stake, but your sister's too." Then he left the room, letting Crescentia's mind flood with her thoughts. 

Crescentia released the breath she didn't know she'd been holding the entire time. 

She reached for her phone that was placed right next to her bed. The screen was damaged due to the impact of the accident, but it worked. 

Crescentia immediately called Clara because she knew the latter would be freaking out. 

By the time Clara arrived at the hospital, it was already nighttime. 

"I was already so worried about you. I even filed a missing person report," Clara lamented as she held onto Crescentia's hand, her icy blue eyes filled with tears while her smooth face was stained with tears. 

"You're such a crybaby," Crescentia teased. 

"Shut up." Clara wiped her tears. "I came here in a hurry when you said you were at the hospital," she added, pulling the basket of fruits. 

Having Clara by her side removed the weight of what Damian had said earlier but she needed to inform Clara. 

Taking a deep breath, she informed Clara of what had transpired after the car crash. Who saved her and Damian's proposal? 

The way Clara's face instantly darkened was something Crescentia could swear she hadn't seen before. It felt like she wasn't looking at Clara anymore, who was mostly bubbly and filled with smiles. Clara was furious, more than furious. 

"I'll be right back," Clara said. Without waiting for Crescentia to say anything, she pushed the fruit basket away and left the room, shocking Crescentia. 

"Clara!" She called but Clara was already out of sight. 

Outside the hospital, Clara made a phone call. "Is Damian Lorenzo at the club?"

When the person from the other side gave a positive reply, Clara pocketed her phone and hailed a cab. 

When she arrived at the club, she instantly sighted Damian in his usual booth with his business clients. 

"That son of a bitch!" She cursed under her breath as she walked towards them. 

Damian sighted her almost immediately and gave her a questionable look. 

"I'm sorry for disrupting your conversation," she apologized firsthand. "But may I speak with you, Mr. Lorenzo?"

After a few seconds, Damian replied. "Of course."

He excused himself and they left for a private corner. 

Clara glared at him, and it instantly reminded him of someone in particular. "I'm going to be clear with you. I want you to leave Crescentia alone."