Chapter 3

Madeline moved with astonishing speed.

In no time, the door to the storage room was kicked open from the outside.

Madeline stormed in with four black-clad bodyguards, exuding an intimidating aura.

She immediately noticed the blood at the corner of my mouth, my disheveled collar, and my pitiful figure huddled in the corner.

Her face turned pale as she rushed to my side.

I shook my head at her, signaling her to stay silent, and took the bank card she handed me, tossing it toward the woman.

The woman caught the card, carefully checked the password sticker, and finally showed a satisfied expression.

She waved her hand dismissively.

"If the card's fake, I'll find you. Now get out."

Gritting my teeth against the excruciating pain, I staggered out of that revolting place with Madeline's support.

As soon as we reached the door, I whispered my thanks to her.

"Madeline, I'll pay you back soon."

She looked at me with concern.

"The money doesn't matter. What happened to you?"

I forced a smile.

"My brother found himself a great girlfriend. I need to settle things with him."

I took out my phone and dialed the private number of the restaurant's vice president.

He was a trusted ally I had personally recruited, loyal to the Blanc family.

When the call connected, my voice was icy.

"Fire manager Chloe Valentine within ten minutes."

"Or the Blanc family will withdraw all funding immediately."

The vice president's breathing quickened. He sensed the tension in my voice but didn't dare to ask questions.

He stammered his agreement, his voice trembling.

After hanging up, I headed straight to the police station.

With clear logic and a calm tone, I recounted the entire incident to the officer on duty.

After giving my statement, I went to the hospital for a thorough medical examination.

As I looked at the flimsy medical report, my anger burned hotter.

I needed answers.

I wanted Caleb to give me an explanation himself.

My assistant sent me a message: Caleb was at his villa.

My driver and bodyguards were ready, and the convoy sped toward Caleb's villa.

That villa was also a birthday gift from me.

But as we approached the entrance, the deafening sound of music greeted us.

The laughter and chatter of men and women seeped through the windows.

He was throwing a party—no wonder he hadn't been answering his calls.

The villa door was slightly ajar, but I didn't push it open immediately.

A familiar female voice, choked with tears, reached my ears.

It was Chloe.

She was crying to the room full of people, painting herself as the victim of a malicious woman.

"...I just asked her to pay the bill according to the rules, and she threw money in my face, even had me fired..."

"Caleb, she doesn't respect you at all!"

"She's trying to break us apart!"

Inside, Caleb's friends chimed in with support.

Caleb held Chloe, his voice filled with pity.

"Don't worry, baby. I won't let you suffer!"

As if to prove his point, he declared to everyone.

"When I find that woman, I'll make her kneel and apologize!"

His spoiled friends continued to shout threats.

"Caleb, just say the word, and we'll bring her here!"

"Let her know who's in charge around here!"

I couldn't listen anymore and raised my hand to signal.

A bodyguard kicked the villa door open.

The deafening music stopped abruptly, and the noisy laughter vanished.

Dozens of shocked eyes turned toward the entrance.

"No need to look. I'm right here."