Chapter 102

"Nicole Capra, what the hell are you trying to do?"

A sinister smile curled at Nicole's lips. "Susan Thompson, I'm merely asking for your opinion. Tell me, how should I send Ethan Sullivan to his grave? Drug injection? Surgical accident? Or... should I make him bleed out right before your eyes?"

Susan trembled violently. "Don't you dare touch him! Come at me if you have the guts!"

Nicole's stiletto pressed cruelly against Susan's chest. "Killing you outright would be too boring. I want you to watch everyone you care about disappear, one by one."

"You're insane!" Susan struggled helplessly.

Nicole's phone suddenly rang. She answered impatiently, then paled.

"Andrew Lucas is back? With Nathan Foster?" She gritted her teeth and hung up. "Lucky you."

Susan exhaled in relief. With Andrew here, Ethan was safe—for now.

After Nicole stormed off, Susan leaned against the wall, struggling to stand. She glanced toward the hospital room and whispered, "Ethan, please get better soon."

The audition was held on the top floor of Sullivan Tower.

Susan wore light makeup, her bruises expertly concealed. When she entered, all eyes turned to her.

Nicole scoffed. "An extra dares to compete for the endorsement?"

Candy Wilson stood beside Vincent King, radiating confidence. Andrew appeared to accompany Nicole, yet his gaze never left Susan.

The audition required performing a tragic love story: an innocent girl loses her family, transforms into a vengeful seductress, and ultimately sacrifices herself for love.

When Susan's turn came, she discovered her prepared heels were broken.

"What happened?" a staff member panicked. "These were the last backup pair."

Susan took a deep breath. "It's fine. I'll perform barefoot."

As the music began, she stepped onto the stage, her bare feet meeting the cold floor. The crimson gown swirled with every turn, each movement carrying desperate beauty.

When the scene called for dancing with her lover's lifeless body, Ethan's face flashed before Susan's eyes. Silent tears fell as she spun like a phoenix rising from flames.

The final note faded. The room fell silent.

Suddenly, the doors burst open. Ethan staggered in, covered in blood. "Susan, stop! There are needles in the shoes!"

She looked down. Her feet were already stained red. The broken heels had concealed razor-thin silver needles.

"Ethan..." Darkness swallowed her vision as she collapsed into familiar arms.

Ethan held her tightly, roaring at the stunned crowd, "Who did this?!"

Nicole turned pale, backing away. Andrew blocked her path. "Care to explain, Nicole?"

Chaos erupted. Before losing consciousness, Susan heard Ethan whisper, "This time, I'll protect you."