Chapter 180

Susan's fingernails dug deep into her palms.

She thought she had grown strong enough, but his cruel words still made her heart tremble as if being sliced by a blunt knife.

"Mr. Lucas sure enjoys meddling." She tilted her chin up with a dazzling smile. "What? Want to take a number too?"

"Susan!"

Andrew slammed her against the wall, his knuckles turning white. "Are you this desperate? Willing to climb into Alexander Grant's bed just for an endorsement deal?"

"I pale in comparison to you, Mr. Lucas." She laughed lightly, brushing off his hand. "After all, you're the one who couldn't even spare your own sister."

Andrew's eyes darkened instantly.

A low chuckle escaped his lips, venomous as a poisoned blade scraping against her nerves.

"Playing the chaste virgin?" He leisurely pulled out his wallet and threw banknotes at her face. "This should cover your nightly rate."

The sharp edges of the bills left stinging trails on her cheeks.

Susan bit her lower lip until it bled.

Her peripheral vision caught the vase on the coffee table. The urge to smash it over his head nearly overwhelmed her.

But as her fingers touched the cold porcelain, they went limp.

The vase shattered on the floor.

"Having second thoughts?" Andrew gripped her chin. "Saving your purity for Alexander Grant? Do you even deserve him?"

He leaned in, his breath scalding. "You took the money. Now serve your client properly."

Susan trembled violently.

Pain shot through her ankle. Her eyes burned, but she turned away, refusing to let him see her vulnerability.

The movement enraged Andrew.

"Look at me!" He forcibly turned her face, only to freeze when he saw fresh blood seeping through the bandage on her hand.

Last night's wound had reopened.

Andrew's chest heaved violently.

Cursing viciously, he instinctively reached for the first aid kit. As he turned, he spotted the medical bag by the couch—its bandages already unwrapped. Susan's left hand bore fresh dressing.

Alexander had been here.

The realization brought both relief and fury. Relief that she hadn't slept with anyone, fury that another man had touched her.

"Don't move!" he barked when she tried to stand.

Susan sneered. "Want another round, Mr. Lucas?"

"I said don't move!" He rummaged for ointment but halted at her defensive glare.

During their standoff, Susan twisted her injured ankle and collapsed heavily onto the floor.

Andrew lunged forward but stopped short at her rejecting stare.

"Get out." She pulled herself up using the wall, voice hoarse. "I'll return your money. Now disappear."

Dismissed again.

Veins bulged at Andrew's temples. His gaze locked onto her bloodless lips before he finally kicked over the coffee table and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.