Chapter 243

"Nina!"

Andrew kicked open the bathroom door. His pupils constricted at the sight before him.

Nicole lay in a pool of blood, her left wrist bearing a gruesome gash that still oozed crimson. A blood-stained eyebrow razor rested nearby, its scarlet glare searing into his nerves.

He snatched a towel to wrap around Nicole and carried her out in a frantic rush.

In the private hospital corridor, Andrew stared at the emergency room's red light, his knuckles whitening. The doctor said five minutes later would have been too late.

"It's all Susan's fault..." He ground out the name between clenched teeth.

At dawn, Nicole was wheeled out of surgery. Jenny arrived to tend to her. Andrew turned on his heel—he had a debt to collect.

Susan awoke to golden sunlight.

Her fingers brushed the empty space beside her, lips curving unconsciously. The diamond ring on her left hand sparkled, its pink rose carving lifelike in the morning glow.

She recognized this ring. Four years ago, she'd seen its design in Andrew's apartment. She never thought he'd actually have it made.

Humming in the kitchen, Susan prepared lunch. The turn of the door lock made her pulse quicken.

"Andy!" She spun around eagerly, but her smile froze.

Andrew stood in the doorway, his eyes churning with a fury she'd never witnessed.

"I made your favorite..." Her voice trailed off.

Those same eyes that had brimmed with tenderness last night now held nothing but murderous ice.