Chapter 266

"Nicole Capra, I've given you my heart!" Henry Bartley's eyes burned crimson, his voice hoarse with fury.

"I've done everything for you these years. Is this how you repay me?"

Nicole had never seen Henry like this. The man she remembered was always docile as a lamb, but now he roared like an enraged lion.

Her nails dug into her palms until crescent marks formed. Swallowing her anger, she summoned tears that spilled instantly.

"Henry, you're wrong about me..." Her voice trembled violently.

"I admit my past mistakes, but this time—it wasn't my choice!"

"Zachary Quinn drugged me!" Nicole sobbed pitifully. "When I woke up, I was already... already..."

The veins on Henry's phone-clutching hand bulged. The video footage tortured him, yet her swollen red eyes melted his resolve.

"Swear it," he rasped.

"I swear!" Nicole threw herself against his chest. "How could that old man compare to you? Why would I ever—"

Her words pleased him. He inhaled deeply, gently patting her back.

"When I reached the bar, it was too late..." Nicole hiccuped between sobs. "His wife stormed in with her friends, called me a homewrecker... They beat me, even..."

She rolled up her sleeve, revealing horrific bruises. Henry's pupils contracted, his heart aching beyond measure.

"The whole internet hates me..." Nicole hyperventilated through tears. "But I'm the victim here!"

Henry fully relented. Cradling her face, he wiped her tears. "Don't be afraid. I'm here."

"How can you protect me?" Nicole suddenly shoved him away. "My life is over! Just let me die!"

She feigned a dash toward the wall. Henry seized her in a desperate embrace.

"I'll fix this!" His voice shook. "Even if it costs my life, I'll help you!"

Nicole smirked against his shoulder, though her voice remained broken. "There's only one way now..."

Lifting tearful eyes, she studied the man enslaved by her charms. The fish had taken the bait.