Chapter 6

Someone shouted for Bradley to drop the knife. The tension in the room was razor-sharp. Then, from downstairs, came the wail of police sirens. Gregory raised a hand and laughed. "Hey, it's a lawful country. There's no need for knives and blood. We were just joking around. Come on, guys. How could you rough up such a pretty woman? Let her go already." The crowd parted on instinct. The moment Caroline fell into Bradley's arms, her body gave out. Her vision blurred, and everything went black. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself in a hospital bed. The hospital room was empty and still. It was so quiet that she could hear the muffled voices coming from the hallway outside. "Brad, didn't we agree that Caroline was supposed to take Crystal's place as payback? She's Edmund's precious daughter. If he finds out that a group of men assaulted his favorite daughter, he'll go insane. "He'll come after whoever's behind it, and the two families will tear each other apart. We'd be killing two birds with one stone. "But why did you change your mind? Calling the cops was already doing her a favor. But you? You stormed in and trashed Gregory's place. If the police hadn't shown up, you'd be dead right now. "Do you think Gregory's just going to let that slide? You risked everything for your enemy's daughter. Have you lost your mind?" Bradley flicked ash from his cigarette without saying a single word. The men exchanged uneasy looks until one finally spoke. "Brad, don't tell me that you've fallen for Caroline. Her dad killed your father in that car crash, remember? You spent years plotting your revenge, and now you're in love with his daughter?" Caroline clapped a hand over her mouth to stop the sound that almost escaped. "No! It can't be true. Dad couldn't have killed anyone!" she thought. Although Edmund was a businessman, he was a man of principle—honorable, fair, and never one to abuse his power. He had treated Bradley like a son all these years, never favoring his own children over him. She didn't think that a man like that could be a murderer. The voices outside faded into a dull hum, drowned out by the ringing in her ears. Tears slipped silently down her cheeks. Just then, footsteps approached. Caroline quickly wiped her face and shut her eyes. A second later, the door opened. She could feel Bradley's gaze burning into her from beside the bed. After a long pause, he leaned down and brushed a fingertip across the corner of her eye. Caroline rolled onto her side, hiding her face in the pillow to soak up the tears she couldn't hold back. She wouldn't believe anyone again until she uncovered the truth herself. Her injuries weren't serious. Early the next morning, Bradley discharged her and drove her home. The moment the door opened, Caroline froze. Sitting on the couch was the woman she had seen in his arms at the hospital. Chloe called out warmly as she waved Caroline over. "You're back, Carol! This is Crystal Hall, my best friend's daughter. Her mom's in the hospital, and since we live close by, I told her to stay with us for a while." Crystal Hall politely rose to her feet. "Hello, Caroline. I'm sorry for intruding." Caroline's gaze lingered on Crystal's face for a second before she nodded lightly. When breakfast was ready, everyone took their seats as usual. Chloe and Crystal chatted animatedly about the past, laughing together. Caught up in the conversation, Chloe suddenly laughed as if she had remembered something. "Oh, that reminds me! Crystal and Brad were actually promised to each other when they were children..."