Chapter 4

The moment Sebastian saw the syringe in Tracy's hand, his expression darkened completely. The bodyguards reacted at once, stepping in from both sides to seize Tracy's arms. Tracy opened her mouth and tried to explain instinctively, "She struck first. I was just defending myself…" However, Sebastian didn't spare Tracy another glance. He walked straight to the hospital bed, pulled Whitney into his arms, and soothed her gently. "Are you hurt?" Whitney shook her head, then said helplessly, "It's my fault too. I wanted to play a game with Ms. Sullivan, but I didn't expect her to react like that…" Sebastian's gaze flicked to the shattered syringe on the floor. When he looked up again, his voice was calm as he issued an order, "Go get me a new syringe." Then, he turned back to Whitney and gently stroked her hair. His tone was soft yet unmistakably possessive. "If you want to play, why not play with me? Why let someone else keep you company?" Whitney beamed instantly. "You're the best, Seb." Only Tracy stood frozen at the side, her heart sinking straight to the bottom. When the nurse actually brought over a fresh syringe, she could no longer hold back. "Don't do it, Sebastian. You don't even know what's in that syringe. And besides, you can't stand the smell of blood…" Before she could finish, Sebastian had already taken the syringe and plunged it cleanly into his own arm with practiced ease. Blood welled up at once. His face paled, yet he didn't flinch. All the words were lodged in Tracy's throat. She remembered it clearly. In the two years she had been married to him, she had memorized every detail of his extreme obsession with cleanliness. She knew better than anyone that what he hated most was the smell of blood. Once, she cut her finger while cooking. She thought she had cleaned it thoroughly, yet Sebastian still tasted blood in the food. He went straight to the hospital to have his stomach pumped. He was that sensitive to blood. How could he possibly do this? Yet, it was happening right in front of Tracy, leaving her no room to doubt. Once again, Tracy realized just how far Sebastian's indulgence of Whitney went. When Whitney was finally done playing, Sebastian turned his attention to Tracy, who stood stiffly to the side. He frowned and said with an icy tone, "What were you making such a fuss about? Whit just wanted to play a game with you." His casual dismissal cut deep. Fighting back tears, Tracy said hoarsely, "You think it's a game, but I don't. Sebastian, I have my dignity. You can indulge a mentally ill person who lays hands on you, but I can't!" Sebastian said nothing at first, simply staring at her for a long time. Under his dark gaze, Tracy felt a chill creep over her skin. She sensed it immediately. He was angry. All because Tracy had called Whitney mentally ill in front of her. He signaled the bodyguards. In the next second, Tracy was forced to her knees, facing Whitney's hospital bed. Even in anger, Sebastian remained composed. In a tone that sounded almost like negotiation, he delivered words more humiliating than any slap. "Ms. Sullivan, how much would it take to buy that precious dignity of yours? One million? Or two million? "I forgot. You don't need money. You're desperate for love. After all… your parents only ever loved your younger brother." Watching Tracy's face contort in pain, he even chuckled softly, the mockery unmistakable. "If money isn't the issue, how about those photos of you in the shower?" Tracy's entire body jolted. She clenched her teeth, her eyes blazing red. Back then, Sebastian appeared as her savior when she was at her lowest. She believed she was finally saved. So, she bared her wounds and begged for comfort, only to end up here. Her heart hurt so badly that it had gone numb. She smiled through her tears, lifting her chin even as she was forced down. "There's a real estate contract in my bag. Sign it and I'll agree to play with her." Sebastian glanced at the bag on the table, his brow creasing almost imperceptibly. He never touched things other people had handled. However, the next second, Whitney reached right in, rummaged through it to find the contract, flipped to the signature page, and placed it in front of Sebastian. "Seb, she'll play with me if you sign this. Hurry, sign it!" Sebastian smiled. Without hesitation, he took the document and signed his name at the bottom without even looking. Tracy watched, her lips curving into a bitter smile. How could she forget? Sebastian was obsessed with cleanliness and would never touch things that others had handled. However, Whitney was someone he loved, the exception to every rule. How could she be considered a stranger? After signing, Sebastian was about to look through the document, as was his habit. If he did, he would realize immediately that it was not a real estate contract at all but a divorce agreement between him and Tracy. However, at that exact moment, Whitney leaned in and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Seb." Sebastian froze. His ears reddened, and the man who was always cold and distant actually showed a flash of shy innocence. Desire, which Tracy had never once received in their two years of marriage, was laid bare in his eyes. It was clear as day—this was what Sebastian looked like when he truly loved someone. Tracy found it ridiculous. She should've cried at this moment, but her eyes were dry and burning. Not a single tear would fall. "Seb, I want to take a shower. But the doctor said I shouldn't be exposed to the cold. It'd be better if someone stayed with me… Will you come with me?" Whitney asked. Sebastian swallowed hard. His instinct was to refuse, but Whitney quickly kissed his cheek again. He hesitated. Catching sight of Tracy standing there numbly, he finally seemed to remember her existence. "But didn't you still want to play with her?" Whitney pouted. "Send her away. I only want to be with you today!" His voice softened. "You really leave me with no choice." Then, he said, "Whit doesn't want to play with you today. Go home. And be more mindful of your behavior next time." He didn't look at Tracy, but his sudden cold tone made it clear exactly who he was speaking to. Tracy smiled silently, mocking her own arrogance and the man she used to love. She turned and paced out like a walking corpse. Behind her, Sebastian glanced in her direction, an unfamiliar flicker of unease stirring in his chest. Maybe he had gone too far today. It didn't matter. He would make it up to her another day. No one expected that the very next day, a video taken from the hospital ward would hit the news. The headline caused a storm: "Mr. Halston Injures Wife for Lover: A Shocking Scandal Exposed. She's The Mistress."