Chapter 4

“Call the police...” she managed to utter two words, “Proceed according to the law...” Lawrence suddenly let out a cold laugh, leaning over her hospital bed. His handsome face mere inches away, yet cold enough to send shivers down her spine, “Have you forgotten who I am? The head of the Rodriguez Group. Do you really think the police will take your case?” He straightened up, slowly adjusting his cuffs: “With me here, it's useless even if you call the mayor's office.” “Stop it, I’ve told you, I’ll get bored with Cynthia in a few months. Don’t keep targeting her.” After saying that, he turned and left. As the ward door closed, her tears finally broke free. Amity bit her lip tightly to stop herself from crying out, but her trembling shoulders betrayed her pain. For several days, Lawrence didn't show up again. Until the day of discharge, he suddenly appeared. “Get in the car.” He stood at the ward door, his tone not allowing rejection. Amity silently got into the car but noticed it wasn't heading home. “Where are we going?” she asked. “The cruise ship.” Lawrence held the steering wheel with one hand and loosened his tie with the other. “We’re having a birthday party for Cynthia today. You need to apologize to her.” Amity turned to look at him sharply. “Apologize to her?!” “She’s been cold toward me these past few days,” Lawrence glanced at her, his brows furrowed. “It’s definitely because she’s blaming herself for hitting you.” “Lawrence!” Amity’s voice trembled. “I was the one who was hit! I’m the one with broken ribs!” Squeak— The sharp sound of brakes pierced the silence. Lawrence slammed on the brakes and turned to look at Amity. The neon lights outside the window cast a harsh outline on his angular face. “Amity,” he said in a low voice, his tone carrying an unyielding sense of pressure, “Your grandmother is still in the hospital, isn't she?” “If you don't want her to find out about us, just do as I say.” Amity stared at him in disbelief. Was he really threatening her with her grandmother? Had he forgotten three years ago, he had knelt before her grandmother, tears welling in his eyes, begging the old woman to entrust her granddaughter to him? Back then, he had spoken so eloquently— “Grandmother, I will protect Amity with my life. I will never let her suffer a little in her life.” But now? Amity bit her lower lip until she tasted blood, then released it. She turned her face away, gazing out the window at the rapidly receding cityscape, her voice barely audible: “…Alright.” … The cruise ship was ablaze with lights, and the champagne tower shimmered under the dazzling crystal chandeliers. Cynthia was surrounded by a group of close friends, her snow-white skin glowing in her white evening gown, her smile radiant and charming. “Mr. Rodriguez is so good to you,” a girl in a pink dress said enviously, “This birthday party is so extravagant!” “Yes,” another girl agreed, “We're all here because of you!” Cynthia blushed shyly, her fingertips gently caressing the priceless diamond necklace around her neck: “Don't say that. Mr. Rodriguez is already married, and his wife is our teacher." “So what if he's married?” someone scoffed, “He only has you in his heart now” “Exactly,” another girl added with a smile, “This marriage is already a sham!” Lawrence walked over, his tall figure casting a long shadow in the light. He seemed not to hear the gossip, only looking at Amity, his voice calm: “Go and apologize.” Under everyone's gaze, Amity took slow steps toward Cynthia, her high heels clacking on the deck, each step feeling like it was crushing her own heart. “Professor?” Cynthia's eyes widened in surprise, her red lips parting. “Why are you here?” Amity clenched her palms tightly, her eyes red. “I'm sorry... I shouldn't have bumped into you, making you feel guilty for days.”