Chapter 173

After all, I wasn't some heartless savage. But I was also no longer the 25-year-old me who used to tiptoe around others. I used to be overly cautious, too afraid of hurting anyone else—but ended up getting hurt myself instead. I stared at Velvet coldly. "I've suffered enough over the years. As long as I can get out of this situation, I'm willing to pay any price." Her gaze wavered, then her expression turned complicated. "You…" "What about me?" "You've really changed," she said hesitantly. "You're… so different from the Elise I used to know." "Is that so?" I smiled. "Let's hope it's a change for the better." She opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say something. But in the end, she remained silent. I knew she was defiant and still resented me, but she had no choice. I'd made my stance clear, and if she had some sense in her, she would understand what I meant. When I reached downstairs, Frederick was already waiting for me. "What did you talk to her about?" he asked,