Chapter 4
“Call the cops…” Stephanie whispered, struggling to get the words out. “Let the law handle it…”
Edgar sneered and leaned down, placing his hands on both sides of her bed. His indifferent face was so close. “Have you forgotten who I am? I run the Ferguson Group. Do you think the cops will take your case?”
He straightened up and casually fixed his sleeves. “Even if you got the mayor involved, it’s still useless.
“Just drop it. I’ll lose interest in Amelia after a few months. Stop going after her.”
With that, he turned around and walked out. As the door shut behind him, Stephanie finally broke down.
She bit her lip to keep from crying out loud, but her shaking shoulders gave her away.
Edgar didn’t visit again for days.
Then, on the day she was getting released, he suddenly appeared.
“Get in.” He stood at the ward door, his voice leaving no room for discussion.
Stephanie got into the car in silence. But soon, she realized they weren’t headed home.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“To the cruise ship,” Edgar answered, one hand on the wheel and the other tugging his tie loose. “Today is Amelia’s birthday. We’re throwing
15:03
Chapter 4
her a party. You’re going to apologize.”
11 HAN
Stephanie stared at him like he’d lost it. “You want me to apologize to her?!”
“She’s been distant these past few days.” He glanced at her, frowning. “She probably feels guilty about hitting you.”
“Edgar!” Her voice cracked. “I’m the one who got hit! I ended up with broken ribs!”
Squeak!
The loud screech of tires shattered the quiet.
Edgar hit the brakes hard and shot a look at Stephanie.
Outside the window, bright neon lights painted his sharp features, making him look distant and unapproachable.
“Stephanie.” His voice was low but carried a sense of oppression. “Your grandmother is still in the hospital, right?
“If you don’t want her hearing about this, then just do what I said.”
Stephanie stared at him, stunned.
Was he seriously using her grandmother to threaten her?
Did he forget how he’d knelt before her grandmother three years ago in tears, pleading for a chance to be with her?
He’d said nice things back then.
“I’ll protect Stephanie with my life. I’ll never let anything bad happen to her.”
But what about now?
Chapter 4
Stephanie bit on her lip so hard that she tasted blood before she let go.
She turned to the window, watching the streetlights blur past. Her voice was barely a whisper. “…Fine.”
***
The cruise ship was glowing with lights, and the tower of champagne glasses sparkled under the huge crystal chandelier.
Amelia stood at the center of a crowd. Her white dress made her skin glow, and her smile was charming.
“Mr. Ferguson treats you so nicely,” one girl in pink said, eyeing her with envy. “This party is insane!”
“Exactly,” another chimed in. “We wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for
you.”
Amelia gave a bashful laugh and looked down, gently touching the diamond necklace that cost a fortune. “Come on, don’t say that. Mr. Ferguson is already married, and his wife is our teacher.”
“So what?” someone scoffed. “He clearly only cares about you now.”
“Yea“,” another girl added with a giggle, “That marriage is just for show at this point.”
Just then, Edgar stepped into the scene. His tall frame cast a long shadow under the lights.
He ignored all the gossip, looked right at Stephanie, and said lightly, “Go apologize.”
Everyone stared as Stephanie made her way over to Amelia. Her heels clunked against the deck with every step, each one heavier than the last. It felt like she was stomping on her heart.
15.025
Chapter 4
“Ms. Sanchez?” Amelia blinked, surprised. “What brings you here?”
11 248 Misasters
Stephanie’s fingers dug into her palm. Her eyes were red. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been hit by your car and made you feel guilty for days.”
15.03
Chapter 5
