Chapter 4

Archibald had always been a gentleman, never raising his voice in arguments, much less his fists. But today was different. He struck his girlfriend.

Seeing his hesitation, Egbert squinted threateningly. "I remember you're up for a promotion next month. Either do as I say, or don't think about the promotion."

Perhaps it was the thought of all the late nights he'd worked over the years that hardened his resolve.

With all his might, Archibald slapped me across the face, causing the left side of my face to swell visibly.

I stared at him in disbelief.

"Come on, stop wasting everyone's time. Once you talk, you're off the hook. Any more delays and others will suffer because of you," Archibald said impatiently, frowning.

A wave of humiliation washed over me.

"I've told you. I don't know anything. Avery's old enough to go wherever she wants without telling me. I'm just a decoy she uses to fool idiots!"

I was disgusted by the stupidity of the people around me.

Glaring fiercely at Egbert, I said, "So whatever Avery says goes? Can't you discern right from wrong? How are you fit to inherit such a large corporation with that intelligence? You're just lucky."

A sweet, metallic taste filled my mouth. I spat out blood and casually wiped my mouth with my sleeve. "Did you start speaking later than other kids? A rich kid like you was raised with all the best resources, yet outsmarted by a country girl who didn't even finish high school. If I were your mother, I would've disowned you."

Egbert was momentarily stunned, then retorted, "Shut the fuck up! Avery has been nice to you, yet you bad-mouth your best friend behind her back?"

"Do you have no shame?"

I scoffed, "I wonder who's really shameless. Nowadays, even regular jobs require background checks, and you don't even know your own wife has changed her name? Her parents didn't attend your wedding, and you never wondered why?"

Egbert, infuriated, snapped, "Our personal matters are none of your concern."

"Then what are you doing in my house?"

He was left speechless by my retort, but Archibald stepped forward and slapped me hard again.

"If you keep this up, we're breaking up."

Egbert looked down on me triumphantly.

"Then let's break up. You think you're so special? I can barely stand the sight of you." I turned and went to the bedroom, grabbed clothes, makeup, as well as letters Archibald had given me, and threw them at him.

"Take your stuff and get out of my house."

Archibald's face turned red with anger. "Fine, I'll return all the junk you gave me, and we'll end this relationship for good!"

He turned and walked out.

Just then, an ill-timed ringtone sounded from the bedroom.

My heart skipped a beat. It was my backup phone.

But it wasn't time to reveal that. Not yet.

Egbert quickly headed towards my bedroom. I also got up, attempting to reach my phone before him.

But he was much faster, easily snatching the phone from in front of me.

As he flipped through the phone, he taunted, "Didn't expect you to have another phone."

I quickly looked around, grabbed a decorative vase from the window, and smashed it on Egbert's head.

Egbert fell to the ground in pain. I snatched the phone and threw it out the window.

But his bodyguard caught it with a steady hand.