Chapter 264
"Say this: If I ever go back to Sterling, may my grandmother die a horrible death."
Charles's tone was like a cold, venomous snake.
Willow froze completely. "What did you say?"
On the other end, Charles repeated his words with chilling calm.
Willow's fingers clenched tight. "Charles, do you even hear yourself? What does any of this have to do with my grandmother?"
"How does it not?" Charles laughed coldly. "Willow, only threats involving your grandmother can make you willingly compromise. Isn't that right?"
He knew exactly how to manipulate Willow.
With this oath, even after Maria recovered, the vow would remain a thorn in Willow's heart, keeping her away from Sterling.
"What's wrong? Unwilling to say it?" Charles pressed. "Or is your breakup with Sterling just a ploy to trick me into giving up the heart donor? If that's the case, I'm afraid..."
Charles deliberately drew out his words, the threat unmistakable.
Willow squeezed her eyes shut hard. "Fine. I agree."
She had no other choice. "I swear—if I ever get involved with Sterling again, my grandmother..."
The last phrase hung in the air. Willow fell silent for a long moment before rushing through it.
Charles didn't make it harder for her. "That's more like it. As long as you behave, I'll make sure you and your grandmother stay safe and sound. We'll be just like before."
"Charles..." Willow tried again to urge him to send the heart donor quickly.
Charles cut her off. "I'll have people handle the donor situation. Willow, shouldn't you be concerned about me? I'm injured."
Willow's mind immediately jumped to Sterling.
If Charles's injuries came from Sterling, then what about Sterling? Was he hurt?
She remained silent, offering no response.
On the other end, Charles frowned in disappointment. "Whatever. It's late. Get some rest."
He and Willow still had plenty of time. There was no rush to make her return to how she used to be.
The call ended. Willow instinctively opened her chat window with Sterling.
All their previous conversation history was still there.
Since she'd proposed the breakup, there'd been no new messages.
Willow's finger hovered over the message box for a long while. Finally, she closed the chat interface in defeat.
She was the one who'd broken up with him. What right did she have to contact him now?
Besides, she'd just sworn that oath...
Thinking of her vow, Willow felt engulfed by guilt. She didn't even dare look at Sterling's name anymore and shoved her phone far away.
The moment she set it down, her phone vibrated.
Willow thought she'd accidentally called Sterling and nervously grabbed the phone.
Seeing it was Baron calling, she breathed a quiet sigh of relief and answered. "Baron."
Baron's voice sounded tired. "I'm sorry to disturb you so late. Just wanted to remind you—come to the office on Monday to process your resignation. I've been so swamped these past few days I forgot to mention it earlier."
Willow agreed.
They chatted briefly before Baron hung up.
But Willow couldn't stop a thought from surfacing.
If she went to process her resignation, maybe she'd have a chance to see Sterling.
Even if she could just see him from afar, confirm he wasn't injured—that would be enough...
She was so worried about Sterling that even in her dreams that night, his face was covered in wounds.
Monday morning, Willow said goodbye to Maria early and headed to the Lancaster Group Building.
She arrived very early. Only a sparse trickle of people were coming in for work.
Willow scanned the area. Sterling was nowhere to be seen in the lobby.
"Hello, may I help you? Do you have an appointment?" The receptionist noticed her and inquired.
After Molly resigned, the company had hired a new receptionist who didn't recognize Willow.
Willow collected herself and showed her employee badge, explaining the situation.
The receptionist called Baron to confirm, which took some time.
Willow waited quietly.
"All set." After finishing the call, the receptionist smiled apologetically. "Sorry for the delay. You can go up now."
Willow returned the smile, gathered her things, and turned toward the elevators.
Just as she reached them, the executive elevator came to a gentle stop.
The doors slid open.
Willow's heartbeat suddenly went haywire. She found herself staring in that direction.
A moment later, Blake and Sterling emerged one after the other.
Sterling wore an expensive, impeccably tailored suit. His hair was styled as usual, his posture upright.
From Willow's angle, she could only see his handsome profile—as cold and emotionless as always.
Sterling didn't seem to notice her. Blake, however, briefly made eye contact with her.
Before Willow could react, Blake had already looked away and said to Sterling, "Mr. Lancaster, the driver is waiting outside."
Sterling nodded slightly and walked straight toward the exit without a sideways glance.
Soon their figures disappeared from Willow's view.
Willow slowly pulled her gaze back, feeling a dull ache in her chest with every breath.
She lowered her eyes in self-mockery.
What right did she have to feel sad? This was her choice. She was the one who'd given up Sterling first.
If Sterling hated her now, it was only natural.
The one thing that brought her a sliver of comfort—from what she'd seen just now, Sterling's face didn't appear injured.
That was good enough.
Willow stepped into the elevator.
The doors closed slowly.
Outside the company entrance, Blake and Sterling got into the car one after the other.
Through the car window, Sterling gazed toward the company entrance, his expression unfathomable.
"Mr. Lancaster, today is Ms. Spencer's resignation date. She's probably here to process the paperwork." Blake volunteered the explanation.
The car slowly pulled away from the entrance. Sterling withdrew his gaze. "I know."
He'd been the one to notify Baron of Willow's resignation date. How could he not know?
When he'd stepped out of the elevator earlier, he'd already known Willow was outside.
She looked like she hadn't been sleeping well.
Upstairs in the company building.
Willow sat in Baron's office.
Baron had already completed all the procedures. He was just waiting for her to sign.
As Willow signed, Baron suddenly asked, "Did you run into Mr. Lancaster just now?"
At his words, Willow's pen paused briefly. Her expression unchanged, she lied. "No."
Baron looked skeptical. "That doesn't make sense."
Willow finished signing and glanced at him questioningly.
Baron quickly turned serious again. He gathered the documents from his desk and gave her a heartfelt warning.
"I don't know what you're thinking, but given your relationship with Mr. Lancaster, even after leaving the Lancaster Group, you can still ask him for help in the future. Whether it's finding a new employer or going solo—don't let resources go to waste."
He still didn't know about their breakup.
Willow didn't explain. She simply thanked him politely.