Chapter 5

After giving blood, I leaned weakly against the corridor wall, my vision flickering with black spots.

Just then, a tall, imposing figure stopped in front of me.

"Is this how Liam Thorne treats a woman?"

A deep, magnetic voice, tinged with amusement and authority, came from above.

I looked up.

What met my eyes was a chiseled, handsome face.

He wore a tailored high-end suit. Behind his gold-rimmed glasses were deep, unfathomable eyes.

Julian Thorne.

New York's undisputed prince, the current head of the Thorne Group, and Liam's uncle.

Though only five years older than Liam, his methods were ruthless and decisive, a force no one in New York dared to provoke.

I straightened up and bowed slightly: "Mr. Thorne."

Julian's gaze fell on my pale face, then swept over the dense needle marks on my arm.

"Your name is Chloe Miller?"

"Yes."

He chuckled softly, pulling a fine silk handkerchief from his suit pocket and offering it to me.

"Wipe away that cold sweat. Anyone seeing you like this would think we Thornes abuse animals."

I didn't take the handkerchief, just looked at him coldly.

"Mr. Thorne, get to the point. I need to go back and serve your nephew's wife."

A hint of appreciation flickered in Julian's eyes.

"You have backbone. Much more than that whining Vanessa Scott."

He put his handkerchief away, his tone casual yet laced with danger.

"Chloe Miller, do you want revenge?"

My heart leaped. I looked up sharply.

How did he know?

Julian seemed to read my mind, a knowing smile on his lips.

"Liam Thorne hid the news of your grandmother's death, keeping you as a blood bank. What he did was despicable. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Liam has been overreaching lately, trying to get his hands on the Thorne Group's core businesses. I don't like disobedient nephews."

He leaned in slightly, his warm breath fanning my ear, a dangerous whisper.

"Work with me. I'll help you ruin them. After it's done, I'll send you abroad and ensure you live comfortably."

I looked into his deep eyes, knowing this was like playing with a tiger.

But I had nothing left to lose.

A person with nothing to lose fears no one.

I gritted my teeth and spat out one word: "Deal."

Julian straightened up and adjusted his cuff.

"Tomorrow night, come to the Royal Palace Hotel penthouse suite. We'll discuss the details."

With that, he turned and left, leaving behind his tall silhouette.

I watched his retreating back, a cold smile on my lips.

Liam, your good days are over.