Chapter 2

It was only then that I realized the truth - my family's bankruptcy, my father's suicide, my mother's depression - it was all because of Jack!

After squeezing every last drop of value from me, he now wanted to sell me off to make his final profit.

"Jack, how could you do this to us? My family never mistreated you all these years! Why are you doing this? Why?!"

Tears and snot streamed down my face, not just because of the betrayal of trust over so many years, but because I realized that the tragedy that befell my family was indirectly caused by me. I had even tacitly allowed Jack to send my mother to a mental hospital.

This double blow pushed my hatred for Jack to its peak.

"Damn it, will you shut up already..."

Jack kicked me hard, then lunged forward and grabbed my throat. Just as he was about to hit me, an angry voice rang out.

"I can hear you lot squabbling before I even get in here. What kind of behavior is this?"

Jack's hand loosened around my throat, and he quickly fell silent, standing to the side.

The woman who had been adding fuel to the fire also quieted down, calling out "Boss Spike" before stepping aside.

"That's better. We're all 'civilized people' here, no need for all this shouting and violence."

The man covered in tattoos sat down nearby, fingering his prayer beads with a soft clinking sound.

"Is this the new merchandise?"

Hearing this, Jack hurriedly wiped the cold sweat from his face and said ingratiatingly:

"Boss Spike, this is the target from my last mission..."

As I listened to Jack report to Spike how he had lured me in step by step and systematically ruined my family, I felt the blood rush to my face.

Jack Harrison! Jack Harrison!

I wanted to scream, to howl, but the man restraining me seemed to read my mind. Not only did he dislocate my jaw, but he also stuffed a cloth into my mouth.

After hearing Jack's report, Spike's expression relaxed:

"Well done, Jackie boy. You've completed this mission admirably."

Jack took a fawning step forward, half-bowing as he said:

"You're too kind, sir. It's all thanks to your excellent guidance. As you can see, the money's here, and the merchandise is quite attractive. So, about that partnership we discussed..."

Spike suddenly stood up, giving Jack an inscrutable look:

"Of course, we'll have to 'discuss our partnership' thoroughly."

From where I was sitting, I could clearly see the malicious smiles on the faces of Spike and his men. But the moment Jack looked up, they all wiped the expressions from their faces.

Jack, grinning from ear to ear, called for someone to bring me before Spike.

"Boss Spike, the woman is yours now. Do with her as you please."

Then Jack turned to me:

"Rachel, don't say I never did anything for you. In this place, Boss Spike is one of the top dogs. Whether you end up with him or working for him, it's better than washing dishes back home. If it weren't for our years together as husband and wife, I wouldn't have even thought of giving you this opportunity. Consider this the final act of our marriage."

Unable to speak, I could only glare at him with bloodshot eyes.

Spike walked over and grabbed my chin.

"Who said she's going to be with me? Pretty women like her are meant to be sold - that's the most profitable business."

The men standing behind Spike immediately started jeering:

"Boss, it's been a long time since we've had any fun. Shouldn't the boys get a taste of such a fine woman first?"

Spike waved his hand dismissively:

"When have I ever shortchanged you boys? She's just one woman - have your fun."

Suddenly, all the men turned to look at me with lewd grins.

The anger in my heart faded, replaced by sheer terror.

I shook my head frantically, looking at Jack with pleading eyes, making muffled sounds through my gag.

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