Stephen raised his hand without hesitation, delivering a sharp, sweeping blow.
Smack!
A crisp, resounding crack echoed as my face was violently jerked to the side. Since I’d known Stephen, he’d raised his hand twice.
The first time was three years ago, when I rejected his marriage proposal for my freedom. He broke the legs of everyone I was involved with. The second time was now, for another woman.
“What a touching display of affection!”
I licked my lips, locking eyes with Stephen.
“Since you’re convinced I did this, no one will have it easy from now on!”
That same day, I held a press conference announcing the termination of charitable funding for impoverished students. Once public outrage reached its peak, I exposed every detail of Tabitha’s actions.
“I provided her with a high-paying job to improve her life, yet she committed such an immoral act. I am deeply distressed and hereby clarify the situation, hoping for everyone’s understanding.”
Public outrage erupted. Online media exposed Tabitha’s past and even the company’s stock price plummeted.
Stephen, who had always prioritized stock performance above all, remained silent this time, focused solely on suppressing the backlash.
Facing questioning from numerous shareholders, he stood his ground, stating he didn’t want to hurt Tabitha.
“Valerie, I’ve told you that there won’t be a next time!”
After the meeting, Stephen delivered his ultimatum to me, his expression dark.
I guarded myself fiercely, even moving into the office, terrified that any unexpected situation might catch me unprepared.
Yet my business was doing well, receiving public sympathy and profits even surged. Until a phone call came.
“Miss Powell, your brother Xavier has committed suicide!”
The phone slipped from my hand as I trembled, directing the driver to rush to the rehabilitation center.
Xavier’s hospital room was in utter disarray, with only a caregiver standing guard outside the emergency room.
“Where’s Dr. Rodriguez? Did Stephen snatch him away?”
I had no parents. My brother and I depended on each other. He dreamed of becoming a football player, but Stephen shattered his leg with a single blow.
The doctors said he’d never walk again. He sank into depression, fixated on ending his life.
I refused to accept it. I spared no expense to find the top rehabilitation specialists, pleading desperately for my brother to try one more time.
The rehabilitation of his legs was progressing well. Just as Xavier seemed to be emerging from his shadow, Stephen snatched away the doctor, driving him to jump from a building.
The door to the emergency room opened and the doctor’s expression was grave.
“The rescue was successful, but I strongly advise you to find that rehabilitation doctor again. Otherwise, he’s likely to attempt suicide once more.”
No sooner had the words left his mouth than Stephen walked over, accompanied by a radiant Tabitha. Hearing the news of the successful rescue, he actually showed a hint of disappointment.
Tabitha spoke sarcastically, “Miss Powell, you really know how to pick doctors! Look at my legs, they’re almost healed already.”
“You bitch!”
I angrily raised my arm to slap her face, but Stephen pushed me away forcefully. “It’s just a doctor. Why are you acting like this??”
“Then give him back to me!” I grabbed Stephen’s sleeve, refusing to let him leave.
“Xavier only has this one chance! If we miss it, he’ll die!”
Stephen brushed my hand away with contempt, showing no mercy. “Then let him die. He is a useless piece of trash. Why waste resources?”
He continued, “Besides, Tabitha’s leg matters far more than your brother’s life.”
I froze in place, staring at Stephen’s face, suddenly feeling utterly unfamiliar. “I was wrong, Stephen. I’m sorry. I won’t dare again. Please, just give me back to the doctor.”
My soul split in two halves. One half shed tears, forced a smile and apologized earnestly. The other half burned with hatred, searing me with excruciating pain.
“Why are you crying?”
Stephen smiled like a victor, wiping away my tears. “I’ll just give him back to you.”
But the next day, the person who returned was the doctor’s assistant. The phone rang.
“Valerie, I left the doctor with Tabitha. The assistant’s skills are sufficient to treat your brother.”
