Chapter 18


    ra’s grip on her cellphone tightened and rxed in an anxious rhythm. She was aware of the


    project. It was Hayes Corporation’s new venture, a field ripe with potential. The profits could


    skyrocket if it all went ording


    to n.


    Her father, a man of his word, couldn’t possibly be involved in anything shady–unless someone was


    deliberately making things difficult for him. As this thought settled in, ra’s expression turned icy.


    She whipped out her phone and dialedn’s number repeatedly. Each call was met with a ruthless


    disconnect It wasn’t until the fifth attempt that an indifferent voice finally answered.


    “Got any regrets?”


    ra bit her lip, struggling to maintainposure. Her voice came out slightly hoarse, betraying


    her weariness. n, my father isn’t the kind of man to break promises. If you’re out for revenge,


    target me–but don’t tarnish a lifetime of integrity. He just came out of surgery. Do you understand


    that your actions could kill


    him?”


    There was a moment of stiffness on the other end, then a shadow of amusement flickered inn’s


    eyes. “Want to save your father?”


    Hisugh was soft, almost taunting. “Meet me in the hospital parking lot.”


    Hearingn’s tacit admission hit ra like a ton of bricks. She hadn’t realized the extent he would


    go, disregarding the three years they’d spent together. If he had felt even the slightest affection for


    her, he


    wouldn’t be so callous.


    Overwhelmed, ra felt her throat close up, her eyes moistened. She tilted her head up, ring at


    the blinding hallway lights, and said coldly, n, just wait. I will get justice for my dad. I won’t let you


    wrong an innocent


    man!”


    Five minutester, ra foundn’s car in the underground garage. Dawson greeted her with a


    wave. “Ms. ra, Mr. Hayes is waiting for you in the car.”


    He courteously opened the car door for her and then discreetly retreated to a distance.


    He grasped her chin with a firm hand, his gaze dark and unreadable. ra turned her head away,


    irritated. It’s none of your business.”


    “ra, is this how you live without me? You turn yourself into this… mess!” He fumed, then reached


    into the glovepartment for an ointment, applying it to her wound.


    Next, he pulled out the ugliest band–aid avable–it was a souvenir from a night he drank too much


    and hurt himself. ra had bought it as a punishment.


    ra recoiled at the sight of the hideous band–aid. “I’m not wearing that.”


    Butn pulled her into his embrace and pped the band–aid onto her forehead anyway. After he


    was done, he bit her lip mockingly andughed, “You look ridiculous!”


    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    White with anger, ra couldn’t believe he still had the nerve to tease her after putting the Bell


    family through such an ordeal. n, what do you want to let my dad go?”


    His eyes, dark and inscrutable, never left hers, and a coldugh leaked from his throat. It’s simple.


    Come back to me, and I promise, not only will your father be safe, but the Bell family will be


    restored to its former glory