But he still clenched his teeth and didn’t say a word.


    “What’s the matter? Even at this point, you won’t say a thing?” Emanuele stared at him. “Then let’s start from here.”


    Emanuele’s knife thrust forcefully at the man’s knee, cutting through his skin and muscle, making him howl in pain, almost on the verge of passing out.


    But Emanuele wouldn’t let him pass out. He had his men inject the man with a stimnt. He wanted him to remain painfully conscious, to feel the pain and the separation from his own body. That’s when he thought the man might break.


    The man’s screams filled the dungeon, but when Emanuele asked him onest time, he still remained silent, muttering, “Damn you!”


    He held his ground, and Emanuele had lost patience.


    He tossed the knife aside, kicked the wooden crate, and with no support for his feet, the rope around the man’s neck tightened, leaving his legs iling in the air, struggling to find something to stabilize himself. But there was nothing.


    Instead, in his struggle, the blood from his wounds bled out even more profusely. And so, after five minutes of struggling, the man stopped breathing.


    —


    Today, Isabe had just arrived at the hospital when she was notified that she needed to prepare for surgery. As an intern, her role was somewhat limited, but because of her exceptional performance and dedication in her field, the doctors in the hospital were willing to mentor her.


    Evelyn couldn’t help but envy Isabe. Both were interns, but Isabe clearly outshone her. Of course, Evelyn wasn’t particrly ambitious. If she didn’t secure a position at the hospital after her internship, she was content to work at a small clinic, which wouldn’t be as hectic.


    The patient for today’s surgery was an industrial worker who had suffered an ident due to a machinery mishap. The extensive bleeding and severe trauma had made the procedurest for a grueling six to seven hours.


    After assisting in the surgery, Isabe was utterly exhausted.


    “Isabe, are you okay?” Pippo asked, showing genuine concern.N?velDrama.Org owns ? this.


    “I’m okay, just a bit tired,” Isabe admitted, realizing her stamina needed improvement. She shouldn’t be feeling so drained.


    “You’re just getting started, and these kinds of surgeries are rtively rare here. Take it one step at a time,” Pippo reassured her with kindness.


    “Thank you,” Isabe replied.


    Later, after a brief rest, she was ready to leave for the day. Isabe decided to have Tony pack some food from the restaurant to take home. Today, she didn’t feel like cooking but didn’t dare to eat out. Who knew if someone might suddenly appear and attempt to assassinate her?


    Today, she had saved another life, and even though Isabe was tired, she was happy. But as she approached her front door, her happiness dissipated at the sight of Chloe.


    Her body tensed, and her breathing grew difficult. Damn it, every time she saw Chloe, her reaction was like a reflex, an immediate and involuntary response.


    “Isabe, I’m here,” Chloe said, maintaining a friendly demeanor even in front of the bodyguards, and gave Isabe a hug.


    Once inside, Chloe surveyed the guest rooms, ultimately choosing the one closest to Emanuele.


    “Alright, I’ll stay here.”


    “Suit yourself,” Isabe replied.


    “Is that how you talk to me?” Chloe was displeased with Isabe’s response and couldn’t help but furrow her brow.


    Isabe had always been polite when talking to her, and any hint of disrespect would usually result in Chloe pping her. So Chloe never expected that one day Isabe would speak to her so impolitely.


    But at this moment, looking at the bodyguards standing behind Isabe, Chloe had to restrain her urge to strike Isabe.


    She was furious.


    “Isabe, how about we talk in your room?” Chloe suggested, struggling to control her temper and hoping to p Isabe as soon as possible.


    Isabe, however, saw through Chloe’s intentions. She understood that with bodyguards apanying her, she was safe. Chloe hadn’t been foolish enough to attack her in front of them. So, as long as she didn’t spend time alone with Chloe, she would be safe.


    But Chloe had already moved in, and Isabe wondered how many opportunities she’d have to avoid being alone with her.


    At least for now, Isabe felt she could bravely decline.


    “No, thanks, cousin. I’m very hungry, and I must eat something.”


    Tony had alreadyid out the food on the table. They were dishes she loved.


    Chloe sat in front of Isabe, watching her eat, and couldn’t help but smile. “Isabe, why don’t you share some with me? I haven’t had dinner.”


    At her words, Isabe offered a portion of her sd to Chloe.


    Chloe epted but couldn’t hide her frustration. “Thanks.” She ground her teeth, thinking that Isabe, the fat pig, was eating so much. She found it hard to believe.


    “You should eat less, Isabe. Your figure is already quite plump. Look at your dress; you must be squeezing into it. If you keep eating like this, you won’t fit into the clothes in your closet.”


    Chloe’s words were acerbic and cutting, seemingly aimed at helping Isabe, but were actuallyden with humiliation.


    At this point, Isabe, who had been joyfully enjoying her meal, suddenly lost her appetite. Chloe’s remarks made her feel nauseous, and she didn’t know what to do.


    Chloe observed Isabe’s expression and became exceptionally delighted and self-satisfied. She loved seeing Isabe’s suffering and her futile struggle, making her feel that she remained in control.


    Chloe believed that Isabe should live in a dark corner, undeserving of enjoying the good things in life. With this in mind, Chloe stood up and threw all of Isabe’s food in the trash.


    “Isabe, only this way can you be slender, and then men will like you. More importantly, your figure will fit into those damned dresses. Do you understand? I’m doing this for your own good.”