Chapter 9

Even though I was in the hospital with a caregiver,

Seraphina still made time to visit me every day.

She would peel an apple for me, wipe my face with a damp cloth, or simply sit in the room, working on company documents.

One day, the caregiver had just left to get my meal, and I felt an urgent need to use the restroom.

With no other option, I braced myself, slowly making my way to the bathroom.

Since I was the only patient in the room, I didn't bother closing the door.

Then, I heard a sound from the doorway.

Thinking the caregiver had returned with my meal, I quickly called out:

“Mr. Jenkins, you’re back just in time, please help me.”

The person at the door seemed to falter, their footsteps growing a little flustered, but then they abruptly stopped right at the entrance.

I didn't turn around, simply urging them in a low voice.

After a moment of silence, I realized something was wrong. I sharply turned my head, only to see a deeply flushed Seraphina Thorne.

“Ms… Ms. Thorne?!”

I froze for a moment, then my face burned crimson.

I stammered, turning away.

“Ms… Ms. Thorne, please… please step outside.”

Seraphina’s initial shyness vanished when she saw my reaction.

She chuckled softly, then, ignoring my protests, helped me slowly back into the hospital bed.

Then she pulled the blanket over me.

“You rest and recover well. You’re on paid leave during this time. Once you’re fully recovered, you can return to work.”

With that, she turned and left the room.

Seeing Seraphina leave, my awkward expression instantly relaxed.

The fish was about to bite.

News of the airport robbery had already gone viral.

Consequently, Seraphina’s repeated visits to the hospital after the incident were also captured by paparazzi.

Damon Blackwood naturally knew I had shielded Seraphina from the knife. Connecting that to her frequent hospital visits, he crushed the glass in his hand.

And so, as soon as I was discharged from the hospital, Damon Blackwood came knocking.

Damon tossed a pile of demeaning clothes in front of me.

He used his baseball bat to lift my chin, as I knelt on the ground, pinned by his bodyguards. He grinned maliciously.

“I truly underestimated you. You’re the first person besides me that Seraphina has cared for so deeply.”

“Didn’t you say you just wanted a good job to make money? Fine, I’ve found you a great job. Go resign from Seraphina’s company right now. The monthly salary is much higher than your current job, and you won’t have to deal with the elements or clock in. See? Aren’t I good to you?”

“Tonight at eight, at the Grand View Hotel. I’ve already scheduled your interview. And of course, how can you go to an interview without proper attire? Don’t worry, I’ve already found out: these big bosses, they just love interviewees dressed like this.”

“If it works out, you’d better thank me properly.”

I looked at the scattered pieces of fabric on the floor, shaking my head in humiliation.

“Mr. Blackwood, what are you talking about? I’m not that kind of person. I just want to work hard and earn money to live a good life. Why do you keep targeting me?”

Damon’s face darkened as he listened to my refusal.

He grabbed my hair, his gaze ominous as he stared into my face.

“If you’re smart, you’ll go yourself. If I have to help you, well, then I can’t guarantee how you’ll end up in that room.”

“If you don’t go, I can’t guarantee what rumors will spread across the city tomorrow.”

Threatened repeatedly by Damon, I could only feign humiliation and agree to his demands.

After changing into the clothes in the room, I surveyed myself in the mirror, looking like a packaged gift, and couldn't help but smirk.

Damon Blackwood’s intentions were truly transparent.

But… it was exactly what I wanted.

I draped the matching cloak over myself and sent a resignation text to Mr. Hayes.

[Mr. Hayes, I apologize, but after much consideration, I’ve decided to resign. Thank you for your care during these past days. Tonight’s gala, I’m afraid I’ll have to entrust you to accompany Ms. Thorne. Thank you for your trouble.]

In the CEO’s office, Seraphina Thorne, upon hearing the news, immediately swept everything off her desk.

She braced herself against the table, her eyes dark as she looked at Mr. Hayes.

“Find out where he is. Now.”