Chapter 2

On my first day back, Julian Thorne pinned me against the elevator corner, his hands gripping my throat.

"Chloe Thorne, you actually dared to come back?!"

"Seven years ago, I told you I'd break your legs if you ever showed your face again!"

"Did you really think I was just kidding?"

My back hit the icy metal panel, sending a shiver down my spine.

I'd heard Julian Thorne's personality had completely changed, but seeing it firsthand was still a shock.

I reached up, touching his face. "If it's you, of course, you can do anything."

Damn it! My flirting habits just slipped out too easily!

"You!"

Julian Thorne seemed to be struggling with a massive headache. He took a breath, then gritted his teeth, full of resentment. "Chloe Thorne, sometimes I really wonder if I was in a car accident or got seriously sick."

"Otherwise, why would I have absolutely no memory of those wild stories you made up overseas?"

I stared at my shoes, trying my best to hold back a laugh.

"Go on, laugh. Don't hold back." Julian Thorne lifted my chin. "We'll settle this mess once we get out."

When the firefighters pried open the elevator doors and pulled us out, I immediately saw a familiar face.

No way! Julian Thorne's White Moonlight is my best friend! As for how similar they look, at least 40%!

I stared at her, thinking, *You, dude, you like married women?!*

"Mr. Thorne." The young woman walked over timidly, tears still in the corners of her eyes. "Are you alright?"

Julian Thorne's face was cold. "What are you doing here?"

I was about to speak, but her inner thoughts reached my ears clearly: "Heh, if it wasn't for that substitute fee, who'd want to play along with you! As soon as the contract ends in three days, I'm ditching you, you jerk! You'll regret it!"

I was speechless.

Wow, these city folks really know how to play dirty.

"And you, are you Mr. Thorne's friend? I'm Skylar. Is there something wrong, ma'am? You keep staring at me."

"Sorry, I just think you smell really good."

The young woman blushed.

Julian Thorne pushed himself between us without a word. "How long are you staying this time?"

"Three days."

Seven years ago, the Thorne family went bankrupt. Mr. Thorne Sr. pushed his eldest son to take the fall. Now, perhaps with age, he missed his grandson a little.

So, he chose his birthday as an excuse for me to bring Caleb back.

Julian Thorne looked at me with a complex expression, then suddenly said, "Just go. Don't bother me for the next few days."

"Otherwise…"

Tsk, I only messed with him a few times seven years ago. Is he still this petty?

"Chloe—"

Everyone exchanged glances, because the person who arrived was none other than my long-suffering bestie.