Chapter 2

I never imagined my next meeting with Marcus would be so utterly humiliating.

I was being yanked back and forth by his grip on my collar, my hair a wild mess.

Leo, frightened, hid behind me, jostled back and forth by my violent movements.

His eyes red-rimmed, he timidly but bravely cried out, "Don't bully my mommy! You're a bad man!"

The man frantically accused me of breaking his camera, spinning me around again.

Just then, a warm hand suddenly clamped onto my wrist, steadying me.

The man was startled by the sudden force, looking up at the person behind me.

"Who are you?"

He was agitated, glaring hostilely at the person beside me.

From above, that familiar deep voice was as steady and cold as ever.

An undeniable authority.

"Bullying a woman? What kind of strength is that?"

The man wouldn't let up, ranting about how I'd shattered his camera – what a prestigious brand, such a high-end lens, how it cost ten thousand dollars.

Marcus gave him a brief, dismissive look, then turned to signal Isabelle.

Isabelle immediately handed over several stacks of fresh cash from her purse.

Marcus took the money, glancing at it – ten thousand dollars, not a penny more, not a penny less.

He coldly eyed the broken lens on the ground, his eyes still holding that sharp, unyielding intelligence no one could fool.

"More than enough to compensate you for this."

The man realized Marcus knew photography and wasn't easy to swindle. He quietly took the money and left.

But I had just landed, in the most humiliating, disheveled way possible, owing them money.

I couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh, mocking my own fate.

Embracing my utter disgrace, I feigned nonchalance, smoothing my messy bangs back and greeting them with a bright smile.

"Hi, Marcus, hi Isabelle. Long time no see."