Chapter 6

The shattering glass of the champagne tower attracted everyone's attention in the hall. The wine stains on Chloe Hayes's white dress were strikingly obvious.

Not far away, Liam noticed the commotion and rushed over.

He knelt down to check if Chloe Hayes was hurt, his face filled with tenderness and concern.

He practically checked every inch of her, and only when he found only a slight bruise on her from hitting the table did he finally breathe a sigh of relief.

The next moment, Liam stood up and angrily reprimanded me. "Anya, are you sick? How could you lay your hands on her? Apologize to Chloe, right now!"

Hearing this, I actually laughed out of anger.

I *was* sick. So sick I was almost dead!

"Liam Sterling, are you blind?"

My words instantly enraged Liam. He raised his hand and slapped my face.

The sharp slap echoed through the banquet hall.

Chloe Hayes, with red eyes, tugged on Liam's arm, looking utterly pitiful. "It's alright, Liam darling, I'm fine. Don't blame my sister. I didn't mean it."

But her eyes met mine, full of blatant provocation.

The more she acted this way, the angrier Liam became. He embraced Chloe Hayes and said gently, "Don't be afraid. I'll take care of this. I'll make sure the person who bullied you pays!"

I frowned, then spoke up in my own defense. "I really didn't do it."

Liam saw that I refused to apologize and ordered his bodyguards to sweep all the glass shards into one spot. "Kneel on it. Kneel until Chloe is satisfied."

My eyes reddened. My hands instinctively clenched the hem of my dress, desperately trying to hide the tremor in my voice. "You… you truly want me to do this?"

I tried to find a flicker of trust in Liam's eyes.

Liam spoke coldly. "You will pay for your mistakes. It was true then, and it's true now."

My eyes were bloodshot. Liam's distrust chilled me to the bone.

Finally, as if resigned to my fate, I took off my shoes and, barefoot, in front of everyone, knelt on the shattered glass.

The tiny shards instantly pierced my skin, blood flowing onto the floor, the red glistening eerily in the reflection of the glass.

I don't know how long I knelt, until my legs were numb and I couldn't feel the pain, until my blood congealed on the cold floor.

This banquet was attended by prominent figures, and their expressions varied as they watched the scene unfold.

"Please excuse the scene tonight. Next week will be my engagement party. I hope you all will join us."

Liam scanned the room, then spoke slowly.

The banquet hall buzzed with activity again, filled with congratulations from all sides.

My numb gaze suddenly flickered. Liam had once promised he would only marry me.

But now, he was going to marry someone else.

Stubborn Anya finally spoke. "I'm sorry. I was wrong."

A flicker of emotion crossed Liam's eyes, but it was only for a moment.

Chloe Hayes, nestled in Liam's arms, looked at me with triumph, though her words were, "It's alright, Liam darling, my sister has already apologized. Don't blame her. Please get a doctor to clean her wounds. They might get infected."

My seemingly understanding demeanor touched Liam.

"No need. I can take care of myself. We don't need to worry about her."

"Since Chloe has forgiven you, let's put tonight's incident behind us."

With Liam's permission, I finally stood up.

But because I had knelt for so long, my legs were numb. The moment I stood, my body swayed uncontrollably, and I fell heavily onto the pile of shattered glass again. The congealed wounds started to bleed afresh, adding many new cuts.

Even the bodyguards nearby couldn't bear to watch and wanted to help me, but Liam stopped them with a stern look.

I staggered, forced to grab a table leg to get up, then limped out of the banquet hall, leaning against the wall.

All along the way, I left a trail of my blood.

Stepping out of the hotel, my phone rang.

It was Mr. Peterson. A heavy sigh filled the line.

"Anya, your war correspondent application has been approved. It's scheduled for next week. Use this week to pack up your things and spend some time with your family…"

"Everyone acknowledges your capabilities. I hope… you return safely."

"Anya, take care of yourself."