Chapter 4

Nora's POV

When I woke up again, I found myself locked in a deserted storage room.

A thin scab had formed on the wounds on my back and legs. The slightest movement brought a tearing pain. I forced myself to get up and knocked on the iron door.

A bodyguard's indifferent voice came from outside. "Chloe Harrison said you haven't learned your lesson. You'll be locked in for three more days, without food or water."

He paused, then added, "Mr. Harrison also agreed."

I slid down to the floor, leaning against the door, and suddenly I laughed.

Chloe hated me to the core; I knew that better than anyone.

Though not intentional, it was all my fault - I had lived her luxurious life while she suffered. When she returned, Caleb's obsessive protection shielded me. He doted on me so much that even his "biological" daughter couldn't touch me.

Now, Caleb had amnesia. He didn't remember me, let alone his mad love for me.

Chloe had finally gotten her chance for revenge.

I leaned against the cold wall, no longer struggling, no longer knocking.

Anyway, it wouldn't be long before I could leave forever.

There was no need to cause trouble at the last moment.

Let it be.

I curled up in the corner, the pain from my wounds making sleep impossible. I could only fantasize about my life after leaving, just to pass the time.

Three days later, when I was so hungry I was almost losing consciousness, the basement door finally opened.

Chloe looked down at me, as if bestowing a favor. "Get up, don't play dead. Tonight is Vanessa's birthday. You're lucky - we're letting you serve at the party. Consider it a learning opportunity."

I was forcibly changed into a waiter's uniform and taken to Vanessa's birthday banquet.

The party was held in the top-floor ballroom of the Harrison Hotel, a scene of utmost luxury.

Socialites and business moguls gathered, champagne glasses clinking.

And I was just a server, humbly weaving through the crowd with a tray.

At the climax of the banquet, Caleb personally placed a blue diamond necklace around Vanessa's neck.

The enormous heart-shaped blue diamond sparkled under the lights, worth millions of dollars.

The entire hall erupted in thunderous applause and congratulations.

I stood in the corner, watching it all numbly.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Vanessa had found her way to my side, champagne flute in hand, a smile sickly-sweet on her lips.

I remained silent.

"Did you like my little gift earlier?" She leaned in, her voice a venomous whisper meant only for me. "I did it on purpose."

She watched my pupils contract, and her smile deepened.

"Do you know how long I've waited? I loved Caleb for ten years, but he only saw you. I saw him hold you. Kiss you. Punish people just for a scratch on your skin. I swore I'd take everything from you."

Her eyes turned venomous, crazed. "Nora, I will make you taste hell."

My blood ran cold. Before I could react, Vanessa's expression shifted. Her hand flew to her throat in a practiced gesture of distress.

"My necklace! It is gone!"

The room stilled. All eyes turned to us.

Vanessa feigned panic, but her gaze slid pointedly to me. "I only spoke to her just now."

In an instant, all eyes were on me.