Within the hour, Lila was lying on a medical bed, watching her blood flow through tubes toward the man she'd accidentally sent into the street. The guilt was overwhelming, but at least now she was doing something to help.After the transfusion, Lila refused to leave. She stayed at the hospital, sitting in uncomfortable chairs, drinking terrible coffee, waiting for any news. The staff eventually found identification on the man and contacted his family.It was late evening when a young man arrived at the hospital, his expression tight with worry. He was strikingly handsome—tall, with sharp features softened by concern, dressed in an expensive suit that marked him as someone of means. He spoke to the doctors in a calm, controlled voice despite the obvious anxiety in his eyes.Lila watched from her corner of the waiting room as he received updates about his grandfather's condition. When the conversation turned to the blood transfusion, the doctor gestured toward Lila.The young man approa

As they walked through the company offices—Alexander's offices, apparently—taking in the impressive facilities and meeting various department heads, something caught Alexander's eye.In the lobby area, speaking to a receptionist with an application folder in hand, stood a familiar face.Anna.Lila's friend. The same woman who had treated him with contempt and mockery countless times, who had encouraged Lila to leave him, who had called him worthless to his face.Anna looked up and her eyes widened with recognition. For a moment, surprise flashed across her features as she saw Alexander walking with Vanessa through what was clearly an executive tour. Then her expression transformed into something calculating."Alexander!" Anna called out, rushing toward them with a bright, completely artificial smile. "Oh my goodness, what a coincidence! How wonderful to see you!"Alexander stopped, his expression carefully neutral. "Anna.""It's been too long!" Anna gushed, completely ignoring Vanessa

Lila spoke passionately about her company—the challenges, the successes, the vision she had for expansion. Ethan listened attentively, asking thoughtful questions that showed genuine interest."It sounds very promising," Ethan said finally. "Of course, we have other companies we're currently considering as well. We'll need to review everything carefully before making any investment decisions. But I'll definitely get back to you with our thoughts.""I understand completely," Lila said, trying not to sound too hopeful. "Thank you for even considering it."Just then, the dining room doors opened and two more guests arrived.Lila's heart stopped.Vanessa walked in beside Alexander, both dressed impeccably for the dinner party. Alexander's eyes swept across the room and landed on Lila, surprise flickering across his features before his expression became carefully neutral.Lila felt her face flush. What was he doing here? And still with Vanessa?"Ah, wonderful!" Ethan's grandfather called o

The silence that followed was deafening. Alexander's expression remained carefully neutral, though Lila could see the muscles in his jaw working. She found herself studying his reaction, wondering why someone would endure such public humiliation without defending themselves unless...Unless he had his own reasons for staying quiet."You know what your problem is?" Ethan continued, his voice dripping with contempt. "You think putting on a borrowed suit makes you one of us. But we can smell desperation from a mile away.""Ethan, stop this," Vanessa said through gritted teeth."Why should I stop? Someone needs to tell him the truth." Ethan turned to Alexander directly. "You're nothing but a parasite. A leech feeding off successful women because you're too worthless to make anything of yourself."Alexander's knuckles went white, but his voice remained eerily calm. "Are you finished?""Oh, I'm just getting started," Ethan laughed cruelly. "Tell me, how does it feel knowing that everyone in

Lila walked into the sleek conference room at Vanessa's company headquarters, her heels clicking confidently against the polished marble floor. She carried herself with the air of someone who had just secured the deal of a lifetime, her designer handbag clutched tightly in her hand.Vanessa was already seated at the glass conference table, a stack of legal documents spread before her. Alexander stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his silhouette dark against the city skyline."Good morning," Lila said brightly, setting her bag down on the table. "I hope you have the contracts ready.""We do," Vanessa replied curtly, her tone noticeably cooler than it had been the night before. "Everything is prepared for the exchange."Lila's eyes narrowed as she noticed Alexander's presence. "I thought I made it clear yesterday that this meeting should be between actual business people. Why is he still here?"Alexander turned from the window, his expression unreadable. "Good morning to you too, Lil