Chapter 255

"I don't need a title, William." My fingers clenched the hem of my shirt, my voice barely above a whisper. "What you've done for my sister—I'll spend my whole life repaying you."

Being his nameless, status-less lover was the safest shield. Those women who coveted William, those lofty members of the Johnson family—none of them would bother targeting an insignificant mistress.

The only reason Daniel Chen's parents and Sophia's family had spared me and my family was because Daniel had compromised. But what about the Johnsons? What about Olivia Davis?

The memory of being drugged at the bar was still fresh in my mind. Olivia's ruthless methods were something I couldn't handle.

William's expression darkened instantly. His lips pressed into a thin line, his jaw tightening into a sharp, forbidding angle.

"Head to Central Hospital," he suddenly ordered.

Sam immediately turned the steering wheel.

"Wait!" I grabbed the armrest, panic flaring. "Let's eat first."

William's stomach couldn't handle hunger. That knowledge made me relent instantly.

"What do you want?" His brow lifted slightly, a glint of triumph flashing in his eyes.

"Your choice."

"One Taste." He didn't hesitate.

My fingers twitched. That place—filled with humiliating memories.

The elevator took us straight to the top floor. The familiar hallway, the same private room door. When the manager pushed open the gilded doors, my blood ran cold.

"Let go!" I struggled violently, my nails digging into the back of William's hand.

The room was eerily silent. The chandelier's refracted light stung my eyes, and the flood of degrading memories nearly drowned me.

"Emily." William yanked me into his arms, his warm palm pressing against the nape of my neck. "What are you afraid of?"

"You know damn well!" My voice trembled. "Bringing me here—do you want me to relive the humiliation?"

"Yes. I did it on purpose." He gripped my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "But I want you to remember—from now on, no one will lay a finger on you again."

His breath brushed my lashes, cool with the faint scent of mint.

"Those who hurt you—" His thumb traced my lips, his eyes churning with something dark and terrifying. "I'll make them pay a hundred times over."

I stared at him, stunned. This man—who had once pushed me into the abyss—now looked at me with an obsession and tenderness I'd never seen before.

A self-deprecating smile curled my lips. How pathetic. I was falling for him all over again.