Only A Shadow of His True Love

On our fifth anniversary, I walked into the country club carrying a cake, only to overhear something I shouldn't have.

Who said I love Eleanor? I'm only with her because she looks like Vivian. She's nothing but a stand-in.

Besides, Vivian's too delicate. Eleanor's just a tool I use to get off.

Laughter erupted from inside the private room. I stood outside the door, my heart sinking bit by bit.

Five years. I'd pulled all-nighters for him countless times to secure deals, even lowered myself into the dust to love him. Only to end up as nothing more than "a tool to get off" in his mouth.

I didn't storm in to confront him. I didn't cry or make a scene.

I turned around, threw the cake in the trash, and dialed the number of Tobias's biggest rival.

"Mr. Holt, I'd like to accept your invitation to join your team."

Eleanor's POV

The corridor of the upscale country club was dimly lit.

I clutched the homemade mousse cake in my hand, my footsteps freezing outside the half-open door of a private room.

Today marked the fifth year of my relationship with Tobias.

"What do you mean, what should I do? These past five years, Eleanor's spoiled Tobias rotten. Everyone in investment banking knows she's the sharpest blade in his hand. Not only does she dominate at the negotiating table, but she goes home and takes care of Mr. Reed like nobody's business."

Derek's voice carried a teasing, mocking tone.

My breath caught. My grip on the cake box handle tightened.

Tobias and I kept our relationship secret. He said his grandfather didn't like publicity, and once he firmly secured his position as head of the Reed family, he'd give me a grand public announcement.

I believed him.

For five years, I'd been like a tireless top, charging into battle for him in the business world, blocking attacks both open and hidden.

The room fell silent for a few seconds, then came the crisp sound of a lighter wheel striking.

"Vivian's too soft. Those old vultures in the Reed family are ruthless, and the business world is even more cutthroat."

Tobias's voice carried its usual cold indifference.

"Eleanor's smart and resilient. Using her as a shield to pave the way for Vivian couldn't be more perfect."

Each word pierced my heart like an ice pick.

"Damn, you're ruthless."

Derek sucked in a breath.

"So these five years, you've just been using Eleanor as a human shield? But seriously, Eleanor's absolutely stunning. You never caught feelings?"

"Feelings?"

Tobias let out a soft, disdainful laugh.

"A woman whose biological father is unknown, raised on her stepfather's meager salary. Does she deserve to enter the Reed family? If she didn't look a bit like Vivian around the eyes, I wouldn't have given her a second glance when Vivian went abroad."

The room erupted in laughter.

"That's why Mr. Reed is so devoted. For our Miss Sullivan, he forced himself to tolerate a stand-in for five years despite his germaphobia."

"Right? Eleanor probably thinks she can actually cross class barriers, working herself to death in investment banking every day, not realizing she's just working for Vivian."

Outside the door, my entire body went cold, my limbs so stiff I couldn't even muster the strength to step back.

Vivian Sullivan.

My half-sister on my mother's side.

The one my mother took with her when she left, raised in the Sullivan family, pampered and spoiled, held in everyone's palm like a little princess.

While I struggled at the bottom with my sick stepfather.

I studied desperately, clawed my way up desperately, all to be worthy of Tobias.

But it turned out, from the very beginning, I was just a joke. A living target pushed to the front to protect Vivian Sullivan.

I looked down at the cake in my hands.

It still read "Happy 5th Anniversary."

The irony was almost poetic.

I took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the stinging in my eyes.

I took that cake I'd spent all afternoon making and precisely tossed it into the trash can beside the corridor.

The soft thud sounded like a funeral for five wasted years of my youth.

I turned and walked away from the club without looking back.

The night breeze was cool, blowing away the lingering scent of alcohol and vice.

I sat in the taxi, pulled out my phone, and calmly unpinned Tobias's chat, then opened another pinned number.

"Dad, how are you feeling today?"

I tried hard to keep any trace of emotion from my voice.

"Eleanor, I'm doing fine. Don't worry so much about me. You work so hard. Take care of yourself."

My father's weary but kind voice came through.

"Did Tobias spend the anniversary with you today?"

Hearing my father's words, my nose tingled sharply, tears nearly spilling.

My father had severe kidney disease. He was currently staying at a private hospital owned by Reed Corporation, surviving on expensive experimental drugs.

"Yes, he took me to a fancy dinner."

I tilted my head back, forcing the tears back in.

"Dad, focus on getting better. Don't worry about anything else."

After hanging up, I watched the neon lights streak past the window.

Back at the luxury apartment I shared with Tobias, I felt no attachment. I pulled out a suitcase and started packing my belongings.

Clothes, skincare products, laptop.

The things that belonged to me were pitifully few.

Five years, and I'd barely left any trace of life in this gorgeous cage.

All those designer bags and expensive jewelry Tobias casually bought. I hadn't touched a single piece. They were all neatly arranged in the walk-in closet.

I found them disgusting.

I'd just zipped up my suitcase when I heard the electronic lock at the entrance click open.

Tobias walked in carrying a faint scent of alcohol mixed with his signature mint fragrance.

He loosened his tie and casually tossed his suit jacket on the sofa. When he saw the suitcase in the middle of the living room, his narrow eyes narrowed slightly.

"What's this tantrum in the middle of the night?"

His tone carried a hint of impatience.

I gripped the handle of my suitcase and looked at him calmly.

"Tobias, let's break up."

Eleanor's POV

The air in the living room seemed to freeze instantly.

Tobias's hand paused mid-motion as he was unfastening his cufflinks.

He looked up, his gaze cutting across my face like a blade.

"Eleanor, do you think this little trick will get you what you want?"

Tobias walked to the sofa and sat down, crossing his long legs, his posture still arrogantly superior.

"If you're upset because Vivian's back in the country, fine, throw your tantrum. But know your limits. Don't make me think you're being unreasonable."

Hearing these matter-of-fact words made my stomach churn.

"You think I'm throwing a tantrum?"

I laughed coldly, my fingers gripping the suitcase handle tightly.

"Tobias, I genuinely feel disgusted."

"You pushed me out front to take the hits for Vivian. You made me drink until I had a bleeding ulcer at business dinners to close deals, while behind my back you and your buddies discuss me like I'm some kind of joke."

I looked at that flawless, refined face of his, speaking rapidly.

"I'm disgusted, Tobias. These five years. I must have been blind."

Tobias's expression finally darkened.

He stood up and approached me step by step, his tall frame radiating intense pressure.

"You went to the club?"

His brow furrowed, his eyes sinister.

"What, afraid I'd hear about your dirty little schemes?"

I met his gaze.

"Tobias, I don't owe you anything. The projects I closed for you, the money I made. It's more than enough to repay whatever favors you've done for me these past few years."

"Favors?"

Tobias looked like he'd heard the funniest joke in the world.

He suddenly reached out and grabbed my chin, his grip so hard it felt like he might crush my bones.

"Eleanor, did a few compliments in the investment banking circle make you actually think you're something special?"

I frowned in pain but refused to make a sound.

"Don't forget. Your stepfather is still lying in my hospital!"

Tobias's voice was ice-cold and piercing.

"Without Reed's experimental drugs, without me pulling strings to secure that overseas specialist's schedule, he won't make it past next month! What gives you the right to talk about breaking up? His life?"

Those words silenced me instantly.

My lips trembled slightly.

I clenched my teeth, my heart churning with barely concealed despair and hatred.

Yes, how could I leave?

My father's life was in his hands. I was like a bird with clipped wings. I didn't even have the freedom to fall.

Tobias released his grip, his fingertips lightly brushing across my chin as his tone returned to its usual composure.

"Put away that pathetic pride of yours."

Tobias looked down at me condescendingly.

"You're a smart woman. You should know what choice to make. Tomorrow's final meeting for the Stellar Acquisition. You'll attend as planned. Do well, and I'll arrange your father's medication and specialist consultations for the second half of the year."

"Tobias, you're absolutely insane."

I said.

"Call me whatever you like."

Tobias turned toward the bathroom.

"Put that suitcase away. I won't say it twice."

As the bathroom door slammed shut, I collapsed onto my suitcase.

I covered my face with my hands as tears broke free, silently hitting the floor through my fingers.

I couldn't fall apart.

For my father's sake, I had to endure.

But from this moment on, the Eleanor who loved Tobias for five years was dead.

The next morning.

I applied bold red lipstick, did my best to hide my pallor, and walked into the top-floor conference room of Reed Corporation wearing a perfectly tailored black business suit.

I was the Deputy Director of Reed's Investment Department and the absolute core of the Stellar Acquisition.

I'd worked on this project for three solid months, pulling countless all-nighters to figure out the other party's bottom line.

Once I closed this deal, it would be the crown jewel of my resume, and the bonus alone would cover my father's medical expenses for the rest of the year.

The conference room was already full.

Tobias sat at the head of the table, expressionlessly flipping through documents.

I walked straight toward my seat. Just as I was about to sit down, I noticed someone was already sitting there. A woman in a white suit with a pure, delicate appearance.

Vivian Sullivan.

Seeing me, Vivian stood up with an innocent, harmless smile on her face.

"Eleanor, you're here. Tobias said you've been too exhausted lately, so he asked me to take over the final stages of the Stellar Acquisition. You don't mind, do you?"

Eleanor's POV

The conference room fell completely silent.

Everyone's eyes darted back and forth between Vivian and me.

I looked toward Tobias at the head of the table.

His expression remained impassive. He didn't even lift his eyelids.

"Eleanor, Vivian just returned to the country and needs a high-profile project to establish herself at the company. She'll be fully responsible for the rest of this deal. Hand over all the core data and bottom-line figures to her."

My hands, hanging at my sides, clenched into fists, nails digging into my palms with sharp pain.

"Mr. Reed," I began.

"The core data for Stellar involves the company's highest-level secrets. Miss Sullivan only completed her onboarding yesterday and hasn't even gone through basic M&A procedures once. Having her handle the final stage. Are you trying to destroy the entire project?"

Tobias finally looked up, warning clear in his eyes.

"Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?"

"Tobias, don't be angry with her."

Vivian quickly grabbed Tobias's sleeve, her eyes instantly reddening, her voice as pitiful as a frightened rabbit.

"Eleanor's right. I don't have experience. If I ruin the project, I'll feel guilty forever. Let Eleanor keep handling it. I can just assist from the side."

Tobias held Vivian's hand in return, patting it reassuringly. When he looked at me again, his eyes were cold as ice.

"Eleanor, watch your attitude. The project will be credited under Vivian's name. This is a notification, not a discussion."

Tobias's tone was firm and uncompromising.

"If you feel wronged, you can leave right now."

Strip away my hard work to pave the way for Vivian Sullivan.

So this was what he meant by "Vivian needs a high-profile project."

I smiled.

"Fine. Since Mr. Reed isn't afraid of the project falling apart, why should I care?"

I pulled out the core data document I'd stayed up countless nights compiling from my folder and threw it directly onto the table in front of Vivian.

The sharp slap made Vivian flinch.

"The data's all here, Miss Sullivan. Make sure you read it carefully. Don't fall for the other party's bait and embarrass Reed Corporation."

I didn't spare Tobias another glance as I turned and strode out of the conference room.

After leaving the conference room, I went straight to the restroom.

I braced myself against the marble counter, looking at my pale face and red-rimmed eyes in the mirror, taking a deep breath.

I couldn't go on like this.

Tobias could steal my project today; tomorrow he could cut off my father's medication.

I needed to find leverage to break free from his control as soon as possible.

I pulled out my phone and dialed a hidden number.

"Hello, Mark. It's Eleanor."

"You mentioned before that Cosmos Capital was hiring partners. Is the position still open? I'll take it. One condition. Help me transfer someone abroad to the Rion Medical Center in Switzerland. You must guarantee a top-tier medical team throughout the journey."

The headhunter on the other end paused, then his voice filled with excitement.

"Miss Hart! You've finally come around! No problem. Mr. Holt at Cosmos has had his eye on you for ages. As long as you're willing to join, this request is nothing! I'll arrange your interview immediately!"

After hanging up, I washed my face with cold water and reapplied my lipstick.

Tobias, you think you can trap me forever?

We'll see about that.

For the next week, I was like a ghost at the company.

I handed over all my work and watched coldly as Vivian, with Tobias's protection, clumsily pushed forward the Stellar deal.

Sure enough, due to Vivian's inexperience and misjudgment, negotiations hit a deadlock.

The other party took advantage and drove down the price. Reed Corporation stood to lose hundreds of millions in profit.

Tobias threw a massive fit in his office.

Just as I was about to use this opportunity to finalize my contract with Cosmos Capital, the hospital suddenly delivered devastating news.

"Miss Hart, your father's condition has suddenly worsened. He's experiencing severe rejection. Current domestic medications can't control it. He needs to use Rion's latest targeted therapy drug immediately, or else... he won't make it through this week."

My grip on the phone tightened sharply, my mind going blank.

"Is that drug available domestically?"

"I'm sorry, that drug is still in Phase II clinical trials. Domestically, only Reed Medical's laboratory has a few slots available."

The doctor's voice carried helplessness.

Reed Corporation.

It was Reed Corporation again.

I closed my eyes as despair flooded over me like a tide.

All my plans crumbled instantly in the face of my father's life and death.

Eleanor's POV

I practically raced to Tobias's office.

When I pushed open the door, Tobias was sitting in his oversized executive chair while Vivian stood behind him, intimately massaging his shoulders.

Both froze when they saw me burst in.

"Don't you know how to knock?"

Tobias frowned, his tone displeased.

I completely ignored Vivian's presence and strode to the desk, bracing my hands on its surface, my voice trembling with extreme panic.

"Tobias, I need Rion's latest targeted therapy drug. I know your lab has slots. I'm begging you. Give me one dose."

Tobias leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming the desk unhurriedly.

"Begging me?"

He paused.

"Eleanor, your attitude when asking for favors is a bit too perfunctory, don't you think?"

My jaw clenched tight.

"What do you want me to do? As long as you give me the drug, name your terms."

Tobias chuckled softly, his gaze sweeping over me.

"Tomorrow night is Vivian's welcome-home party. Everyone in our circle will be there. Vivian just got back and needs a capable assistant. Tomorrow night, you'll stay by her side, serving water and taking care of her. Do that, and I'll have the drug sent to the hospital immediately."

The office fell into deathly silence.

Vivian covered her mouth, looking shocked.

"Tobias, that won't do! Eleanor is so proud in investment banking circles. How can you make her do menial servant work? What will people think of her..."

"Proud? She'd better have the credentials for it."

Tobias looked at me coldly, his tone contemptuous.

"Eleanor, my patience is limited. Will you do it or not?"

I stared at Tobias, wishing I could carve a piece of flesh from his body.

Five years of feelings turned out to be not just a joke, but a knife he could stab me with at any time.

"Fine."

My hoarse voice echoed in the office.

"I'll do it."

For my father's life, I could trample any shred of dignity underfoot.

The next evening, at the Junlan Grand Hotel ballroom.

Perfume and silk, clinking glasses.

Vivian wore an expensive custom gown Tobias had specially ordered for her, surrounded like a proud princess in the center of attention.

And I, wearing the most inconspicuous black uniform, holding a tray like an actual server, stood quietly three steps behind Vivian.

"Oh my, isn't this Miss Hart? How come instead of closing hundred-million-dollar deals at the negotiating table today, you're carrying trays?"

Several women I'd previously dominated at negotiating tables deliberately raised their voices as they approached, mockery filling their eyes.

"What Miss Hart? She's just a dog Mr. Reed keeps on hand. Now that the real heiress is back, of course she has to show her true colors and do servant work."

Vicious taunts filled the air.

The malicious gossip around me was like a light breeze.

Vivian glanced back at me, a malicious smile curving her lips.

She turned around, deliberately pretending to lose her balance, her body tilting sideways. The glass of red wine in her hand spilled perfectly all over my uniform.

Dark red liquid ran down my neck. I looked utterly pathetic.

"Oh no, Eleanor, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to. These heels are too high, I lost my balance..."

Vivian cried out, quickly pulling out a handkerchief to wipe, but her exaggerated movements knocked against the marble table edge.

Crack.

The expensive designer bracelet on Vivian's wrist that Tobias had just given her today struck the marble edge and broke in two, falling to the floor.

"Ah! My bracelet!"

Vivian clutched her wrist as tears instantly fell. She pointed at me, looking completely wronged.

"Eleanor, I was just trying to help wipe your clothes. Why did you push me? I know you're jealous that Tobias gave me such an expensive gift, but you can't be so cruel..."

The surrounding crowd instantly erupted, everyone condemning me as vicious.

The commotion quickly drew Tobias over.

He pushed through the crowd and walked in. Seeing the broken pieces on the floor and Vivian's tear-streaked face, his expression instantly turned terrifyingly dark.

"What happened?"

He demanded sharply.

"Tobias, Eleanor... she pushed me..."

Vivian threw herself into Tobias's arms, crying so hard her whole body shook.

"That was the gift you gave me, and now it's broken..."

Tobias pulled Vivian protectively into his embrace, then turned to look at me, his eyes frighteningly cold.

"Eleanor, have you lost your mind?"

He stepped closer, lowering his voice to a volume only we could hear, saying viciously,

"I warned you. Don't touch her!"

I looked down at the broken pieces on the floor, then at Vivian playing the victim in Tobias's arms, and suddenly felt utterly exhausted.

"I didn't push her."

I said.

"Mr. Reed, if you don't believe me, check the security footage."

"Check the footage? This corner happens to be a blind spot. You calculated this pretty well, didn't you!"

Vivian's friend mocked from the side.

"Mr. Reed, a vicious woman like this should be thrown out!"

"Eleanor, apologize to Vivian immediately."

Tobias's eyes were ruthless and cold.

"I didn't do it. Why should I apologize?"

I held my head high, refusing to compromise.

"Why?"

Tobias laughed coldly, leaning close to my ear.

"Because your father's targeted therapy hasn't been delivered to the hospital yet. If you don't apologize, I'll have the drug destroyed right now."

Eleanor's POV

Fury and desolation intertwined in my chest, nearly tearing me apart.

I stared hard at Tobias's face, the one that had captivated me for five years, now feeling nothing but disgust.

Around us, the onlookers whispered, their eyes full of condescending pity and mockery.

Everyone was waiting for my backbone to break, waiting for me to grovel at Vivian Sullivan's feet like a dog.

"Eleanor, actually, if you just lower your head and say you're sorry, this will all be over. After all, we're family..."

Vivian peeked out from Tobias's embrace, her voice soft and sweet, yet laced with poison.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

My lungs felt filled with shattered glass. Every breath tasted of blood.

My father was still struggling in a hospital bed. I had no right to be stubborn.

I slowly bent my knees, about to bow my straight spine.

"Mr. Reed, quite the show of power. Forcing a woman to submit in your own venue to demonstrate authority. The Reed family's upbringing is truly eye-opening."

A low, lazy voice carrying absolute authority suddenly rang out from the ballroom entrance.

The entire hall fell instantly silent.

Everyone turned toward the sound. A group of people entered through the main doors.

The man at the front wore an impeccably tailored black suit, his tall frame commanding.

His features were sharp and defined, his eyes carrying the cold detachment of someone long accustomed to power.

He casually toyed with a ring on his finger. With each step, his presence seemed to compress the air around him.

The true helmsman of Cosmos Capital.

Sebastian Holt.

Why would he come to this level of party?

Everyone present gasped, and even Tobias's expression changed instantly. He unconsciously released Vivian, a trace of wariness crossing his features.

"Mr. Holt, what brings you here?"

Tobias suppressed his shock and approached.

Sebastian didn't spare him a glance.

He walked straight past Tobias and stopped directly in front of me.

Sebastian removed his suit jacket and naturally draped it over my trembling shoulders.

"Miss Hart, the offer Cosmos made was for you to become a partner, not to be treated like a performing monkey by a bunch of fools."

The man's voice wasn't loud, but it struck like thunder throughout the ballroom.

I froze, looking up at this nobleman who seemed as untouchable as a deity.

I knew Mark was helping me connect with Cosmos Capital, but I never imagined that Sebastian Holt, the true power behind Cosmos, would personally intervene to save me.

"Mr. Holt, what exactly do you mean by this?"

Tobias's expression turned ugly. He stared at the men's jacket draped over my shoulders.

"Exactly what I said."

Sebastian finally deigned to turn and give Tobias a glance, his tone dripping with contempt.

"Eleanor Hart is now my person at Cosmos. If Mr. Reed has any complaints, feel free to come find me. As for this mess on the floor..."

Sebastian glanced at the broken pieces, then turned to instruct his assistant Mike.

"Go pick out two decent bracelets and send them to Mr. Reed. Consider it a gift from Miss Hart, my compliments to Miss Sullivan."

The word "compliments" was used with maximum insult.

Vivian's face instantly went pale. She swayed unsteadily.

Tobias clenched his fists so tight his veins bulged, but facing the supremely powerful Sebastian Holt, he didn't even have the right to lose his temper.

"Let's go, Miss Hart. Don't let this disgusting place dirty your eyes."

Sebastian turned slightly, making an extremely gentlemanly gesture of invitation.

Without a moment's hesitation, I pulled the jacket tighter around me and walked out of the ballroom alongside Sebastian, not sparing Tobias a backward glance.

As soon as we exited the hotel, the cold wind hit me. My tightly wound nerves finally relaxed, my legs went weak, and I nearly collapsed.

Sebastian caught my wrist with quick reflexes, steadying me.

His palm was warm and dry, radiating reassuring strength.

"Thank you for helping me, Mr. Holt."

I steadied myself and subtly created distance.

Sebastian withdrew his hand, twisting the ring on his finger.

"No need for thanks. I told you, what I value is you... your capabilities. Eleanor Hart, Cosmos doesn't shelter the weak. The medical jet transferring your father to Switzerland takes off at eight tomorrow morning. Before then, clean up your messes. All of them."

I jerked my head up, my heart filled with disbelieving joy.

"You mean... the jet and the hospital are all arranged?"

"Cosmos's way of protecting our own has always been simple and direct."

Sebastian opened the car door, his voice low.

"Go. Make your break. Tomorrow, I expect to see a brand new Miss Hart."

Watching Sebastian's car disappear into the distance, I clenched my fists tightly.

Finally, I could completely escape that lunatic Tobias.

Eleanor's POV

I didn't return to the apartment. Instead, I went straight to the hospital.

With Sebastian's promise, I could finally relax a little.

I worked through the night handling my father's transfer procedures, coordinating with the medical team for tomorrow morning's jet.

As long as I made it through tonight, I could leave with my father.

At 2 a.m., I returned to the apartment to retrieve some of my father's important medical records and documents.

As soon as I pushed open the door, a heavy smell of alcohol and acrid cigarette smoke hit me.

The living room lights were off. In the darkness, a tall, ominous figure sat on the sofa.

"Where were you?"

Tobias's voice was hoarse, filled with barely suppressed mania.

I flipped the switch at the entrance. Harsh light flooded the room. Tobias's eyes were bloodshot, his shirt buttons undone, his tie thrown carelessly on the floor. He stared at me, or rather, at the oversized suit jacket I still wore.

Sebastian's jacket.

"Mr. Reed, instead of fawning over Vivian in the middle of the night, what are you doing here losing your mind?"

I removed the jacket and carefully draped it over a chair back without even glancing at him, heading straight for the study.

"Stop right there!"

Tobias shot up like a crazed predator, charging over and slamming me against the wall.

He roughly gripped my chin, his strength nearly crushing my jawbone.

"What, now that you're with Sebastian Holt, you can't even be bothered to look at me?"

Tobias ground his teeth, his rapid breathing reeking of alcohol washing over my face.

"No wonder you've been so defiant these past few days, not even caring about your father's life! Turns out you've already lined up your next man! Eleanor Hart, do you have no shame? Sebastian Holt, that ruthless capitalist. You think he could actually be interested in you? You're nothing but a tool he's using to get at me!"

I was forced to tilt my head back, looking at this man before me, distorted beyond recognition by jealousy and rage. I suddenly felt unbearably sad.

This was the man I'd loved for five years. Not only cold-blooded, but arrogant beyond redemption.

"Tool, plaything. Whatever."

I laughed coldly.

"At least Sebastian gives me dignity, instead of grinding me into the mud beneath Vivian Sullivan's feet like you do! Tobias, what exactly are you so angry about? That I didn't kneel before you like a dog and beg, or that your pathetic control over me has failed?"

"You think you can escape?"

Tobias suddenly lowered his head, trying to bite my lips.

I turned my head away in disgust. His lips scraped heavily across my cheek.

"Don't touch me. You disgust me."

I coldly spat out those words.

Tobias's movements froze abruptly.

He stared at me, his chest heaving violently.

After a long moment, he suddenly laughed. That smile cold and cruel to the extreme.

"I disgust you? Fine, Eleanor. You've got guts."

Tobias released me and stepped back, straightening his disheveled shirt, resuming that superior, domineering posture.

"You think Sebastian Holt can save your father's life? All the clinical data from that overseas specialist is in my hands! Without my approval, no one can take that targeted therapy drug! Even if you fly your father to heaven, all he can do is wait to die!"

My heart clenched sharply.

"Vivian Sullivan is at my villa right now. One word from her, and all those projects you fought tooth and nail for become hers. And you'll forever be nothing but a stand-in hiding in the gutter, never seeing the light of day!"

He stepped closer, leaning near my ear, his voice soft yet venomous.

"Eleanor, whenever Vivian needs something, you'll have to step aside. I'm giving you three days. Break it off with Sebastian. Come back to me obediently and kneel to beg me. Otherwise, I guarantee your father won't see tomorrow's sunrise."

With that, Tobias turned and strode out of the apartment.

The door slammed shut with a deafening bang.

I leaned against the cold wall, my body trembling uncontrollably.

Not from fear, but from bone-deep cold.

I knew Tobias too well.

What he said, he would do.

He was a madman. To clip my wings, he would do anything.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down.

I walked into the study and pulled out the transfer agreement I'd prepared long ago from the bottom drawer.

An assignment I'd secretly applied for through the company. A brutal overseas market in Africa. All to escape Tobias.

If he could control everything here, then I'd disappear completely.

As long as the medical jet took off tomorrow, I would never be threatened by anyone again.

I picked up the pen and signed my name without hesitation.

My pen pressed hard into the paper. Every stroke was final.