Part 3Winter's Last Promise

Chloe was yanked back, lost her footing, and crashed to the floor. The ceramic teacup shattered, slicing a deep gash into her palm. Blood spilled across the tiles.

Through the glass walls of the conference room, Carter saw the injured Chloe.

With everyone watching, he slammed his files down, pushed open the doors, and strode over, pulling Chloe into his arms.

He snarled coldly, "Who the hell hurt her?"

The well-meaning colleague stumbled backward, her face ashen with terror.

I sneered. "I did it. And she deserved it."

Chloe glared at me through her tears, crying out, "Yes, I deserve it! It's my fault for falling in love with a married man. It's my fault people call me a homewrecker and a mistress!"

"But Mr. Sterling, as long as you love me, I'll stay by your side for the rest of my life. No one can tear us apart."

She cried so beautifully. Even spouting such ridiculous nonsense, she looked brave and resolute.

Carter chuckled, his anger melting. He reached up to wipe her tears, coaxing her, "Be good. Look at you, crying like a little stray cat."

He truly treated her differently.

I lowered my eyes, too tired to keep watching, and simply said to Carter, "For my birthday this year, I want fifty thousand dollars."

It was funny, really. We were husband and wife, but we didn't even have each other saved in our phones.

Unless I needed money, I never reached out to him.

Before we got married, we had a deal: he wanted my body, and I wanted his money.

Carter always hated me for being a gold digger.

But in the past, whenever I asked, no matter the amount, he would give it to me—usually more than I requested.

But this time, he looked at me and smiled. A freezing, cruel smile. He said slowly, "You can have the money."

"But, Emma. Lower your noble head and apologize to Chloe first."

Carter was using fifty grand to buy my dignity, all to buy Chloe an apology.

It was the first time he had ever used his money to humiliate me for another woman.

I slowly clenched my fists and gave a faint smile.

Suppressing the sudden, agonizing pain flaring up in my chest, I turned and walked away.

I didn't want the money anymore.

I suddenly felt very curious. Carter...

If one day you found out that this money could have kept me alive just a little longer, if you knew how much pain I suffered before I died...

What kind of face would you make?