Cold. A bone-chilling cold.

Abigail leaned against the bathtub’s edge. The cold water sluicing over her skin offered some relief, but it was a terrible ordeal after being drugged with an aphrodisiac. Fortunately, she managed to fall asleep.

She soaked in the cold water all night. The next day, she felt dazed.

Before leaving, she informed Dahlia: “Sean went out early last night and didn’t return. I don’t know where he is, but I’m going to work; I’m not waiting for him.”

She didn’t care about Sean’s whereabouts. She simply wanted Dahlia to tell Lína that they hadn't consummated their marriage.

Sun, September 24 Chapter 15: One Final Blow

She hadn’t run away. She didn’t even remember leaving the Graham Residence. Upon reaching her studio, Luna was startled by Abigail’s pale face. “Where were you last night? What happened?”

Luna rushed to support the unsteady Abigail. The moment their skin touched, Luna realized Abigail had a high fever. “Why are you here with a fever?! I’m taking you to the hospital.”

Abigail weakly waved her hand. “No, I want to go home and sleep. Just give me a ride.”

She instinctively touched her belly—the site of numerous ovulation-stimulating injections. The trauma of her last visit to the hospital made even the word nauseating.

Chapter 15: One Final Blow

As Luna, her longtime best friend, understood immediately. “Okay, we don’t have to go if you don’t want to. I’ll take you home.”

Luna, putting aside her work, drove Abigail home and fussed over her, finding water and fever reducers. “Did Sean bully you? You were fine when you left. How did you get like this?”

Abigail didn’t want to worry Luna. “It’s nothing. I probably didn’t sleep well. I probably just caught a cold. You can go back now; I don’t want to infect you. I’ll take the medicine. I’ll be fine.”

Forcing her eyes open, she added, “I finally got our business back on track. I won’t be at ease if you’re not there to ensure everything goes smoothly. Please return to the studio as soon as you can.”

The 2.8 million she earned by soaking in cold water came at a steep price. She couldn't afford to lose it.

Luna opened her mouth to comfort Abigail but couldn’t find the words. She couldn’t imagine Abigail valuing money more than her life. Abigail had always been minimalist. What had happened?

Finally, she grabbed her phone. “I’ll go to the studio now. Don’t worry. I told my brother you’re sick, and he’s on his way.”

Sun, September 24 Chapter 15: One Final Blow

Abigail woke to a knock. It was probably Luna’s brother, Zachariah, who’d promised to help. Despite her exhaustion, she sat up and opened the door.

She was met with a pair of familiar almond-shaped eyes. The man, Kevin, was startled. His anticipation turned to bewilderment. “Ms. Abigail? Why are you here? No, wait… why are you here?”

Kevin’s jaw dropped. He retracted his foot from the doorway.

“Why can’t I be in my own home? Why are you here?” A chill swept in, and Abigail stepped aside, not wanting to stand in the cold or leave Kevin outside.

“I didn’t expect Sean to hide you, even after being married so long,” Kevin remarked lightly. Noticing her condition, he awkwardly entered. His initial excitement faded, replaced by concern.

“By the way… what’s your relationship with Zachariah?” Kevin asked tentatively.

“He’s my—Luna’s, my boss’s, older brother.” Abigail almost slipped up. “Ah… is your car fixed now?”

She changed the subject, feeling dizzy as she stood. Leaning against the wall, she focused on Kevin.

“It’s a minor issue. Where’s Sean? Why isn’t he taking care of you?” Understanding her relationship with Zachariah, Kevin felt relieved and pressed further.

Sun, September 24 Chapter 15: One Final Blow

Kevin’s mention of Sean triggered a memory of their intimacy the previous night and his hasty departure after a phone call. “What a scumbag,” she thought.

Abigail said coldly, “How would I know? I’ll get you some water. Just sit for a while and then leave. I’m fine. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.” She longed for a nap.

As she reached for a glass…

Crash!

A glass shattered in the kitchen.

Kevin dropped his phone and rushed in. He found Abigail unconscious on the floor, her arm cut by broken glass, blood staining the floor.

“F*ck… Ms. Abigail!”

He disregarded the need for distance from his friend’s wife, shaking Abigail. The heat of her skin startled him.

This was serious.

He carried Abigail to his car, driving away without noticing a familiar dark figure nearby.

Sun, September 24 Chapter 15: One Final Blow

The figure in the shadows watched Kevin’s red Ferrari leave.

“Mr. Graham… I think that was Mr. Stewart.”

Xavien, standing behind Sean, looked at his cold face. “S–Should we still go up?”

Sean’s gaze followed Kevin’s departing car, his eyes radiating a chilling intensity.

“Let’s go back.”

His assistant obeyed, driving away without looking back.