"Do you know what I, Daniel Howard, despise the most?" The man's eyes were bloodshot, and his breath came in heavy gasps.
"Cough... cough..."
Ofelia's throat hurt from being choked, and she could do nothing but cough.
"If you're looking for death, I'll grant your wish."
With that, Daniel grabbed her arm and, like lifting a small chicken, dragged her to the bedroom and threw her onto the bed.
"Hey, what... what are you doing?"
Ofelia was startled, genuinely afraid of Daniel.
He ripped his tie off with one hand while clicking a remote with the other. Instantly, the bedroom curtains closed, leaving them in pitch-black darkness.
In the dark, there was a ripping sound, and Ofelia's clothes were torn apart by him.
"You bastard, let me go! I'm just here... for money."
Ofelia struggled, but she suddenly noticed something was off about him.
It was only then that she realized what was happening, but by the time she tried to get up and run, it was too late.
....
The next day…
Ofelia woke up naturally, and it was already noon.
She shifted in bed, and a dull ache spread through her body. It felt bruised, battered. The worst part, though, was the sticky film clinging to her skin. It was almost unbearable.
Ofelia sat up, scanning the bedroom. Daniel was long gone, but a set of clean clothes was neatly placed by the bedside.
She got up and quickly washed up in the bathroom, not bothering to remove her makeup, before heading out to find Daniel and demand an explanation.
As she stepped into the living room, she noticed an unfamiliar man sitting on the couch.
"My name is Sutton. I'm Mr. Howard's personal assistant," he introduced himself before Ofelia could say a word.
"Where's that scumbag Daniel? He sleeps with me and then just leaves? Is he trying to ghost me?" Ofelia fumed, her anger bubbling over.
Scumbag?
Sutton was taken aback. Ignorance is bliss, he thought. He decided not to argue with her and instead pointed to a box of medicine on the table. "The boss left instructions: either take the medicine and leave Fortune's City, or face the consequences. Miss Velcross, the choice is yours."
He already knew her name, indicating they had done their homework.
Ofelia's heart skipped a beat, feeling the cold, ruthless nature of Daniel. Fear crept in, extinguishing her fiery demeanor.
She bit her lip, "Um... I... I need to see Daniel. I saved his life, he can't just repay kindness with cruelty."
Upon hearing this, Sutton sneered, "I've heard such lousy lies too many times. Do you really think the boss will believe you?"
"I'm telling the truth, that day..."
"Miss Velcross!"
Sutton's patience had worn thin. "If you won't take the easy way, don't blame me for being harsh."
Ding—
At that moment, the elevator doors opened.
Ofelia had expected Daniel, but to her surprise, an elegantly dressed elderly woman with a head full of white hair stepped out, followed by two attendants.
Sutton bowed respectfully, "Mrs. Howard."
Mrs. Howard walked in, casting a stern glance at Sutton. "What are you doing?"
"Madam, I was just handling some personal matters for the boss," Sutton replied honestly.
Mrs. Howard pointed to a box of contraceptive pills on the table. "Your so-called personal matters involve getting rid of my Howard Family's great-grandchild?"
Ofelia was stunned. Great-grandchild?
She followed the elderly woman's gaze to the box of pills, feeling a wave of confusion. Could it be that the 'great-grandchild' Mrs. Howard mentioned was the one in her belly...?
"This is the boss's decision," Sutton stated.
"Hmph, if there's anything, let that brat come find me himself."
Mrs. Howard turned and walked towards Ofelia. Her stern face instantly softened into a kind and gentle smile. "You must be Ofelia Velcross?"
Ofelia didn't have much fondness for Daniel, nor did she feel any particular way about Mrs. Howard. However, out of politeness, she asked, "Grandma, what can I do for you?"
"Though you look quite ordinary, you have a sweet tongue," Mrs. Howard's face lit up with joy at being called 'Grandma.'
Ofelia had naturally fair skin, but she had deliberately darkened her complexion, drawn her eyebrows thick, and added freckles to her face. At first glance, she did look quite plain.
Mrs. Howard affectionately took Ofelia's hand. "My dear, all this old woman wants is to hold a great-grandbaby before she kicks the bucket. I've looked into your background. I know your parents are in the hospital, and you work multiple jobs to support your family. You're a good kid. If you're willing to have a child for the Howard Family, I'll agree to any condition you set."
Ofelia's eyes widened in shock as she jerked her hand away as if she had been electrocuted. "No, no, no, Grandma. I understand you want a great-grandchild for the Howard Family, but that's your family's business. It has nothing to do with me."
What kind of crazy joke is this? Just because she had a fling with Daniel didn't mean she was obligated to have a child for the Howard Family.
What did they take her for?
This was beyond ridiculous!