Chapter 2

2 My reaction surprised Ethan. Seeing me dismiss even Noah, he tried to assert his dominance, screeching his car to a halt in front of me. "Get in!" he snapped. "Don't make me say it again, Ashley."

I stood before the car, tilting my head, looking at him with disdain. "Ethan, if you have the guts, run me over."

He froze, shock evident in his eyes. Seeing him hesitate, I walked to the driver's side window and slapped him hard across the face. "Run me over, coward!"

Ethan was utterly dumbfounded...

Ethan was completely bewildered. He couldn't believe my post-prison demeanor. Even Noah was stunned. I didn't leave him out, of course. As I passed him, I delivered a resounding slap. Equal opportunity for all. Only Olivia remained to complete the trio.

Perhaps it was my erratic behavior that kept Ethan and Noah at bay, though they sent men to tail me.

I went to a bank. I had no intention of hiding. Ashley's grandfather had left her a safety net �C several million dollars in an offshore account. A last resort he'd prepared for his granddaughter. A pity for the old man who had tried to protect her.

With the money, I booked the presidential suite in Redwood City's most luxurious hotel. As a demon, I never compromised on comfort. Soaking in the tub, enjoying the pleasures of the human world, I scrolled through the internet on my phone.

A trailer for Olivia's new movie was trending.

【OMG Olivia is the most beautiful! The best ever!!】

【She's stunning! 29-year-old actress, engaged to Redwood City's golden boy. #lifegoals】

【So romantic! I heard they're getting married next year, on her 30th birthday. Childhood sweethearts, straight out of a novel!】

【… Does no one remember how her fiancé screwed over the Millers to build his empire?】

【Careful, whoever posted that, you might get your account suspended. How dare you question the golden boy?!】

A flicker of interest sparked within me. Ethan practically controlled the internet, yet someone dared to speak out. I refreshed the page. Sure enough, the comment was gone, but the account remained. The wording suggested someone familiar with the story.

Dismissing my curiosity, I saw the endless praise for Olivia and an idea formed. How to inflict the most pain and despair on a wicked soul? By striking at what they held dear.

I had the hotel staff buy me expensive skincare products, spending nearly a month secluded in my suite. I had money, and the hotel was happy to cater to a high-spending guest. Ethan, despite his wealth, couldn't breach the hotel's privacy to spy on a presidential suite guest. He seemed unaware of the fortune Ashley's grandfather had left her.

I got a new phone and credit cards. No one knew where I was.