Chapter 3

3 The hotel, owned by the Sterling Corp., had everything ready.

After I was clean, I chose a long black dress, the most concealing one I could find. It would cover the scars.

I stepped out of the bathroom to find the room manager's jaw drop at the fact I had cleaned myself up.

I gave a small chuckle at her expression.

I had thought that being Daniel's ward made me special.

I was wrong.

To him, I was just an instrument, nothing more.

Back in the living room, Daniel waited for me. He was dressed impeccably, his clothes completely changed.

His face was a mask of cold disdain as he scanned me. "Clara, you dressing like that on purpose?"

My fingers tightened, but I kept silent.

Daniel continued, "Your meltdown earlier went viral."

"I'll take you to the gala. You better do as you're told and downplay the drama."

My voice was hoarse. "How am I supposed to help you?"

Daniel hesitated, his voice sharp. "This is your mess. It's on you to fix it. Don't forget, Sterling Corp. has raised you."

I nodded obediently. Sterling Corp. had raised me, and I would do my duty.

Then we'd be even.

He glanced at me, a cold expression on his face, and turned toward the door.

I followed him, eyes darting over the trash bin.

His clothes were there. Tossed away because I had touched them.

Daniel was already waiting at the elevators, standing next to his assistant, Emily.

"Don't worry, Mr. Sterling," Emily said, her voice like smooth honey, "Ms. Clara didn't know about the gala."

"She probably didn't realize the effect this would have on the company."

Emily was wearing a beautiful evening gown, and she looked perfect standing beside Daniel.

Her words made it sound like I was selfish and unreasonable.

Daniel scoffed. "She's no baby. She knew what would happen by showing up on our doorstep like that."

I didn't argue, just followed them into the elevator.

Being trapped in that steel box during the kidnapping had left me claustrophobic.

I pressed myself into a corner, trying to contain the rising panic.

Emily rolled her eyes. She stood closer to Daniel, a picture of poise.

Daniel looked at me, disgust plain on his face.

When the doors opened, I bolted out of there, gasping for air and leaning against the wall.

Emily stepped closer to me, a concerned look on her face. "Ms. Clara, are you okay?"

She whispered in my ear. "Are you still hung up on Daniel?"

Her words triggered something within me. I dropped to my knees, begging for forgiveness.

"I won't ever think about him again. Please don't lock me in that metal box again."

Daniel's face was unreadable, a mix of shock, confusion, and pain.

"Clara, what is going on?"

I stared up at him, his features shifting from blurry to clear and back again.

My feelings for him, this intense devotion, it was all for nothing.

He had paid double to have it crushed.

I stood up, shaky, and managed a feeble "Sorry, Mr. Sterling."

He looked at me strangely.

Emily interrupted, "Miss, not here. People are watching you in the hotel lobby; you're making trouble for Mr. Sterling."

Daniel's face froze over and, with one last, deep look, he walked away, never once looking back.

Just like the day he doubled the ransom to have me "fixed."