Chapter 2

Last night, I went to a business dinner with Jace as his date and assistant.

I was terrible at these kinds of events, so I just stuck close to Jace, playing the role of arm candy.

All I really did was smile when they closed a deal, raise my glass to toast, and take a sip of juice.

That was until a fat hand landed on my shoulder.

Cayden Gardner, a middle-aged man, greeted Jace with his slimy grin. His beady eyes immediately locked on me. "Mr. Kane, is this your girlfriend?

"Wow, she's a knockout.

"She's got the looks and the body, way hotter than any of those starlets I've been keeping."

I felt a wave of discomfort but forced a smile to cover it.

Jace barely looked at me and said in a flat voice, "She's just my assistant."

"Oh, not your girlfriend? My bad. I jumped the gun," Cayden said.

He flashed a grin with his yellow teeth and tried to grope my back, but I dodged away instantly.

I was startled and moved behind Jace for protection, but Cayden wasn't backing off.

"Mr. Kane, that land out east is still up for grabs. If you're interested..." Cayden said.

He failed to touch me and pulled back his hand in frustration. His eyes were hungry as he stared at me. "How about you hand this little lady over to me?" he added.

I grabbed Jace's sleeve and gave him a pleading look.

Jace glanced at my panicked face, paused for a second, and then said, "I've already had my turn with her, and you really don't mind?"

"Not at all. With a stunner like her, I'd be too busy pampering her," Cayden said, plastering a greasy, fake smile on his face.

Jace shot him a cold look, his voice suddenly agitated. "I don't share what's mine.

"Besides, there's nothing I can't get, whether it's a woman or land."

Jace sounded merciless. Cayden's smile froze awkwardly, his face going red with embarrassment.

"Jace, you bastard," Cayden snapped.

Seeing the situation was about to explode, one of Cayden's buddies quickly pulled him away. With a sheepish grin, he turned to Jace. "Mr. Gardner's had a bit too much tonight. He didn't mean any disrespect to you or your assistant. Please, let it slide."

Jace was clearly annoyed, ready to snap, but when he saw how pale I was, he frowned and asked impatiently, "What's wrong? Are you trying to play a trick again?

"Julieta, get a grip. You're just my assistant. Don't act like you're hurt."

As I looked down, hiding my face, Jace clicked his tongue sharply, grabbed my chin, and forced me to meet his gaze.

He sneered, "Honestly, after all these years, I'm tired of looking at your face.

"If you behave and stay in line, maybe I'll let you stick around. But marrying me? Forget about it."

Our scene was causing a stir, and the guests around us started whispering.

"Well, making it in the big leagues isn't easy. Julieta's been with Mr. Kane for eight years, and it's all for nothing."

"If I were Mr. Kane's mom, I'd never let an assistant like her anywhere near the house. She'd ruin the family name."

"Look at her, showing off so much skin. Who's she trying to impress tonight?"

The whole place erupted in laughter.

I crossed my arms over my chest, my face burning with embarrassment.

Jace had picked out this dress, but it was too small, so tight that every curve was on display.

Seeing me like that, Jace clicked his tongue again in frustration and walked off without hesitation.

I stood there, frozen, my eyes stinging under the harsh lights.

The crowd dispersed, still laughing behind my back. I just wanted to get out, but Cayden and his group blocked my path.

Cayden strolled over with a drink, his eyes locked on me. "Julieta, what's up with Mr. Kane leaving you all alone? That's not how a gentleman behaves, is it?

"Come on, sweetheart. Let me show you some real fun. Drink up, and I promise you'll have a good time tonight."

I tried to step back, but bumped into another creep behind me.

I shouted shakily, "Jace brought me here. How dare you?"

"Oh, still playing the high and mighty act, huh? Everyone knows Jace treats you like some clingy dog he can't get rid of. You really think you can be his wife?" Cayden scoffed.

In the chaos, they grabbed my wrists, forced my mouth open, and shoved the cold, sticky liquor down my throat. I choked, gagging and crying out.

The room spun, the lights blurring as I struggled. All I could see were their smiling faces twisted with excitement.

The liquor burned my throat. I couldn't drink fast enough and started coughing uncontrollably.

"Careful, sweetheart. Watch how you drink," Cayden mocked, wrapping a big arm around my waist and pulling me in close with a lecherous grin.

"Let's go to a room and unwind," he added.

The men around me exchanged glances, then lifted me and started dragging me out.

They spiked my drink. I tried to fight back, but my legs went weak, and I was too dizzy to resist.

"Jace..." I whispered through trembling lips, barely able to get the words out.

Cayden slapped my cheek mockingly. "Jace already tossed her aside, but look at this loyal little throwaway. She still thinks he's coming to save her."

The guys around me laughed.

"Jace has been messing with this desperate piece for years. He's probably sick of her by now," one of them sneered.

"Damn, her body is smoking hot. Who cares if she's used? Still a win for me," another rasped.

They all burst into laughter again.