Chapter 5

In the ballroom on the first floor, light and shadow intertwined beneath the enameled chandeliers. When Serena appeared, arm-in-arm with Liam, she instantly became the center of attention. A group of socialites eagerly gathered around her. "Serena, Mr. Vance is so good to you! This couture gown, you're the first in the world to wear it! "

"Right, I heard that a few days ago, overseas, to snatch this gown from a Parisian millionaire, he made a bet with them and raced cars, even injuring his arm? "

So, he got hurt to get the heiress that couture gown... This conversation made Serena's eyes redden. "Don't even mention it, I was so worried, he bled so much. But I just said I liked it, and he... "

"Haha, he's clearly loving you so much he doesn't care about his own life. "

The group showered her with compliments, one person even scoffing and glancing at me. "Some people, they wear five-year-old out-of-season rags and think they've become a phoenix flying onto a branch. In reality, they're not even fit to carry the heiress's shoes! "

I looked at the dress I was wearing; Liam had arranged it. I tried to endure, clenching my fingers tightly. Until the event began, and there was a charity auction. Although it was mostly small trinkets Serena wouldn't care for, Liam, wanting to bolster her image, repeatedly bid lavishly. Only one emerald ring, he was a step too late. Another buyer swiftly outbid everyone. But Serena, of course, loved it. She whined, tugging Liam's sleeve. "Liam, I really, really love that ring. If I don't get it, I won't be able to eat tonight. "

With just that one sentence, Liam, after the auction ended, personally approached the buyer. "Mr. Sterling, name your price. Ten times, a hundred times, I have no objections. "

The man on the other side chuckled. "Mr. Vance, you should know my rules. Money isn't what I care about. It's just that I'm lacking creative inspiration lately and happen to need a model. How about this... "

I was on my way to the restroom when I inadvertently overheard their conversation around a corner. "Your wife, Ms. Hayes, I find her quite appealing. If she could model for me in the nude just once, I'll let you have that ring at its original price. "

Liam's face darkened. "I'll consider it. "

In that moment, I felt as if I had fallen into an ice cellar. What did he mean by... *consider it*? Mr. Sterling was an infamous playboy in their social circles, rumored to have a peculiar hobby: he loved photography, but he only photographed... My body trembled imperceptibly. I turned and quickly walked away. But not long after, in a corner of the ballroom, someone grabbed me. "Audrey, I have something I want to discuss with you. "

Liam paused, trying to appease me by handing me a personally mixed fruit wine. "You've seen how much better Serena's been doing lately. She'll be able to move out after a bit more recovery. It's just... she saw that ring today. "

"But the buyer said if you'd agree to model for him just once, he'd give up the ring. You see... "

"Impossible! " I suppressed my trembling, pushing him away. "Liam Vance, what do you take me for?! "

A massive bitterness surged within me. I tried to suppress the overwhelming emotions, draining the fruit wine in my hand in one desperate gulp, as if to drown my anger. But just as I walked out of the ballroom, a dizzying fog clouded my mind. I lost control and stumbled backward. That drink, it was drugged... In my hazy consciousness, I vaguely felt Liam embrace me. His murmured voice held suppressed regret. "I'm sorry, Audrey. This is the last time. "

*Click*—

The spotlight suddenly flared, and I opened my eyes in the excessively harsh light. I was lying in a completely blacked-out room, my clothes already stripped off... A chill instantly swept through my entire body. In a panic, I curled my body, my slender arms drawn to my chest, but the meager cover was useless. A full-body weakness prevented me from standing. "Ms. Hayes, you're truly beautiful, especially through my lens. "

From behind the camera, the man's malicious chuckle reached me. The dark, gaping lens, like a predatory beast, was pointed directly at me. "You pervert! I'm calling the police! What you're doing is illegal! " I cried out in despair. "Oh? And who are you going to report? Me? Or your husband? "

The man sneered. "This estate is my territory. All I'm asking is for you to pose nude for art. I did promise Liam I wouldn't touch you beyond photography. But if you have other needs, I... "

"Get away from me! "

In that moment, I could no longer hold back my tears. I was like a fish on a chopping block, naked and exposed on the soft, diffused fabric backdrop... But he showed no intention of letting me go. "Yes, good. You're even more enchanting when you cry. "

The camera's flash felt like knives, slicing at my heart again and again. I don't know how long it lasted before the flashing camera finally turned off. I don't even remember how I got dressed, or how I managed to get up and walk out of that room. I felt like a broken marionette, my humiliated steps heavy and slow. "Ms. Hayes, I've photographed tens of thousands of women to date, but you're the first to be personally handed over by her own husband," a mocking chuckle drifted from behind me. My fingers, gripping the doorknob, were white. I knew this wasn't the time to confront him. My self-deprecating voice was filled with resolve. "I'm divorced.