Chapter 4

Damian spun around, his eyes nearly popping out in anger. "Are you insane? Are you trying to get her killed?"

Celia froze at his outburst, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at Damian. "I swear I didn't mean it. I can go buy a new one."

Damian bent over, hands trembling, trying to pour the liquid back into the bottle, but it had already seeped into the cracks on the floor.

I was already out cold, curled up on the hospital bed, my lips and face ghostly pale.

Damian rushed back to me, shouting at the bodyguard, "Do you have any left? Hurry, go get another one."

Celia jumped in front of the door, holding her ground and refusing to let the bodyguard through.

She shot Damian a look and explained, "If the press or your fans catch a glimpse of her like this, your career in showbiz is over.

"If Marie just apologizes and claims she's just a fan of yours, we can take her to the hospital without any backlash. Plus, it'll boost your image as a caring celebrity who loves their fans."

Damian glanced at the crowd outside, gritted his teeth, and then collapsed to the floor, defeated.

He turned and gently but urgently picked me up, carefully peeling the tape off my skin.

The hornets, startled by the movement, started stinging him frantically.

The pain from the tape being ripped off jolted me awake again, and I struggled to open my swollen eyes just a sliver.

When Damian saw I was still conscious, he was trembling with desperate hope. "Marie, just say sorry to Celia, and I swear I'll get you to a doctor right away.

"Come on, be a good girl. I'm trying to help you, okay?"

I parted my lips, and Damian instantly leaned in, putting his ear close to catch my words.

I managed to whisper, barely audible, "No way."

I swept my gaze over the crowd, my voice rough but resolute. "Just wait. I swear, none of you is getting away with this."

Celia just laughed, her innocent eyes now gleaming with venom.

She said, "Marie, did you forget? You threw your family away for Damian. Do you still think you're a noble heiress? Wake up. You're nothing but an abandoned girl, kicked out of your home.

"No one would glance at you even if you died on the street."

Just then, the door creaked open just a crack, and someone slipped inside.

It was Damian's manager, Alicia.

Alicia had always had it out for me, but I never wanted to put Damian in a tough spot, so I always let her digs slide.

Now, I'd finally lost all hope in Damian.

When Alicia saw me looking so wrecked, she lit up with glee and instantly started filming on her phone.

"Well, isn't this Ms. Flores, who always acts like she's above everyone? What happened? Why do you look so pathetic?" Alicia snarked.

Alicia slapped Damian on the shoulder. "Nice going, Damian. You have no idea how she used to bully Celia."

I couldn't help but sneer.

She was truly a top agent in the industry. Her talent for twisting truth was remarkable.

Seeing me writhing in pain and irritation, Damian sighed helplessly. "Marie, quit sulking, okay?

"Celia is trying to help you. Someone with your temper would probably have offended countless people if I weren't there to shield you."

I just ignored him and turned away, not even bothering to respond.

Damian felt his pride wounded and shouted in fury, "Marie, you're dying. Can you just let go of that stupid pride?

"If you won't apologize, then no matter how much I care about you, I won't let you get away with this attitude again."

Just then, the door burst open with a thunderous crash.

A burly bodyguard in a black suit kicked it down, then respectfully stepped aside.

Amidst the crowd, a man stood tall and imposing, his presence radiating a chilling intensity.

He walked in, stepping over the broken door, his gaze sweeping across the room before landing coldly on Damian.

He scoffed, a mocking smirk on his lips. "So, Marie had been throwing a fit at me all this time, just for some loser like you, huh?"