Chapter 2

The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume, tobacco, and a trace of something suggestive.

A lavish, almost absurd auction was reaching its peak.

Cassandra was yanked through the crowd by Edward. Her pajamas were rumpled, but in this extravagant club, it didn't seem out of place.

In fact, it only drew more predatory stares from the people around.

Cassandra immediately spotted the massive birdcage at the center of the stage.

Inside, Winona was dressed in a pale blue cheongsam with a daring slit, her hair elegantly pinned up.

Tear stains lingered at the corners of her eyes, making her look like a frightened little rabbit, pitifully curled up in the corner of the cage.

That appearance was exactly what stirred up the cruel instincts of the wealthy and powerful men watching from below.

"1.5 million dollars."

"2.5 million dollars. I'll pay 2.5 million dollars for this beauty's first night."

"3 million dollars."

"10 million dollars."

The bids kept coming, one after another. The men below were practically foaming at the mouth, eyes wild like beasts in heat.

The boss stood at the edge of the stage, her smile so wide that her makeup looked like it might slide right off.

Cassandra was shaking uncontrollably, glancing at Edward with fear and desperation.

Edward's face was half-hidden in the shadows, but his eyes were fixed on Winona up on stage, his whole presence exuding a dangerous energy that felt almost real.

"Edward, can we please go home? I promise, I haven't done anything," Cassandra begged.

"15 million dollars," Edward suddenly called out.

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried such undeniable authority that it drowned out all the noise in the room.

The crowd froze for a second, then burst into shocked exclamations.

"15 million dollars? Mr. Strathmore actually bid 15 million dollars?"

"Word is, he went against his whole family for this woman. Guess the rumors were spot on."

"Doesn't that just make Mrs. Strathmore a laughingstock?"

Every whisper around her pricked at Cassandra's ears like tiny needles.

Up on stage, Winona heard the voice and looked up suddenly.

The moment she saw Edward, tears rushed down her cheeks. Her lips trembled as she called out, "Edward..."

Winona's voice twisted with grievance and sorrow, sounding utterly pitiful.

Edward's heart clenched, but when he turned to Cassandra, his gaze grew even colder. "Did you hear that? This is what you've done."

Just then, a sleazy voice called out from the corner. "20 million dollars. Mr. Strathmore, it's not very gentlemanly to snatch someone else's prize. I want a taste of that little rabbit myself."

Edward let out a cold laugh, but before he could say anything, the man added, "But if you're willing to let Mrs. Strathmore join me for a little fun, I'll back off and let you have the star tonight."

The whole room erupted in an uproar.

Cassandra gaped in disbelief, her nails biting into her palms.

She expected Edward to explode in anger, to turn the guy down and protect the Strathmore family's reputation.

After all, she was still his wife, at least officially.

But Edward just stood there in silence for a couple of seconds, then a cruel smile curled on his lips as he slowly said, "Since Mr. Grant is so interested, I'll grant you your wish."

Cassandra felt like she'd just been struck by lightning. "Edward! What did you just say?" she asked.

Her voice shook, as if she'd just heard something utterly impossible.

Edward turned to her, gripping her chin so hard it felt like he might crush her bones. "You're the one who forced Winona into this hell.

"So this is the punishment you deserve. Debts must be repaid in flesh. Your sins, you pay for them with your own body."

"No, I won't. Edward, you're a monster," Cassandra shot back.

Cassandra, wild with panic, tried to make a break for it, but the bodyguards who'd been waiting nearby seized her and held her back.

"Mrs. Strathmore, Mr. Grant just spent 20 million dollars for your night. Don't be ungrateful," one of the bodyguards said with a fake smile, gripping her arm tightly.

"Let me go. I'm Edward's wife. I'm the Langley family's heiress. You can't do this to me," Cassandra screamed.

She struggled desperately, her hair flying everywhere, looking like a madwoman.

"Take her to the VIP suite on the top floor. Keep someone on her and make sure she doesn't die," Edward said, his voice icy and detached, like she was nothing but garbage to him.

"No, Edward. We're still married. You can't do this. Please. Someone help. Edward, I'm begging you, I know I messed up. Please, save me," Cassandra sobbed.

Cassandra was hauled off by the guards, helpless as they dragged her toward the elevator. One of her shoes was missing, and her ankle was scraped and bleeding.

She turned back in despair, only to see Edward storm onto the stage, bursting open the cage door with a kick and cradling the sobbing Winona in his arms like she was a priceless treasure.

But despite Cassandra's desperate cries and pleas for help, Edward didn't even spare her a single glance.

As the elevator doors slowly slid shut, the last spark of hope in Cassandra's eyes died out completely.

She knew her whole world had come crashing down.