Serena emerged from the water, hugging herself tightly, her teeth chattering as she spoke, "I'm sorry for dirtying your clothes, Mr. Lee. But since I've helped solve such a big problem for you, I trust Mr. Lee won't hold it against me. It's late, you should head home."
Towards this man, even when used, Serena couldn't muster hatred.
She bowed politely, as if she wasn't the one being exploited or deceived.
Serena turned to leave, her frail voice trembling in the moonlight.
"Serena!" Phoenix called her back, his tone eerily calm. "Failed at the mission I gave you, and you think a bow will make me continue helping Nightingale Corporation?"
She didn't know why Phoenix was angry, but she knew the calmer he sounded, the angrier he was.
Boldly, without turning back, she said, "If Mr. Lee doesn't wish to help, no need to trouble yourself. As for tonight, I believe I've done you a great favor, not messed it up."
Her stomach felt as if it was pierced by a knife, and her neck started to itch. Without medical attention soon, tomorrow's headlines might read, "Nightingale’s Heiress Dies Tragically on the Streets."
But dying seemed almost comforting.
Phoenix's chest tightened at her despair, quickly replaced by coldness. He tossed her a coat and dragged her to the car door.
This woman who clung to life, who left to save her skin, wouldn't possibly have thoughts of death, would she?
"Get in."
Serena lowered her head, "No need, Mr. Lee. I wouldn't want to dirty your car. You're busy, please go ahead. I can get home myself."
Phoenix stared at her in silence.
Serena gripped a corner of her stained dress and managed a faint smile, "I've dirtied this dress of yours too, Mr. Lee. I guess you won't wear it again. I'll borrow it for tonight then, and dispose of it properly tomorrow. Please don't worry."
Before Serena could move, Phoenix pushed her into the car.
"Serena, I see the more you drink, the bolder you get!"
Phoenix followed, his warmth pressing against Serena. Huddled in a corner, Serena suddenly fell silent, frozen in position.
Phoenix watched her for a long while, then took a call. His voice was gentle; Serena knew it was Amelia. That was evident.
Who else could soften Phoenix like this?
After hanging up, Phoenix instantly turned cold, stopping the car. "Amelia's in some trouble. I'm going to check on her. Get out."
Serena turned woodenly, meeting Phoenix's disdainful gaze.
Feeling playful, she beamed, "Mr. Lee wants me to leave?"
It was self-evident.
"Just now, it was Mr. Lee who asked me to step aside. Now, without even sending me home,you ask me to get off your car. You're not very chivalrous, Mr. Lee."
Phoenix narrowed his eyes, "Serena, you are the most shameless woman I've ever met!"
His eyes were filled with undisguised disgust, loathing, and hatred.
Serena trembled. Yes, she was despicable. Loving someone who didn't love her back, enduring hurt after hurt, yet still loving so humbly and lowly. Not even daring to speak of it, wasn't she utterly shameless?
Bang—
The door she leaned on flung open, and Phoenix shoved her out.
The car sped away, and her smile faded slowly.
"Phoenix, when I grow up, will you marry me?"
"Yes, my silly girl, I only recognize you as my wife for this lifetime."
Childhood innocence, it turned out all the warmth was an illusion, and all the memories were hers alone.
If he didn't love, he didn't love.
Even saving his life once with hers had made no difference.
She leaned against the wall, vomiting uncontrollably.
On the deserted street, Serena broke down in tears.
The man she had loved for over a decade, whom she had nearly lost her life saving him, only treated her colder with time.
Later, as she matured, she learned to read people's expressions, understanding her unpopularity and leaving the country. She knew the verbal engagement was meaningless and never brought it up.
She wasn't crying for her present humiliation, but for the fact that tomorrow she'd have to gather strength to save the company, hiding all her sadness deep within.
"Miss, are you alright?"
When strong hands supported her, Serena recoiled, apologizing as she wiped her tears. "Sorry, I disturbed you."
"Serena?" Evan was surprised to find her here. His gaze lingered on Serena, complex. "Have some water."
"Thanks, sorry." Serena, disoriented, kept repeating apologies and thanks, afraid of inconveniencing him.
As her vision blackened and she collapsed into his arms, she sensed a familiar presence.
In the hospital's late-night shift, the doctor was irritable. "Young people nowadays, no matter the stress, can't treat their bodies like this. Jobs are hard to find, but get one that sustains you. If you're allergic to alcohol, don't drink then."
Evan looked at Serena's pale face, his expression complicated.
"You're her boyfriend, right? Tell your girlfriend to be careful. High fever plus alcohol allergy is dangerous. It won't be good if she fry her brain next time. Don't take youth for granted; your body will pay the price later."
"Alcohol allergy?" Evan asked only this.
"Yeah, special delayed allergic. If she drinks a little, it is usually fine, but too much can be fatal."
After hooking Serena up to an IV and giving Evan instructions, the doctor left.
Serena slept her most peaceful sleep since returning to USA, unaware of the brewing storm at Phoenix's end.
"Sir, Miss Nightingale seems to have been picked up. No need to worry," Lucas, following Phoenix for years, struggled under the tense atmosphere.
"Worry about her? I wish she were dead!" Phoenix kicked the coffee table, standing up. "Keep pressuring Nightingale Corporation. I don't believe she'll hold out much longer."
Lucas sighed. In the future, he would often wondering if Phoenix ever regretted those words.
