Chapter 49: Lost faith in love

Words : 1070 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 49: Lost faith in love Inside the private room... The atmosphere grew heavy with tension as Mr. Lee leaned in closer to Anne. "I appreciate your honesty," he murmured, a sly glint in his eyes. "I’ll take your advice and drop the collaboration. Let’s not talk about business anymore. Why don’t we enjoy ourselves a little?" He reached out, letting his knuckles graze down her arm. Anne instantly moved away, revulsion flickering across her face. "Mr. Lee, I suggest you conduct yourself properly," she said firmly. "I am not that kind of woman. Besides, I just saved you from signing a bad deal—you should be thanking me, not crossing boundaries." Mr. Lee’s expression darkened in an instant, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes. "Rejecting me?" He seethed as if the mere thought of being turned down was unbearable. "Who do you think you are?" In a flash, he lunged at her, his hand wrapping around her throat, cutting off her air. "You’re nothing but a whore, yet you dare pretend to be innocent," he spat, his grip tightening. "I know women like you all too well. Beneath that act, you’re just another slut. Why else would Mr. Beaumont send you here? He made it clear I should enjoy myself with you." Anne’s eyes widened in shock, struggling against his hold. "What... did you just say?" she choked out, stunned by his words. "I said he gave you to me," Mr. Lee sneered, a wicked laugh escaping his lips. "In exchange for the deal, I can do whatever I please with you. You’re mine for the entire day." He pressed his lips against her neck, his fingers moving toward the buttons of her blouse. Anne fought with all her strength, every fiber of her being recoiling in disgust. But more than anything, it was her heart that burned the most—consumed by fury and unbearable pain. Denis had knowingly sent her to this meeting—meaning he had willingly sold her out to Mr. Lee in exchange for a business deal. He had treated her like nothing more than a commodity, a mere bargaining chip. Hatred for Denis burned hotter than ever, yet deep inside, her heart still ached. The man she had loved so deeply had handed her over to another without a second thought. This was the price she had paid for loving someone with all her heart. Her faith in love shattered completely, leaving her convinced that true love simply didn’t exist. "Stop resisting," he snarled. "Just surrender to me. I’ll take your advice, and more than that, I’ll make you my personal secretary. I’ll ensure you’re well taken care of." "Make me happy?" Anne scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she struggled to keep his hands off her. "You must be joking. You’re pathetic—small where it matters and unable to last more than five minutes. No wonder your wife left you." Mr. Lee went rigid, his eyes blazing with fury at the humiliation. Seizing the moment, Anne shoved him away and sat up straight. "I know exactly who you are," she hissed. "You despise women and treat them like toys, but deep down, you’re nothing but impotent." "Shut up," he bellowed, trembling with rage. "Why? Did I hit a nerve?" she taunted. "Everyone knows about your twisted tendencies, especially when it comes to sex. The truth is, you can’t perform—so instead, you take pleasure in making women suffer. That’s the only thing you are capable of." "I’ll kill you!" he roared, lunging at her. But Anne was faster. In an instant, she grabbed the bottle of alcohol and brought it crashing down on his head. "Ugh," he groaned, clutching his skull as searing pain shot through him. His fingers trembled as he glanced down, now stained with his own blood. His face contorted with fury as he lifted his gaze back to her. "You—!" His expression darkened, his rage boiling over. "You bitch!" With a sudden burst of aggression, he leaped at her, shoving her onto the sofa. Before Anne could react, his hands were around her throat, squeezing tightly. She clawed at his arms and chest, desperate to break free, but his grip only tightened. Her lungs burned, struggling for air. Panic surged through her as she frantically stretched her hand, searching for anything—anything—to fight back. Her fingers brushed against the strap of her bag. With a desperate yank, she pulled it close and swung it hard against his head. He stumbled back, fresh pain shooting through his skull. His grip around her neck slacked. Anne delivered a swift kick, sending him sprawling to the floor. This time, she didn’t hesitate. Clutching her bag tightly against her chest, she bolted for the door. "Hey... Stop right there," Mr. Lee’s furious voice rang out behind her, but she didn’t look back at him. Anne’s steps faltered as the door suddenly swung open, her heart leaping to her throat. But the moment her eyes landed on the familiar figure before her, a wave of relief crashed over her. "Augustine," she breathed, her voice trembling. Overwhelmed, she rushed into his arms. Augustine held her close. "I’m sorry I’m late," he murmured against her hair. A furious growl interrupted the moment. "Who the hell are you? Get your hands off her. She belongs to me for the day." Augustine’s gaze darkened, turning ice-cold as he looked at him. "Handle him," he ordered without emotion. Gustave gave a curt nod before swiftly pinning Mr. Lee to the ground, twisting his arm behind his back. A sharp cry of pain escaped Mr. Lee’s lips, but Augustine didn’t spare him another glance. He tightened his grip on Anne and led her out of the restaurant. As they walked down the hallway, Anne’s steps wavered, her legs unsteady. Augustine tightened his hold on her, keeping her from stumbling. "Are you alright?" he asked gently. Anne lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes filled with concern. A whirlwind of emotions churned inside her. The man she had loved for years had treated her like a mere bargaining chip, exchanging her for a business deal. Meanwhile, Augustine—someone she had only known for a short time—protected her as if she were something precious. Her mind was a mess, torn between disbelief and gratitude. Before she could find the words to thank him, a voice rang out. "Anne?" Denis rushed toward her, his expression tense. "Are you okay?"

Chapter 49: Lost faith in love

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