Bloody Love

Archie returned in the early evening.

Cassie was out of danger after the emergency treatment but still needed to remain at the hospital for observation.

Archie looked more menacing and intimidating than ever. He walked up to Vivian without a word and threw a document in her face.

The edge of the paper sliced across her cheek, leaving a faint line of blood.

It was a share transfer agreement.

Archie was transferring the small company left by Vivian's father, which was also her only comforting reminder of her family, into Cassie's name.

"You owe her this." Archie's voice was devoid of any warmth.

Archie, with his vast wealth and strong power, had no need for such a small company.

Cassie, who was a teacher in a kindergarten, had no need for company shares either.

But Archie knew this was the most important thing to Vivian.

He simply wanted to take away something she cherished the most and then destroy it.

"I didn't do anything to her! She made the cake herself. She didn't even know she was allergic to nuts, so how could I?" Vivian defended herself, her eyes red and her voice trembling.

"Yes, she didn't know it. But you should have known it because you're a nurse," Archie sneered coldly, with unmistakable disdain in his eyes. "Stop playing the victim. It only makes me feel sick."

"That company is the only thing my father left for me!" Vivian nearly screamed.

"So what?" Archie stepped forward, gripping her chin to make her look up, "Even if she wanted your life, you would have to give it to her."

Vivian finally broke down, tears streaming down her face. "I saved your life with my blood, not for you to humiliate me like this!"

"Saved me?" Archie looked as if he was amused by Vivian's words, tightening his grip on her chin. "Do you honestly believe I married you because of your blood?

"Cassie is pure-hearted. Being too close to me would expose her to the blood and brutality I deal with—it would tarnish her world. She couldn't be my wife, but you're used to blood and flesh in the operating room, which made you just the right fit."

It turned out that she wasn't even qualified to make him repay her the favor—she was just a pitiful substitute.

Archie watched her face turn ashen; a flicker of pleasure passed through his eyes. "You want your company back? There is a way."

He released her, looking down at her. "Go to the hospital and beg Cassie for her forgiveness on your knees. I'll give the company back to you when she agrees."

With that, he turned and walked up the stairs without giving her another glance.

Vivian collapsed onto the floor, feeling utterly powerless.

She was numb with heartache.

She had lost, completely and utterly.

Her love, her dignity, and everything about her meant nothing to Archie.

That night, Vivian had a high fever.

The bruise on her lower back had become infected. Her body burned, and she was semiconscious.

She struggled to reach for the medicine but didn't even have the strength to get out of bed.

In her daze, she thought she heard the door open.

It was Archie.

He walked to the bed, looked at her flushed face, and frowned slightly.

He reached out and touched her forehead briefly; it was the first time he had willingly touched her in three years.

For a moment, Vivian thought there might still be a trace of humanity in him.

However, he took out his phone and dialed his assistant, his voice as cold as ever. "Get a doctor here to make her live. I still want to see her begging Cassie for forgiveness on her knees tomorrow."