---- Chapter 1 This is the last time I'll ever bring up the engagement between Kyle Hanson and me. The atmosphere turned awkward in an instant. Kyle gave a look of pure disdain, and the room. burst into laughter. "Come on, what is this, the Middle Ages? That childhood engagement was a joke. You seriously think it still counts?" "Grace Collins, always so high and mighty... Feeling insecure now, are we?" I stayed silent, staring at Kyle, who looked casually indifferent. There was still a smudge of pink lipstick on his shirt collar. ---- A sharp pain twisted in my chest. 'We were young and stupid back then. Of course, I said yes." Kyle gave me a mocking glance. "We're adults now. No need to dig up something that ridiculous and make everyone uncomfortable." I froze, just about to speak when the door to the private room swung open. Wearing a waitress's uniform, Rose walked in, pushing a food cart to the table. She looked startled to see me. "Gracie-oh, I mean... Miss Grace." Then, she turned to Kyle with a pitiful look. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt." Her hands trembled as she set the desserts on the table and turned to leave. Suddenly, Kyle stood up and flipped the table over ina rage. I gasped as a broken plate sliced my arm. The ---- wound refused to close; there was clearly wolfsbane on that dish. I winced in pain. Kyle didn't even glance my way. He marched straight to Rose and yanked off the apron printed with the hotel's logo. "Rose, how many times have I told you? Stop running around doing these degrading jobs." Rose nodded, her eyes wide and her voice soft. "I... I didn't want to cause trouble for you. You and Jones have done so much for me. I can take care of myself... even just working small jobs..." Kyle grabbed her hand and said in an earnest tone, "You don't understand how much it hurts us to see you lowering yourself like this. Come back with me now. No more jobs. Ever. If anyone tries to make you a servant again, I'1l destroy this place myself."