Chapter 3 The moment I made the call , Nathaniel Ford snatched the phone from my hand and threw it to the floor . " Why are you stopping me ? " I demanded , my eyes bloodshot with anger . " She's trying to kill me ! " " How long are you going to keep making a scene ? Don't you feel embarrassed ? " Nathaniel rubbed his temples , as if trying to suppress his frustration . " Today is Jessica's celebration . Everything should revolve around her . " My fingertips clenched into my palm as I quietly asked , " So , as long as she's happy , my life doesn't matter , right ? " " Stop talking ! " Nathaniel snapped , his voice laced with anger . " She's been framed . I'll look into it later . " I couldn't help but laugh at his serious expression . Jessica Sinclair was just a pawn Nathaniel used to manipulate me . But I never expected that , when it came down to my life , he cared more about preserving the image of his first love than anything else . I went quiet for a moment . Just when everyone thought I had given up , I stood up and rushed out to call the police . Jessica Sinclair's face turned pale with fear , and she fainted . " You've completely lost it ! " Nathaniel's brow furrowed in irritation as he scooped Jessica up , his face darkening . " Get her to the water dungeon . Let her come to her senses before let her out . " A few soldiers immediately stepped forward , pushing me away like a criminal . No matter how much I struggled , it was futile . " Nathaniel Ford , you know it was her doing ! " I screamed , my voice raw with despair . The people around me stared as if I were mad , and with just a glance from Nathaniel , the soldiers quickly sealed my mouth with tape . I lost any chance of seeking help . Amid my cries , they whipped me thirty times before im Auto - added to the Library to a steel cage and hoisting me up . As half my body was submerged in the saltwater , the pain felt unbearable , as if thousands of ants were gnawing at my skin . I pressed my fingertips into my palm , forcing myself to stay silent despite the excruciating pain . The soldier's face was emotionless as he pressed a button , and the cage began to sink slowly , the pressure mounting . " Are you going to tell the truth ? " The saltwater inched closer to my lips , suffocating me , while the burning pain from my wounds felt unbearable , as if fire was coursing through my skin . My palm was now bleeding from the pressure I had put on it , my consciousness and body torn apart by the pain . I clenched my teeth and shook my head , exhausted . Was Nathaniel Ford looking for the truth ? No , he wanted me to defend Jessica Sinclair , to speak on her behalf . In the silence , the cage sank faster . The icy saltwater swallowed me whole , and the air in my lungs was squeezed out entirely . One second ... two seconds ... three ... It wasn't until I lost consciousness that I gave in , begging , " I'll tell you , I'll tell the truth ... " Once I spoke , the soldiers dragged me from the cage and brought me before Nathaniel Ford . He stood in the shadows , his tone cold as he commanded , " Speak . " Chapter 3 42.86 % Sitting on the sofa , Nathaniel exuded an air of icy nobility . His indifferent gaze made me see how pathetic I had become . " I lied . " " Jessica Sinclair didn't harm me . I staged the whole thing and kidnapped myself . " I forced a smile , void of warmth , as I closed my eyes as if accepting my fate . " It was all me . " I wasn't going to waste any more breath defending myself . Once the time was up , I'd leave here forever - leave Nathaniel Ford behind . Seeing my strange demeanor , Nathaniel felt an inexplicable pain in his chest . But he showed no emotion , coldly saying , " I'll let you off this time . If it happens again , I won't be so lenient . " As he turned to leave , I made up my mind and dialed the number I hadn't contacted in a long time . The voice on the other end was deep and magnetic , carrying a smile . " Made up your mind , Ms. Hart ? " " I've decided to join your company . I'll be on the flight tomorrow morning . " As soon as I finished speaking , Nathaniel burst into the room , his gaze sharp and chilling , locking onto me . " What flight ? Didn't you resign ? Where are you going ? " Chapter 3