Chapter 4: Betrayal, Survival, and a Cry for Help

Cole’s departure set off a chain reaction.

Everything fell apart, just like before. I watched it happen, powerless to stop it.

Everything started playing out just like in my last life.

History repeats itself, especially when you refuse to change.

Mia won everyone over, bit by bit, and I became the villain everyone hated. The villain. That’s me.

The only difference was that this time, Cole wasn’t there by my side.

His absence was a wound that refused to heal.

Ms. Lane, you really can hold your liquor.

The voice was oily, too close. I forced a smile, my stomach churning.

A middle-aged, pot-bellied man reeking of whiskey leaned in close. He smelled like cheap bourbon.

His breath was sour, his hands too familiar. I fought the urge to shove him away.

It took everything I had not to dump my drink over his balding head.

I gripped my glass tighter, knuckles white. I needed this deal, but I hated every second.

This deal was important.

My future depended on it. Failure wasn’t an option.

My dad was already losing faith in me. He wanted to groom Mia instead. Figures.

I could feel his disappointment every time he looked at me. I was running out of chances.

Over the years, I’d made too many enemies trying to climb up.

I’d burned bridges, made enemies, and now I was paying the price.

As an adopted daughter with no one to rely on, what kind of ending could I expect?

Probably just getting kicked back into the mud.

I’d clawed my way up before. I could do it again, if I had to.

Mr. Grant, you’re too kind.

I forced another smile, hoping he’d take the hint and back off.

I brushed my hair aside. The man stared at me, eyes glazed.

His gaze lingered a little too long. I felt exposed, vulnerable.

But every time I tried to talk business, he changed the subject and tried to get me drunk.

He wasn’t interested in the deal—just in me. I gritted my teeth, playing along. I hated every second.

Typical old sleaze.

He’d been around the block, knew all the tricks. I hated that I had to play this game.

The alcohol was starting to mess with my head. I squinted, downed another glass as everyone egged me on, but suddenly, a sharp figure appeared in my blurred vision.

My vision swam, the room spinning. I tried to focus, but everything felt distant.

The private room door swung open. Finally.

The sound was sharp, slicing through the haze. I looked up, hope flaring in my chest.

Oh, Professor Whitaker, you’re finally here!

The room shifted, everyone’s attention snapping to the doorway. I held my breath, waiting to see what would happen next.

The same sleazy man who’d just been leering at me instantly put on a different face.

He straightened his tie, suddenly all business. I almost laughed at the hypocrisy.

It was the first time I’d seen Cole in three months.

He looked different—colder, more distant. But still impossibly handsome.

He still looked like he belonged in some old New England mansion, untouched by the world, as if nothing could ever stain him.

He was out of place here, too good for this crowd. I wondered what he thought of me now. Probably nothing good.

Mr. Grant.

He nodded politely, his voice cool and measured.

I’m here to introduce one of my students to you.

His words were formal, detached. I felt a pang of jealousy.

As soon as he finished, I saw Mia peek out shyly from behind him.

She looked like a deer in headlights, all wide eyes and innocence.

Now I understood why Mr. Grant had been so cagey earlier.

He’d been waiting for this, playing both sides until he could come out on top.

If his pharmaceutical company could get a connection with Cole Whitaker, its market value would skyrocket.

Cole’s reputation was gold. Anyone would kill for his endorsement.

And with Mia here… with Cole paving the way, of course I’d have to give up this deal to her.

It was a done deal, and I was the sacrificial lamb.

Funny, really—Mia always acted like she didn’t care, but she managed to take everything from me, every single time.

She was a master at playing innocent, but I knew better.

…

The deal fell through.

I watched my future slip through my fingers, powerless to stop it.

If I stayed even a second longer, I’d probably throw my drink—half on Mr. Grant, half on Cole.

The urge was strong, but I held back. I had too much to lose. Way too much.

So I made some excuse and left the room.

I mumbled something about a headache, grabbing my purse as I stumbled out.

But halfway down the hallway, I realized something was wrong.

My legs felt heavy, my vision blurry. Panic set in as I tried to steady myself.

My body felt hot, like something was burning inside me. My head was heavy, my limbs weak.

I leaned against the wall, gasping for air. The world spun around me.

That old bastard must have drugged my drink… Of course he did.

Realization hit, cold and terrifying. I tried to call for help, but my voice wouldn’t cooperate.

The next second, someone yanked me into a corner.

Rough hands grabbed me, dragging me out of sight. I struggled, but my body wouldn’t listen.

I struggled, but my body wouldn’t cooperate.

Fear took over, adrenaline surging through my veins. I clawed at his hands, desperate to break free.

Come on, Ms. Lane, just relax, huh?

His voice was slick, mocking. I wanted to scream, but the words caught in my throat. I wanted to claw his eyes out.

Everyone knows you’re just a throwaway now. You used to have Cole Whitaker, but you blew it.

He laughed, the sound cruel and ugly. I hated him, hated myself for being so weak.

But if you spend a night with me, maybe I’ll give you that deal after all…

His breath was hot against my ear. I felt sick, disgusted.

His greasy voice buzzed right in my ear.

I tried to turn away, but he held me tighter.

The drug was strong. My whole body was limp. All I could do was try to make some noise.

I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. Panic set in as I realized how helpless I was.

But this was a high-end club—the soundproofing was good, and no one was around.

The hallway was empty, the music from the main room muffled. I was alone.

I could only watch as he grinned and reached for my dress…

Tears streamed down my face as I tried to fight him off. I’d never felt so powerless.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed down the hall.

Hope flared in my chest. Maybe someone would find me in time.

I’d never recognized Cole’s footsteps so clearly before.

The sound was familiar, comforting. I clung to it like a lifeline.

Only then did I realize just how familiar I was with him.

Even now, in the worst moment of my life, I knew he’d come for me.

I tried desperately to make a sound, but the man pressed down harder, choking me so I couldn’t breathe.

My vision blurred, black spots dancing at the edges. I clawed at his hands, desperate for air.

For the first time, my tears fell because I was physically suffocating.

I’d cried for a lot of reasons in my life, but never like this.

You bitch…

His voice was a snarl, full of hate. I wanted to spit in his face.

He hissed threats in my ear.

I barely heard him over the sound of my own heartbeat, pounding in my ears.

As the footsteps faded, I finally managed to make a small, awkward noise.

I forced out a strangled cry, hoping it was enough.

The footsteps stopped, turning back toward us.

Relief washed over me, but I wasn’t safe yet.

I struggled with everything I had, screaming silently—

I mouthed his name, praying he’d hear me.

Cole Whitaker, get your ass over here.

I was never good at asking for help, but I needed him now more than ever. God, I needed him.

I’m about to die…

The thought flashed through my mind, cold and terrifying.

But the man, maybe out of panic, squeezed my throat even harder.

The world started to fade, darkness closing in at the edges of my vision.

My heart pounded wildly. Just as the footsteps reached us—

Time seemed to slow, every second stretching out forever.

A timid, sweet voice rang out from the end of the hall. Of course it was her.

Mr. Whitaker, there are so many people in the room. I’m scared to be alone. Can you stay with me? Please don’t go somewhere so dark.

Her words echoed in the hallway, a lifeline I couldn’t reach. I watched as Cole’s shadow paused, torn between duty and desire. And for the first time, I realized—I might really be on my own.