They left behind a ground full of filthy insults and my torn clothes.
Harsh headlights swept over, exposing me completely.
I raised a hand to shield my eyes—nothing but mud and grime between my fingers.
A black Maybach rolled to a stop, the window lowering halfway.
I used to ride in that car all the time. Before everything fell apart.
The door opened. A gleaming leather shoe stepped into the murky puddle.
My gaze traveled upward: sharply pressed suit pants, a meticulously tailored jacket. Six figures, minimum.
The man held a black umbrella and looked down at me, eyes colder than the November rain.
I froze.
Anthony Vance.
The poor student I once despised for his background. The one my family kicked out.
Now Harborview City's hottest tech mogul.
And I was a fallen heiress drowning in debt.
The creditors who'd been vicious moments ago immediately switched to fawning smiles.
"Mr. Vance! In rain this heavy, why would you personally—"
Anthony ignored them. He only stared at me.
He walked over and lifted his foot, pressing it down on the back of my bracing hand.
I didn't pull away. Let him step on it.
It was so cold that his shoe actually felt warm.
He slowly added pressure, grinding down.