Chapter 5

Sloane's POV

Jasmine Sterling stood before the spa's full-length mirror, playing with her engagement diamond ring while gently touching her waist.

I stood just behind the door, quietly watching her.

My kidney had been beating inside her body for three years. She'd probably forgotten that everything was stolen.

Whether the healthy body or the upcoming engagement celebration-it had all originally belonged to me, the missing person.

"Jasmine, why aren't you changed yet?"

Lauren's voice rang out.

Jasmine took a deep breath, adjusted her expression to the sweetest smile, and was about to open the door when her phone buzzed.

Grace sent a voice message.

"Oh my, Jasmine, look at the work your sister's doing now. So disgraceful!"

"The once high-and-mighty Miss Sterling is now doing this degrading work like a dog."

Jasmine called Grace.

"Book me an appointment. I want to personally patronize my sister's business."

After hanging up, she covered her waist and walked toward the interior room.

"Mom, my waist hurts."

Lauren sat on the sofa selecting jewelry. Hearing this, she immediately set down the diamonds in her hand.

"What's wrong? Are you uncomfortable?"

"No... I just had a nightmare last night. I dreamed that sister was suffering out there."

Jasmine leaned into Lauren's arms, her voice trembling.

"I want to get a spa treatment to relax. I heard they got new essential oils today..."

Lauren's expression stiffened briefly.

But looking at her pale little face, Lauren still nodded.

"Go ahead. Be good to yourself."

Lauren pulled a card from her purse.

"Take this card. Buy whatever you want."

I couldn't watch anymore. I turned and left.

I knew Jasmine was about to torment me again.

Late that night, I looked at Emma Peach's latest payment notice.

Still far short of the surgery deposit.

I crumpled those payment slips and swallowed two painkillers.

Tomorrow, whether it was Jasmine or anyone else-as long as they paid, my dignity was for sale.

As long as I didn't die, I'd collect this debt with interest eventually.

The spa entrance was filled with luxury cars.

One particularly ostentatious luxury sedan stood out like a crouching beast.

Mr. Lee's hysterical voice came through the walkie-talkie.

"Number 99! Where the hell are you! The VIP is already in room V8!"

The lobby was in chaos.

To receive the Sterling family's heiress, the spa had conducted a full staff deep clean.

All technicians changed into brand new silk uniforms. Only I still wore my faded old work clothes.

This was Mr. Lee's special instruction.

The air was thick with suffocating tension. Everyone wanted to curry favor with this future society lady.

At the office, Mr. Lee held out his hand, his fleshy face trembling.

"Hand over your phone."

"The VIP requires absolute privacy. To prevent secret filming."

I placed my phone on the desk.

Preventing filming was the excuse. Cutting off my escape routes was the real reason.

"Also, today's service standard is kneeling essential oil foot therapy."

Mr. Lee slapped a service agreement on the desk.

"Sign it! If anything goes wrong, not only will your entire month's pay be docked, I'll make sure you're completely blacklisted in this industry."

I picked up the pen and asked just one question.

"Is the commission paid daily?"

Mr. Lee spat.

"Money-grubbing bitch."

"As long as the pay is right, what's kneeling?"

I signed my name.

"I've endured worse."

My hands soaked in scalding hot towel water. Fingers that once played piano were now rough and covered in tiny wounds.

Once upon a time, these hands only touched piano keys and haute couture.

I looked at my reflection in the water.

Since Jasmine specifically wanted to see this side of me, I'd perform for her.

She was the audience. I was the performer.

I'd take her money and later use it to buy her a coffin.