Chapter 4

Damien mobilized nearly all his connections just to give me a wedding that would shake the entire city.

I sat in the main hall of the North estate, my fingers lightly tapping the redwood armrest.

For three years, I'd worn no makeup and used all the Sterling family's resources and connections to pave the way for Ethan.

Now, a single diamond bracelet on my wrist was worth more than his trading company's annual revenue.

"Madam, Ethan North and Vanessa Reed are here," the housekeeper Mrs. Harris said quietly.

I raised my eyelids slightly. "Let them in."

The two entered one after the other. Ethan's eyes were bloodshot, his expression dark and menacing.

Vanessa was trembling like a frightened sparrow.

"Emily," Ethan said stiffly, lowering his head slightly.

"Hello, Emily," Vanessa echoed with a bow.

I didn't respond. I picked up my porcelain coffee cup.

The hall was deathly silent except for the crisp sound of the lid tapping against the cup, each sound striking their nerves.

After a long while, Ethan—who'd been pampered since childhood—couldn't endure this cold treatment. His breathing grew heavier.

"If you have no other instructions, I'll take my leave," he said through gritted teeth, barely suppressing his rage.

I set down my coffee cup and let out a laugh.

"What's the rush? I've just taken charge of household affairs. There are some rules I need to teach Miss Reed properly."

I looked at Vanessa like a blade: "Miss Reed, do you know your mistake?"

She trembled all over and bowed deeply: "I don't know what I did wrong. Please enlighten me, Emily."

"You don't know?"

I stood and walked toward her step by step.

"Yesterday at the family shrine, you—an unmarried woman—dared to wear a crimson gold-embroidered dress and stand side by side with Ethan. Where did you place the North family rules? Where did you place me?"

Vanessa's face went deathly pale. "Emily, please understand. Ethan gave me that dress—"

"Ethan gave it to you, so you dared to wear it?" I looked at her coldly. "Do you have no concept of hierarchy? Someone come. Miss Reed doesn't understand the rules. Slap her face."

Two burly servants stepped forward and pinned Vanessa down on either side.

Ethan stepped forward to shield her, glaring at me: "Emily! Don't go too far! Vanessa is pregnant. She can't take this!"

I looked at his enraged face, my heart completely unmoved.

"Ethan North, what did you just call me?"

He choked, his face flushing red.

"I am Damien North's legally wedded wife. You called me by my first name—are you disrespecting Damien, or are you disrespecting the North family rules?"

I stepped closer, staring at him coldly.

"Since you feel so sorry for Miss Reed, you can take her punishment."

Ethan looked at me in disbelief. "You dare hit me?"

"Why wouldn't I dare discipline you?"

I waved my hand. Guards flooded in and surrounded Ethan completely.

Vanessa threw herself at his legs, crying: "Emily, please calm down! It's my fault. I'll accept the punishment. Please don't hit him!"

She cried pitifully. Ethan protectively shielded her: "Vanessa, don't be afraid. As long as I'm here, no one can touch you."

Watching this touching display of devotion made me sick.

Years ago, when I'd taken a bullet meant for him and nearly died from infection and three days of high fever, he'd been accompanying Vanessa to the opera.

"What a touching performance." I sneered. "Since Miss Reed is so understanding, let's grant her wish. Do it."

*Crack!*

The crisp slap echoed.

Vanessa screamed continuously. Her lip split open, blood pouring out.

The guards held Ethan down while he watched helplessly as his beloved woman was punished. His eyes turned blood red as he roared:

"Emily! You vicious woman! I will never let this go!"

I looked down at his impotent rage with utter contempt.

"I look forward to it."