Chapter 3

Leah Sterling POV

The early autumn sea breeze already carried bone-chilling cold.

I brought surveying equipment and came alone to the cliff edge at Moonlight Bay. Although I'd signed the transfer agreement, my professional integrity as an architect meant I still had to conduct on-site surveys.

Waves crashed heavily against the sharp rocks below, churning up white foam.

"Miss Sterling, working on such a cold day. It must be hard on you."

A soft, delicate voice came from behind me. I turned to see Vanessa Sullivan wearing a pure white cashmere coat, approaching with Tristan's assistant.

Vanessa had a beautiful face. She looked so fragile.

"I heard this land was originally a wedding gift Tristan gave you?" Vanessa walked to the cliff edge, looking down at the magnificent sea from her superior position, covering her mouth with a light laugh.

"I desperately tried to talk Tristan out of giving me this land, but he just wouldn't listen. He insisted only this place was worthy of me. Miss Sterling, please don't be angry with me."

I adjusted my equipment expressionlessly, not sparing her even a glance. "Miss Sullivan, if you came to gloat, don't bother. I have no interest in recycling garbage."

Just then, the harsh sound of car tires scraping pavement came from the distance. Tristan's Maybach stopped by the roadside. The man pushed open the door and got out, walking this way.

Vanessa caught sight of Tristan from the corner of her eye and suddenly gave me a strange smile.

The next second, she suddenly stepped backward, her whole body falling toward the cliff edge.

"Miss Sterling, why did you push me!" Vanessa let out a shrill scream, tumbling down onto a relatively flat sandy area near the cliff edge. Though she didn't fall off, it looked extremely dangerous.

"Vanessa!"

Tristan rushed over like a gust of wind.

He didn't even assess the situation clearly before raising his hand and shoving hard at my shoulder.

"Are you insane! How dare you hurt her!"

His force was tremendous. Caught off guard, I lost my balance and fell straight toward a pile of rocks nearby.

My knees and palms crashed heavily onto the sharp reef rocks. The jagged stones instantly tore through my skin. Blood gushed out, quickly staining my pants. The piercing pain made my vision go black.

But Tristan didn't even glance at me. He knelt on one knee, carefully gathering Vanessa into his arms, his voice so tender it could drip water. "Vanessa, it's okay now, don't be scared. I'm here."

Vanessa curled up in his embrace, trembling and crying. "Tristan, don't blame Miss Sterling. She must be angry because you gave the land to me, so she pushed me..."

"She's asking for death!" Tristan whipped his head around, his deep eyes churning with fury.

I trembled all over in pain, supporting myself on my blood-covered palms, struggling to raise my head. "Tristan Cole, I didn't push her. My leg is bleeding. I can't stand up..."

"Drop that pitiful act!" Tristan cut me off mercilessly, his eyes as cold as if looking at garbage. "If Vanessa loses even one hair, I absolutely won't let you off! You stay here and reflect. When you're ready to admit your mistake, then you can crawl back!"

With that, he scooped up Vanessa and walked toward the car without looking back.

The car door slammed shut. The engine roared. He left with his mistress.

The cold seawater gradually rose with the tide, submerging my bleeding knee. The salt water covering my wound hurt so much I nearly passed out.

I tilted my head back, looking at the overcast sky, letting tears mix with the icy seawater.

I silently recorded in my mind:

"He falsely accused me, pushed me for Vanessa Sullivan's sake, and left me injured on the tidal reef. Deduct 10 points."

Seventy points left.