Chapter 1 – Rain-Soaked Collision
Rain pounded the windshield like war drums. Jiang Ci tightened her grip on the steering wheel of the rickety delivery truck, her brother's ID tucked beneath the visor. Mud splashed up the sides, tires squealing as the mountain curve tightened.
“Come on, hold together," she muttered. The brakes groaned. Headlights appeared—too close.
A black Bentley.
She jerked right.
Too late.
The truck's fender clipped the Bentley's side, a metallic shriek slicing through the storm. Both vehicles skidded. Jiang Ci slammed her head against the window. Stars exploded in her vision.
By the time she stumbled out, rain had soaked her to the bone. The Bentley's door swung open, and a tall man stepped out, immaculate despite the weather.
“Who the hell's driving this death trap?" he barked.
Jiang Ci coughed, voice hoarse. “I'm sorry—it was the rain—I didn't see—"
“Insurance," he snapped. “Now."
She reached into her pocket. Empty. The insurance folder had flown out during the spin.
“I… I'll pay for repairs. Please. My brother—he needs this route. Just—just tell me where to send the money."
The man's sharp gaze raked her soaked figure, from narrow shoulders to trembling hands. Confusion flickered.
“You're… not from the agency?" he asked suddenly, voice lowering with suspicion.
“What agency?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he stepped forward, grabbing her arm. “You're here to settle a debt, aren't you? This is how your type pays."
“I don't know what you're talking about—wait—ow!"
Her protest was cut short as the man dragged her to his car. A driver opened the door without question. Jiang Ci struggled, dazed and dizzy, but the man's grip tightened.
“You chose this," he said coldly. “Don't act innocent now."
---
The hotel suite was marble and chrome. The man's assistant handed over a thick envelope and whispered, “No IDs, no records. Security's under control."
Jiang Ci, barely conscious, blinked at the blur of city lights. Her headache throbbed, nausea twisting her stomach.
“What is this?" she murmured.
“Compensation," the man replied. “You'll leave in the morning. No drama."
He paused at the doorway.
“Stay silent, and everyone wins."
The door clicked shut.
Jiang Ci curled up on the pristine bed, the scent of unfamiliar cologne choking her. Pain lanced through her ribs. She thought of her brother's injured leg. Of their mother's hospital bills. Of the debt collectors circling like vultures.
If this was what it took to buy them time—so be it.
Tears mixed with sweat as she drifted into darkness.
---
Dawn crept in on pale feet.
Jiang Ci woke alone.
The suite was empty. On the pillow lay a check—six digits and a cold signature: **Huo Yuchen**.
She stared at it for a long moment. Then tore it in half. Again. Until it fell like snow around her.
“Never," she whispered. “Not for this. Not for that man."
Her hands trembled as she gathered her things. A small, trembling whisper bloomed in her chest.
This would not define her.
