"Can you settle the final project payment with me first?" he pleaded, his voice desperate. "I'm really having cash flow problems right now! I'll explain everything to you afterward, okay? Please!"
I let out a cold laugh. "What final payment?" I said. "The collaboration—I just cancelled all of it. Your life, death, and debts have nothing to do with me. Not one bit."
I hung up without another word.
Cassius brought over hot soup, looking at my still pale face, and gently comforted me. "I told you that you wouldn't find anyone decent from a place like that," he said. "But at least it was a good lesson. Now you can finally marry me with a clear heart."
I looked up at him, my gaze firm. "I'll definitely go through with the wedding," I said. "But before that, I need to settle the score for ev
