The events of last night remained vivid in my mind. Thinking back now, it all felt absurdly ridiculous.

We were both adults, and I knew better than to believe Steve would ever get involved with his nephew’s ex-fiancée. His flirting was likely nothing more than a whim.

Pushing the discomfort aside, I forced myself out of bed.

My phone displayed dozens of missed calls from James. Without a flicker of emotion, I blocked his number.

After quickly tidying up, I grabbed my suitcase and opened the door.

However, what greeted me was James’ dark, stormy expression.

Before I could react, he shoved me aside and barged into the room.

"Are you out of your mind?"

Rubbing my aching shoulder, I barely had a moment to recover before James stormed back, grabbing me by the collar.

His bloodshot eyes burned with fury as he growled, "Where is he?"

"Who?" I asked, confused.

"Don’t play dumb! My friend saw you come here with another man!"

I froze for a second before realizing what had happened. No wonder he’d called me so many times—he’d found out I came here with someone else and was furious.

Seeing his livid expression, I felt a wave of satisfaction. The thought of making him even angrier sparked a rebellious urge.

"James, do I need to remind you? We’re over. Who I sleep with is none of your business."

The words had barely left my mouth when a stinging slap struck my face.

I stumbled, falling to the ground as James’ furious voice roared in my ears.

"So, you really cheated on me! Who is the man? Tell me!"

The burning pain on my left cheek stung fiercely. Seeing the curious and judgmental glances of people passing by, a wave of anger rose in my chest.

Just as I tried to get up, a shadow moved past me.

In the next moment, James let out a pained cry and collapsed to the ground.

Startled, I looked up to see Steve standing in front of me.

Hadn’t he left? Did I misunderstand him?

A rush of complex emotions swirled within me, but the strongest was gratitude.

James, now looking disheveled, scrambled to his feet. He was about to lash out again but froze the moment he saw Steve’s face.

Instantly deflated, like a balloon losing air, he stammered with a look of grievance, "Uncle, why did you hit me?"

Steve snorted coldly, his expression blank.

"You’ve disgraced the Cook family, causing a scene like this in public. Aren’t you ashamed?"

James’ face turned red with embarrassment. He glared at me furiously, then pointed at me as he began to whine to Steve.

"Uncle, you don’t understand! This woman had the audacity to cheat on me! She stayed in this hotel with her lover last night! I caught her red-handed! Damn it, when I find him, I’ll make sure he pays!"

After his rant, James reached out to grab me again, but before he could, a strong arm shoved him aside.

Dumbfounded, James stared as Steve pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly by the waist.

"Oh?" Steve’s voice was cold, his words deliberate. "I’m the so-called lover you’re talking about. So, tell me, what are you going to do to me?"