I shivered, playing the part of someone completely terrified.

But in a darkened corner where no one could see, I couldn't help the smile tugging at the corner of my mouth.

That was Vivian's company seal.

It wasn't long before Vivian pushed the door open.

Lesley rushed over excitedly, eager to show off.

"Vivian, Ethan couldn't close the deal with the client, but I handled it without breaking a sweat. You have to reward me—don't make me work for free like him!"

"Excellent! Here's your reward!"

Vivian rose on her toes and locked lips with Lesley in a passionate kiss right there in front of everyone.

Then she turned her gaze toward me—naked, beaten, coughing up blood. Her eyes were filled with contempt.

"Completely useless. Make that ten thousand last—it should cover you for the rest of your life."

I suddenly looked up at her and smiled.

Vivian hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by how calmly I accepted it, then let out an awkward snort.

"Consider yourself lucky. Turn in your resignation tomorrow. You're no longer fit to run the project department."

She wanted to cut off every escape route, to leave me with nothing.

"Fine."

Hearing me agree so quickly, a flicker of something almost like reluctance crossed her face.

"You finally show some sense. You won't find decent work now anyway. Don't worry—as long as you behave, I'll keep supporting you."

I wiped the blood from my lips, lowering my eyes to hide the cold fury burning beneath.

"Fine. I'll behave."

Of course, I'd behave. Behave while I watched her sink into bankruptcy and lose everything.

I staggered, nearly falling. Vivian rushed to steady me.

I pushed her away without a word.

She froze, that brief hesitation hardening into anger.

"Ethan, you haven't changed at all. I won't pity you. Even if you came crawling, I wouldn't care."

I put my hand on the door handle without looking back.

"Remember what you said today. Because I'll do the same."

Behind me, Vivian watched me leave, confusion flickering across her face.

The next day, she threw an extravagant banquet at a five-star hotel to celebrate—and, of course, made sure I was invited.

"Did you hear? Some rich woman offered a fortune, and the guy rushed over to save his company."

"No wonder Vivian's celebrating Ethan going under—but the idiot didn't even get the full amount. The investor bought his company for just ten grand."

"Honestly, even the rich woman got ripped off—he wasn't worth ten thousand."

Laughter and mockery rippled through the crowd. Vivian and Lesley exchanged smug, triumphant glances in my direction.

I walked in under their watchful eyes, offering polite smiles as I greeted the room.

Then I stepped aside for the auditors and police following close behind.

"During the bankruptcy audit this morning, major discrepancies were found in the company's accounts. I submitted my resignation this morning, so maybe Vivian can explain all this to everyone herself."

Gasps filled the room. All eyes turned to Vivian.

She froze, then let out a derisive laugh.

"You've lost your mind," she said, striding toward me with mockery plastered across her face.

"Is this your last-ditch effort to frame Lane Corporation? Instead of wasting time, why don't you get on your knees and beg me to put in a good word for you? Might keep you out of prison."

I handed her the bankruptcy declaration and company ledgers with a cold smirk.

"We'll see who ends up on their knees. Go ahead."

Vivian took the documents, her expression smug—until the next second, when her face went rigid.

A police officer's voice cut through the room:

"Following the bankruptcy of Lane Corporation, the company owes over one hundred million in bank loans and is suspected of tax evasion. These facts have been confirmed. The legal representative, Vivian Lane, will..."

Her face went pale. She stood frozen.

"Lane Corporation? Vivian? What's going on?"