Chapter 25
Now that Colin was gone and they had gotten divorced, Aspen had no reason to keep this useless thing anymore. She removed the ring without hesitation and handed it over to Joseph. Her voice was calm as she said, “This is worth more than the apartment. Sell it, and don’t ever contact or bother me again.”
“Pen, I knew you were a sensible young lady! I’m your only family in this world; don’t worry, I’ll always protect you. You’ve lost so much weight lately. Let me take you out for a good meal, alright?”
Joseph’s attitude shifted the moment he saw the diamond ring. Seeing his sudden change in demeanor, Aspen was reminded of her childhood.
Back then, she had been closest to Joseph. She had followed him around every day, playing with him without a
Care.
Her eyes then flickered toward the family photo hanging on the wall. Taking a deep breath, she hesitated for a moment before finally nodding in agreement.
Joseph’s eyes lit up instantly, and before she could react, he grabbed her hand and dragged her outside. He didn’t even notice the wounds on her hands, nor did he care that her knees were still raw and bleeding
His mind was fixated entirely on dinner.
Aspen thought they would just go somewhere casual for a quick meal; she never expected him to take her to an upscale restaurant.
She instinctively pulled her hand away and frowned. “I thought you were out of money. How can you afford to eat here?”
“It’s just one meal. I can still afford this much. You’re my only niece–I won’t let you go hungry,” Joseph said with a smile.
Before she could protest further, he firmly led her inside. After entering, Joseph gave the receptionist a private room number.
The server glanced Aspen up and down, scrutinizing her, before finally leading them inside.
Something felt off. Aspen couldn’t shake the unease creeping up her spine.
Be it the way the server looked at her, Joseph’s behavior, or even the choice of a private room–it all felt wrong.
“It’s just the two of us. Why do we need a private room?”
“You like quiet places, don’t you?”
Joseph smiled. His expression looked warm and familiar–exactly like the man she remembered from her childhood. But Aspen’s instincts screamed at her.
Something was very wrong.
“Why don’t we just sit in the main hall instead?”
“Why are you being so difficult?” Joseph’s tone turned impatient.
Without another word, he grabbed her arm and forcefully dragged her toward the private room.
The moment he pushed open the door, he shoved her inside without hesitation–then slammed the door shut. “Pen, I’m doing this for your good. Isaac is a rich man. If you serve him well, you’ll never have to worry about food
+25 BONUS
Chapter 25
and shelter for the rest of your life. Don’t blame me for this—I have no choice!” Joseph’s voice came through the door. His words sent a chilling numbness through Aspen’s body.
She never thought her own uncle would sell her out again.
“Joseph, you bastard! Let me out! I already gave you the ring! Why are you still doing this?”
Aspen banged on the door with all her strength, but it wouldn’t budge.
Just then, she felt a presence behind her. A heavy, broad body pressed against her back.
Her entire body stiffened. She turned around slowly, only to meet the leering gaze of a burly man with a thick, scarred face.
He was massive, well over 40 years of age, with a hulking build and a menacing air about him. A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes as he sized her up, and a slow grin spread across his face.
“So this is the pretty little niece that Joseph was talking about,” Isaac Morales chuckled. “I thought he was messing with me, but damn… you’re even better than I expected.”
