"Do you know what I, Leo Carter, despise the most?" The man's eyes were bloodshot, and his breath came in heavy gasps.
"Cough... cough..."
Toria's throat hurt from being choked, and she could do nothing but cough.
"If you're looking for death, I'll grant your wish."
With that, Leo grabbed her arm and, like lifting a small chicken, dragged her to the bedroom and threw her onto the bed.
"Hey, what... what are you doing?"
Toria was startled, genuinely afraid of Leo.
He ripped his tie off with one hand while clicking a remote with the other. Instantly, the bedroom curtains closed, leaving them in pitch-black darkness.
In the dark, there was a ripping sound, and Toria's clothes were torn apart by him. "You bastard, let me go! I'm just here... for money."
Toria struggled, but she suddenly noticed something was off about him.
It was only then that she realized what was happening, but by the time she tried to get up and run, it was too late.
...…..
The next day.
Toria woke up naturally, and it was already noon.
She shifted in bed, and a dull ache spread through her body. It felt bruised, battered. The worst part, though, was the sticky film clinging to her skin. It was almost unbearable.
Toria sat up, scanning the bedroom. Leo was long gone, but a set of clean clothes was neatly placed by the bedside.
She got up and quickly washed up in the bathroom, not bothering to remove her makeup, before heading out to find Leo and demand an explanation.
As she stepped into the living room, she noticed an unfamiliar man sitting on the couch.
"My name is George. I'm Mr.Carter's personal assistant," he introduced himself before Toria could say a word.
"Where's that scumbag Leo? He sleeps with me and then just leaves? Is he trying to ghost me?" Toria fumed, her anger bubbling over. Scumbag?
George was taken aback. Ignorance is bliss, he thought. He decided not to argue with her and instead pointed to a box of medicine on the table.
"The boss left instructions: either take the medicine and leave New Orleans, or face the consequences. Miss Kingsley, the choice is yours." He already knew her name, indicating they had done their homework.
Toria's heart skipped a beat, feeling the cold, ruthless nature of Leo. Fear crept in, extinguishing her fiery demeanor.
She bit her lip, "Um... I... I need to see Leo. I saved his life, he can't just repay kindness with cruelty." Upon hearing this, George sneered, "I've heard such lousy lies too many times. Do you really think the boss will believe you?"
"I'm telling the truth, that day..."
"Miss Kingsley!"
George's patience had worn thin. "If you won't take the easy way, don't blame me for being harsh."
Ding—
At that moment, the elevator doors opened.
Toria had expected Leo, but to her surprise, an elegantly dressed elderly woman with a head full of white hair stepped out, followed by two attendants.
George bowed respectfully, "Mrs. Carter."
Mrs. Carter walked in, casting a stern glance at George. "What are you doing?"
"Madam, I was just handling some personal matters for the boss," George replied honestly.
Mrs. Carter pointed to a box of contraceptive pills on the table.
"Your so-called personal matters involve getting rid of my Carter Family's great-grandchild?"
Toria was stunned. Great-grandchild?
She followed the elderly woman's gaze to the box of pills, feeling a wave of confusion. Could it be that the 'great-grandchild' Mrs. Carter mentioned, was the one in her belly...?
"This is the boss's decision," George stated.
"Hmph, if there's anything, let that brat come find me himself."
Mrs. Carter turned and walked towards Toria. Her stern face instantly softened into a kind and gentle smile. "You must be Victoria Kingsley?"
Toria didn't have much fondness for Leo, nor did she feel any particular way about Mrs. Carter. However, out of politeness, she asked, "Grandma, what can I do for you?"
"Though you look quite ordinary, you have a sweet tongue," Mrs. Carter's face lit up with joy at being called 'Grandma.'
Toria had naturally fair skin, but she had deliberately darkened her complexion, drawn her eyebrows thick, and added freckles to her face. At first glance, she did look quite plain.
Mrs. Carter affectionately took Toria's hand.
"My dear, all this old woman wants is to hold a great-grandbaby before she kicks the bucket. I've looked into your background. I know your parents are in the hospital, and you work multiple jobs to support your family. You're a good kid. If you're willing to have a child for the Carter Family, I'll agree to any condition you set."
Toria's eyes widened in shock as she jerked her hand away as if she had been electrocuted. "No, no, no, Grandma. I understand you want a great-grandchild for the Carter Family, but that's your family's business. It has nothing to do with me."
What kind of crazy joke is this? Just because she had a fling with Leo didn't mean she was obligated to have a child for the Carter Family.
What did they take her for?
This was beyond ridiculous!