Chapter 10

The dog wagged its tail and trotted over, sticking its head into the pot.

After a moment, the dog pulled its head out and walked away.

Jujube seed soup has a medicinal taste; dogs wouldn’t eat it.

Julian looked at me, a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

“See? Even the dog knows it’s disgusting.”

My face instantly went ashen.

How could I have thought that, after all this time, Julian would genuinely ask me to cook for him?

Julian took a step closer to me.

“Chloe, you’re having a tough time, aren’t you? You really want my help?”

I thought of the lead manager position, almost within my grasp, now snatched away.

I thought of my dad in the hospital, guilty and self-reproaching, saying,

“Maybe we can skip a few dialysis sessions.”

My hands were clenched tight, unable to utter a single word.

Julian reached out and moved a decorative item on the dining table closer to him.

It was a model of his company’s skyscraper, forty-five stories tall.

His long fingers tapped the very top of the model.

Then, simulating the arc of something falling from a great height, his finger gently descended to the table.

His voice was cold and cruel.

“It’s not impossible for me to help you.

“My company building has a rooftop above the forty-fifth floor.

“Chloe, jump from there, and I’ll consider it.”

My eyes were bloodshot, seeing nothing but red.

I turned around, my body numb, and walked out.