Chapter 2

My makeup was barely finished, and before I could even step out of the dressing room, the hotel's fire alarm blared. Panic erupted outside, followed by screams and rushed footsteps.

"Fire! Everyone, get out!"

The makeup artist grabbed my hand to pull me out, but I stood frozen.

Because a bright comment flashed: [FL, run! The fire is spreading fast, it’s going to disfigure you!]

"Miss Iris, we have to go! We're on the ninth floor! If the fire spreads, we're trapped!"

I shook off the artist's hand. "Go ahead. I need to grab something first."

The artist hesitated but quickly ran for her life. The more the screen screamed at me to [RUN], the further I squeezed myself into the corner of the dressing room.

I was gambling my life on this.

"Where the hell is Iris?"

"Damn it! Search the entire ninth floor! Send men to guard the lobby! We must find her!"

It was Chloe’s voice.

[Thank God, Chloe is here! Our FL is saved!]

[Chloe ran back into a burning building just to save Iris. This is true sisterly love!]

[FL, go out now!]

Hiding behind the sofa, I used my silenced phone to send out a few quick text messages on WhatsApp. Right after sending the last one, a shadow fell over me. A face peeked over the couch. "Found you."

When I opened my eyes again, I was surrounded by a group of rough-looking men. My hands and feet were tied tightly with thick ropes.

"Well, well, Miss Iris. You were hard to find. We pulled the fire alarm, and you still didn't run out."

"What do you want?"

The leader let out a disgusting laugh. The foul stench coming off them made me shiver.

It was the exact same smell of the men who had tortured me to death in my past life!

[FL, don’t be scared. They’re just business rivals your dad pissed off. Just apologize nicely on behalf of your family. Whatever you do, don't mention money! People like them hate rich snobs the most!]

I forced down my panic and ignored the floating text.

Just as the men reached out to touch me, I screamed, "I’ll give you five million dollars!"

"I’m about to marry into the Vance family. Why make an enemy of Julian Vance when you can walk away with five million in cash?"

The men paused, exchanging glances. Seeing them hesitate, I quickly added, "I can give you even more than five million. You can work for me in the future. The Vance empire has more than enough resources to make you all rich."

Just then, a familiar female voice sneered from the doorway.

"What are you waiting for? Do it already!"

The leader laughed, turning to her. "Well, Chloe, she’s offering us a better deal. Why don't you match it?"

Chloe stomped in, cursing. She gripped my chin tightly, her face twisted in malice. "Iris, who do you think you are, promising Julian’s money?"

"Once these dirty videos of you are leaked to the public, do you really think the Vance family will still want you?"

[Chloe doesn't mean any harm. She’s just playing a prank on Iris. Iris, just cooperate and submit.]

Looking at the comment, I slammed my head forward with all my might, smashing my forehead directly into Chloe’s nose. I heard a sickening crack as her expensive nose job shifted visibly out of place.