Chapter 3

I took a deep breath, clutching the card tightly in my palm. The sharp edges dug painfully into my skin.

Tyler, Lily, it’s time for me to collect the ticket fees for your romantic fairy tale.

And it’s going to be a VIP, sky-high price.

Not long after Christian's men left, before I could fully recover from the dizzying shock of the Black Card,

My phone buzzed. It wasn't a call. It was an encrypted message from an unknown number. It was brief and carried Christian's commanding tone:

[Task: Contact Tyler. Tell him his mother (info attached) has been hospitalized with a sudden illness and wants to see her 'future daughter-in-law.' Lead them to Room 307, VIP Wing of St. Jude's Private Hospital. Time: Before 3:00 PM tomorrow.]

Attached below was a detailed file about Tyler's mother's address, daily habits, and even some recent photos.

There was also a floor plan of the hospital's VIP wing, complete with marked blind spots of the security cameras.

Incredibly efficient. And... incredibly ruthless.

He was using Tyler's remaining shred of filial piety and Lily’s inevitable "sweet girl" sympathy to set a perfect trap.

I held my phone, my fingers turning cold.

Although I had decided to take the money and do the job, actually taking action—personally pushing the man I once loved and his "true love" into the abyss—still made my heart ache slightly.

I didn't feel bad for Tyler. I was just lost, realizing what kind of swamp I was stepping into.

But when my eyes fell on the Black Card sitting on the coffee table, that hesitation vanished.

When Tyler used our savings to spoil another woman, he didn't hesitate for a single second.

I took a deep breath, unlocked my phone, and found the contact number that used to be pinned to the top of my Snapchat. It looked so eyesore now.

After a few seconds of hesitation, I dialed.

The phone rang several times before a hushed, impatient voice answered. I could hear noise in the background. "Hey, Chloe? I'm busy right now. I told you I'm on a business trip..."

"Tyler," I cut him off, making my voice sound appropriately panicked and choked with tears. "Don't talk. Just listen to me... your mom, she's in the hospital!"

The line went dead silent. Even the background noise seemed to vanish.

"My mom? What happened to her?!" His voice pitched up, filled with genuine panic.

"A sudden stroke. She's in the ICU at St. Jude's Private Hospital. She just got out of danger and was moved to the VIP wing."

I repeated the details from the file smoothly, my tone heavy with grief. "The doctor said she needs rest, but when she woke up, she kept calling your name... and she said she wanted to see your... girlfriend."

Saying the word "girlfriend" left a bitter taste in my mouth.

"How... how does she know about Lily?" Tyler's voice was clearly panicking.

"Who cares how she knows! She's in critical condition right now!"

I raised my voice, sounding angry and accusatory. "Your mom is like this, and you can't even bring her back to see her once? To give her some peace of mind? The doctor said emotional stability is crucial for her recovery!"

Silence stretched over the phone. I could hear his heavy breathing.

I could picture his struggle. On one hand, he had his "true love" on their romantic runaway trip. On the other hand, he had his dying mother who wanted to see her "daughter-in-law."

"...Lily is," he hesitated.

I immediately cut in, softening my voice. I sounded pleading, with a subtle hint of manipulation. "Tyler, I'm begging you, okay?"

"Your mom has always been good to me... She just wants to see you two. Just bring her back for a quick visit. Let your mom have some peace of mind, okay? I've already arranged everything at the hospital. It's a VIP room, highly private. No one will disturb you."

I deliberately emphasized "highly private" and "no one will disturb you," implying it was safe from Christian's radar.

As expected, Tyler's defense crumbled. "...Which room?"

"St. Jude's Private Hospital, top floor of the inpatient building, VIP Section 3, Room 307."

I gave him the exact location Christian had specified. "Can you make it before three tomorrow afternoon? She'll be more awake then."

"...Okay, I get it," Tyler said in a low voice. "I'll... I'll try."

The call ended.

I gripped my phone, my palm covered in cold sweat.

*Try?* No, you will definitely show up, Tyler.

I knew your indecisiveness and self-righteous sense of responsibility all too well.

I walked to the window and looked down at the endless stream of traffic. My blurry reflection on the glass showed an expressionless face.

The stage was set. The actors were on their way.

And I had already secured my front-row VIP ticket, along with enough money to buy the entire theater.