Her Hidden Crowns (Suzanne and Austin)

Chapter 234

Cheryl clutched her chest, feeling as though a saw was cutting into her heart, making it harder to breathe.

She quickly looked away, leaning against the wall as she gasped for air.

Pulling out her phone, she dialed a number she knew by heart. After a moment of hesitation, she pressed call.

When the person on the other end answered, Cheryl bit her lip and forced out the words she never thought she'd say. "Ms. Tanner, please tell him... I agree."

The moment the words left her mouth, tears poured down her face like a flood. As soon as she hung up, she couldn't hold back anymore and ran to the hospital garden.

In the secluded garden, Cheryl broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. After what felt like an eternity, her trembling hands opened her phone case. She pulled out a photo she had been keeping hidden inside.

Her fingers gently traced the bright, sunny smile of the man in the photo. Her voice was hoarse as she whispered, "I'm sorry."

Tears fell onto the photo, one after another. She had finally reached her breaking point.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur. Later, she received another call from Sidney Tanner, who gave her an address and told her to go there.

as she stepped out of the cab. She looked up at the luxurious hotel in front of her,

a deep breath and walked

of the door to a presidential suite of the five-star hotel, Cheryl tugged nervously at the hem of her

down at the expensive carpet beneath her feet, biting her lip hard.

shaky breath, she forced herself to lift her hand and

seconds. The room was lavishly decorated, with a soft glow from the floor lamp

man sat with his long legs crossed, his cold eyes piercing as they landed on Cheryl, making her feel as though she'd been thrown into

were a completely different

a glass of red wine in his slender fingers,

her hands clutching the sides of her

settled on her. "Do I

pricking her skin. She kept her head down, unable to meet his eyes as she said,

at her sides as

But Marley's eyes caught the frayed edges of her sleeve, and

She could do this. If she just played along, she'd get the money, and Jenny would