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.

She looked up at

her eyes, she took a deep breath

she was standing in front of the door to a presidential suite of the five-star

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

herself to lift her

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

crossed, his cold eyes piercing as they landed on Cheryl, making her feel as though she'd been thrown

and mocking-nothing like the warmth she remembered from years ago. It was as if he were a completely different person. His deep, cold eyes, sharp nose, and tightly

glass of red wine in his slender fingers, swirling it

front of him, her hands clutching the sides

eyes darkened, his gaze icy as it settled on her. "Do I need to teach you how to please your

her head down, unable to meet his eyes as

her sides as she

and his expression turned even colder. Without warning, he poured the entire glass

pull her hand away. She had to endure it. She could do this. If she just