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.

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

she took a deep breath and

to a presidential suite of the five-star

biting her lip hard. She knew there would be no turning back once she

herself to lift her hand

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

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 an icy abyss. His name

he were a

a glass of red wine in his slender fingers,

awkwardly in front of him, her hands clutching the sides

as it settled on her. "Do I need to teach

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

hands clenched into fists at her sides as she stepped closer to

her sleeve, and his expression turned even colder. Without warning, he poured the entire glass of red wine onto the back

it. She could do this. If she just played along, she'd get