Chapter 9 

The next day, Grayson didn’t show up at the medical station, saying he wasn’t feeling well. 

Another day passed–it was the deadline Tid given him to sign the divorce papers. 

That evening, as I finished work and took off my strulis, preparing to head home, a colleague walked over and handed me a cup of tea 

“Vivian, here’s some chrysanthemum ten,” she said. 

Without besu Minn, 1 took 

eague, who’d worked alongside me since larrived, was always making herbal teas and often shared them with me 

But as raised the cup to my lips, something felt off. 

Her hand, which hung loosely at her sile, was trembling. 

1 paused, frowning. 

“Emily, what’s wrong?” 

At my question, she suddenly dropped to her knees, her whole body shaking as she burst into tears. 

“I’m so sorry. Vivian. I’m so, so sorry! I betrayed your trust–it’s all my fault!” 

Alarmed, I quickly helped her up, my voice firm. 

“What’s going on? Tell me everything.” 

Through her sobs, she confessed. 

Grayson had ordered her to drug me, planning to have me unconscious and taken to a hotel. 

She’d wanted to refuse, but he’d threatened her, saying he’d use his position to have her fired if she didn’t comply. 

Hearing this, I remained eerily calm. 

“Don’t worry,” I told her. “Just do as he says.” 

Her tears stopped immediately, and she stared at me in shock. 

L 

If Grayson wanted to play dirty, then so would I 

Half an hour later, Emily nervously helped me into a car. 

She accompanied me to a nearby motel and laid me down on the bed, pretending I was unconscious. 

After she left, Grayson emerged from the bathroom, his hair damp, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist. 

He looked at me lying there and approached slowly, his eyes filled with an unsettling tenderness. 

“Vivian,” he murmured, “this version of you is so obedient, so perfect.” 

“You’re upset about the baby, aren’t you? Fine. Tonight, we’ll make a new one. Then you’ll never be able to leave me again.” 

His hand, cold and deliberate, rested against my chook 

As he leaned closer, his face inches from mine, I opened my eyes. 

Grayson’s pupils dilated in shock. He staggered back, his voice shaking 

Jane, a Hollow Promise 

L 

Chapter 9 

“Vivian You you’re awake? But I gave you the drug 

At that moment, the door burst open, crashing against the wall. 

A flood of people stormed into the room.