Chapter 4

Her opening words cut like glass.

"You quit?"

I pressed my lips together. Offered nothing.

She stared at me for a long moment, then a scornful smile curved her mouth.

"Daniel Joyce."

"You don't need to hide from me. I have zero interest in you."

"Do you honestly think I *want* to run into you?" A bitter laugh escaped her. "Don't be ridiculous."

She spun on her heel and marched away.

From that day on, true to her word, our paths didn't cross.

Not long after, my teacher informed me about a corporate sponsorship program for high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds.

I was on the list.

Full tuition waiver. Monthly living stipend. Staring at the string of zeros on the notification, my throat tightened. Finally—*finally*—I wouldn't have to starve myself just to squeeze in another part-time shift.

I threw myself into my studies.

Later, I heard the sponsoring company had organized a volunteer teaching trip. I signed up immediately, eager to pay it forward.

I never expected to see Caroline Sawyer in the crowd on the day of departure.

When her gaze landed on me, her expression remained frozen. She simply turned her back and walked away.

For several days, we existed in the same space without a single interaction.

That changed one night when a senior in my dorm mentioned how surprised he was by the kindness of the Jiang Group's heiress. Not only was she funding students, but she had also come personally to volunteer.

I froze.

Just as I opened my mouth to ask more, the ground beneath us shuddered violently.

"Flood! The flood is coming!" someone screamed, voice cracking with terror.

Chaos erupted. Students scrambled, shoving past each other, sprinting for their lives. I joined the stampede, legs pumping toward higher ground.

Amidst the roar of water and screaming, one name cut through—

*Caroline Sawyer.*

Instinct whipped my head around.

I saw her shoving a little girl up onto the riverbank. The effort cost her. Her footing slipped, and the surging black water swallowed her whole.

I didn't think.

Gritting my teeth, I turned and dove into the torrent.

The current slammed into me like a freight train. Muscles screaming, lungs burning, I clawed through the churning darkness. My fingers closed around her arm—locked tight—and I dragged us both toward the shore.

Fingertips numb. Vision tunneling.

I didn't let go until I hauled her onto the mud.

Only then did the darkness take me.

***

When I woke, the sharp antiseptic smell of a hospital filled my nose.

The ward door swung open. An elegant middle-aged woman rushed to my bedside, taking my hand in her warm grasp.

"Child, you're awake?"

"Thank you. Thank you *so much* for saving my daughter."

"Name your price. Anything you want, I will—"

My fingers curled against the sheets. I shook my head gently.

"I saved her to return a favor. Thank you for funding my education."

The polite socialite mask on her face slipped. Genuine softness replaced it.

"Caroline is fine. She's been wanting to see you for days," she said quietly. "I'll send her in to thank you personally."

My chest tightened. I wanted to refuse, but she was already out the door.

Moments later, Caroline Sawyer walked in.

She marched to the bedside, gaze sweeping over me from head to toe. Only after confirming I was in one piece did she set her jaw.

"Who told you to save me?"

She sat sullenly in the chair, posture rigid, shoulders tight.

"Don't you hate me? Why bother?"

"Just to repay a debt?" Her tone turned brittle. "There's no need. The money used to fund you lot isn't even enough to buy me a handbag."

She glanced at me, expecting anger.

Instead, she found my expression calm. Devoid of humiliation.

It seemed to throw her off balance.

"What do you want?" she added, voice dropping lower. "I can give you anything."

"I do want one thing," I said softly.

Caroline looked up. A flicker of anticipation crossed her eyes.

I held her gaze, voice serious.