Chapter 19
Time gradually ticked away as Zachary tried his best to please Melanie.
He had instructed his men to search for treasures around the world, ranging from the auction house’s antiques to custom-made gowns. All those things were quickly brought to Melanie.
But now, none of these expensive gifts could move Melanie.
She sat alone in the garden with her laptop on her lap, her fingers flying across the keyboard.
At first, Zachary thought she was only killing time.
One afternoon, however, Kevin handed him a tablet. “Mr. Fuller, please have a look at this.”
Kevin looked conflicted and seemed hesitant to speak.
Zachary looked over at the tablet. On the screen was an ongoing novel written by Melanie.
After he read through it for a while, his face turned grim.
The female lead in the story had experienced the same misfortunes as Melanie.
All this time, she had been putting her cruel and painful past into words, allowing others to freely speak
about her life.
Through her novel, the public learned about the Fullers’ and the Lloyds’ misdeeds. They also found out about how Yasmin had run away on the day of her wedding, how Melanie was married off in place of Yasmin, and eventually Zachary’s betrayal.
Everyone was shocked at everything that had happened.
“Mr. Fuller, the company suffered a heavy blow some time ago. And now, it’s caught in a controversy. If the situation were to escalate further, our partners would probably-”
“Do not interfere.” Zachary cut him off. “If this is what Melanie wants, I’ll play along.”
Kevin dared not say another word. He had been working for Zachary for many years, so he knew how
stubborn Zachary could be, just as he was right now.
He refused to let Jeremy take down Fuller Group, but he was willing to let Melanie ruin it bit by bit.
Maybe that was how he would repent for his mistakes.
Melanie’s novel continued to stir up discussions on the internet, slowly ruining Fuller Group’s reputation they had spent years building.
Their stock price plummeted, and the company lost more than half of its market value. The company’s board members quickly sold their shares, and the extensive business empire crumbled in the blink of an
eye
Nonetheless, Zachary merely sat by and did nothing.
It was another stormy night. When Melanie walked past the study, she caught the strong smell of alcohol.
The moment she opened the door, she was stunned by the sight before her.
Zachary sat on the carpet dejectedly, leaning against the leather couch.
His expensive suit jacket was now crinkled and tossed to the side. The collar of his shirt was left open. A few empty bottles were scattered around his feet, and alcohol stained the carpet.
He gradually lifted his head at the noise.
The moonlight poured in through the window, casting a glow over his bloodshot eyes. Once sharp and fierce, his eyes were now laced with weariness.
“Why didn’t you stop me?” She clutched her phone. On the screen was the news of Fuller Group’s shares plummeting.
Zachary let out a low chuckle, his Adam’s apple bobbing.
Just as he struggled to stand up, he stumbled and braced himself on the coffee table. “I deserve this.”
Melanie was only amused by his words. “You know very well that I only want to leave this place.”
Zachary was instantly triggered when he heard her say that she wanted to leave. He opened the drawer and took out an exquisite-looking pocketknife.
The blade sprang free, its sharp edge shimmering with a cold glint under the silver moonlight.
Melanie frowned as she asked, “What are you trying to do?”
Without saying another word, Zachary stepped forward and gripped Melanie’s wrist. Then, he shoved the
cold handle of the knife into her hand.
“Stab me right here.” He grabbed her hand and pointed the tip of the knife at his chest. “Once I die, you
can leave this place.”
Terrified, Melanie tried to withdraw her hand, but he pressed it down firmly.
“I read the novel you wrote. At the end of the story, the female lead stabbed the male lead right in the
chest. And now, I’ll give you a chance to make it come true.” He enunciated every single word.
“Zachary, you’re insane!” Melanie’s voice was trembling now.
In the next second, Zachary moved his hand forcibly.
The knife pierced his body. Warm blood gushed out instantly and soaked his white shirt through, trickling
down the handle and their intertwined hands.
A smile of relief appeared on Zachary’s face.
He pressed his head against Melanie’s forehead, his breath reeking of alcohol. “It’s a relief to be killed by
you.”
