’Only death could free her from their threats. She wouldn’t have to be sent away and humiliated just for money...’

’But she still had a family to care for, and a daughter...’

’If she couldn’t even go on living, what would happen to her family?’

’She, Eleanor Bishop, didn’t even have the right to die...’

About an hour later, Eleanor Bishop arrived at the Jazz Dynasty.

「In the CEO’s office.」

Jason Lockwood drummed his fingers on the desk. He looked at Eleanor Bishop standing across from him, a mocking smirk playing on his lips as he asked coolly, "And why should I help you?"

"Because I was the one who helped you meet with Archie. I was the one who stalled him for you. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be where you are today." Eleanor Bishop mustered her courage, clenching her fists. Her gaze was firm and cold as she looked at Jason Lockwood.

At Eleanor Bishop’s words, Jason Lockwood scoffed. "Eleanor Bishop," he said coldly, "if Archie Lockwood heard what you just said, what do you suppose he would think?"

"..." Hearing this, the color drained from Eleanor Bishop’s face. She looked at Jason Lockwood, her expression full of anxiety.

When Eleanor Bishop didn’t respond, Jason Lockwood rose from his chair. He strode over to her, stopping by her side. A sinister, cold smile touched his lips. "When you really think about it, Archie Lockwood is quite pitiful, isn’t he? Being used and betrayed by his own woman time and time again."

"Jason Lockwood, this is all your fault! What right do you have to say that!" If it weren’t for Jason Lockwood, she and Archie would never have ended up like this.

Jason Lockwood didn’t say a word. Instead, he narrowed his eyes dangerously at Eleanor Bishop.

After a long moment, he finally lifted a hand. While adjusting his cufflink, he said in a cold voice, "Eleanor Bishop, you want my help? That’s simply impossible. You could, however, go and beg Archie Lockwood for help. I imagine he might—just might—help you one last time, for the sake of his daughter’s mother."

Eleanor Bishop’s eyes were red as she yelled, "Jason Lockwood, you’re despicable! I helped you so much, and now you’re just going to turn your back on me?" ’If Archie had been willing to help her, why would she have come here just to be humiliated? If it weren’t for Jason Lockwood, she wouldn’t be in this state. It was all his fault, yet he was refusing to own up to it.’

"So what if I am? I’ve never considered myself to be in your debt. On the contrary, Eleanor Bishop, you owe me. And it’s not a small amount," Jason Lockwood retorted sharply, without a hint of guilt.

"Jason Lockwood, I’ll kill you! If you won’t let us live, then you can die too!" With that, Eleanor Bishop lunged at Jason Lockwood, her hand swinging.

With a displeased frown, Jason Lockwood sidestepped her attack.

Eleanor Bishop missed, so she swung at him again. This time, Jason Lockwood was thoroughly enraged. He shot out a hand, grabbing her arm in a tight grip. "Have you lost your mind?" he roared. Then, without a shred of mercy, he violently shoved her away.

The force sent her stumbling to the floor. Eleanor Bishop was half-sprawled on the ground, biting her lip as tears streamed down her face. "Jason Lockwood," she sobbed, "why are you doing this to us? What in the world does the Bishop Family owe you?"

"Eleanor Bishop, I told you. One day, I would make you come to me in tears, begging me to marry you."

"Jason Lockwood, you don’t even love me. Why are you doing this to me?"

Hearing her words, a cruel, sinister light gleamed in Jason Lockwood’s eyes. He walked over to her and crouched down, his voice dripping with mockery. "Who ever said you have to be in love to get married?"