Chapter 10

The night was as dark as ink, and the main gate of Lan Mountain Villa was tightly closed. Miles Hamilton stood outside, the evening wind swirling her hair, her slender figure appearing particularly lonely under the lights. The villa's staff had already spotted her, but as they had no order from Bryce Kendall Pickman, they could only watch from a distance, not daring to let her pass, and quickly turned to report to Grand Uncle Li, the butler.When Li the steward heard that Miles Hamilton had arrived, he knew something—this girl had finally agreed to the 's conditions. But he didn't dare make the decision himself. He quickly walked to the study and gently knocked on the door: "Sir, Miss Lin is waiting outside."In the study, Bryce Kendall Pickman was sitting at his desk, handling documents, his fingertips gliding over the cold paper, but his gaze was somewhat unfocused. He could have gone to the company to handle these matters, yet he stubbornly stayed at home all day, not even he himself knew whether he was waiting for Miles Hamilton's answer or for a reason to convince himself.“Let her in.” He put down his pen, and as he rose, his Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. His tone was flat, betraying no emotion, but a faint, lingered in his eyes.At the bedroom door, Bryce Kendall Pickman stopped, turning back to butler Li and adding, “Let her come to my room.” With that, he pushed the door open and went in, not glancing back at the butler, as if the previous instruction had been nothing more than a casual remark.Li the butler understood immediately, turned and walked quickly towards the main gate, addressing Miles Hamilton who stood outside with a pale face gently, "Miss Lin, come in. The furthest room on the left on the second floor is the master's room, he's waiting for you inside." After speaking, he slightly bowed and quietly withdrew, not asking any further questions—in his role as a butler, he never crossed the line of gossip.Miles Hamilton stood in the center of the living room, gazing up at the stairs leading to the second floor, her legs feeling as heavy as lead. She knew better than anyone that taking this step meant she could never go back. It was a bottomless abyss, yet it was also the only chance for Reed Coleman.The image of Reed Coleman lying in bed, hooked up to various tubes, kept flashing in her mind. Tears swirled in her eyes, but she forcibly held them back. She gritted her teeth, the vulnerability in her eyes replaced by determination, and took slow but steady steps up the stairs, heading towards's bedroom as if on a journey to the gallows.Soon, she stood at the doorway, her hand raised halfway, hesitating for a long time before finally gathering the courage to knock lightly three times."Come in," came's calm, emotionless voice from the room, without a trace of , yet making Miles Hamilton's heart clench. She took a deep breath, twisted the doorknob, and slowly walked in.The room is minimalist black and white decor, with cold, hard lines and icy tones, just like Bryce Kendal Pickman—serious, detached, and untouchable. Bryce Kendal Pickman stands in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, hands on the windowsill, his back to her, gazing out at the deep night, exuding an aura of keep out.Miles Hamilton gently closed the door, standing still, not daring to breathe, head down, hands tightly intertwined, knuckles white, trembling all over with nervousness. She was like a startled ostrich, just wanting to hide, even if it meant delaying by another second.After not knowing how long, slowly turned around, his gaze falling on her, his tone flat: "Since you're here, it means you agreed."Miles Hamilton abruptly looked up, his eyes showing no trace of retreat, staring directly into his eyes, his voice firm: "Yes, I agreed. But I hope Lu Shaoyan will keep his word and do his best to treat my brother Reed Coleman. As long as he can wake up, I will do anything."Bryce Kendall Pickman's gaze lingered on her face for a few seconds, with no disdain, no mockery, only a subtle hint of complexity. "I'll save him," he paused, his tone turning cold abruptly, with a clear warning, "but you must remember, as long as I don't get tired of it, you must stay pure—I'm particular about cleanliness."Miles Hamilton trembled, instantly understanding his meaning. He was warning her that from now on, she could only belong to him. But her heart had never belonged to him, her heart had always only had Reed Coleman. Even if her body was dirty, her heart had to keep a clean space for Reed."I understand," she lowered her head, her voice faint but firm with undeniable determination.Bryce Kendell Pickman raised his chin, indicating the direction of the bathroom: "Go wash yourself."Miles Hamilton didn't argue, turned towards the bathroom, and as he locked the door from the inside, all his strength crumbled in an instant. The bathroom was large, with a circular massage tub, a spacious shower, and an array of toiletries, luxurious to the point of making her nervous. But she had no inclination to appreciate it, like a puppet, she removed her clothes piece by piece, walked under the showerhead, and turned on the switch.Icy water flowed down, pouring over her, extinguishing her last shred of dignity. Tears mixed with the water, slipping silently down. She didn't dare cry out, fearing would think she had changed her mind, fearing the only way to save Reed would be blocked by her own hands.She scrubbed her body vigorously, over and over, as if she wanted to wash away all the filth from her. She knew that this might be the last time she would have a clean self, from now on, her body would only be a tool to exchange for Reed's life.The water flow was turned off, and her tears finally stopped. She used a towel to dry her hair, blew it dry, wrapped herself in a large bath towel, took a deep breath, and pushed open the bathroom door. Everything outside was something she had to face.