Thrown to the Dogs: The Fallen Star’s Bloody Revenge Chapter 04

Thrown to the Dogs: The Fallen Star’s Bloody Revenge Chapter 04 She Made Me Kneel Before Her Lover

When I opened my eyes again, I was alone in the hospital room.

I hesitated, then reached for the phone beside me and dialed a number I hadn’t called in years.

“Grandpa, I’ve made up my mind. I’ll do what you asked. I’m getting divorced, moving abroad, and taking over the family empire.”

My grandfather’s delighted voice came through the phone.

“Good. That’s what I wanted to hear. Back when you refused to come home because of that woman, I had her looked into. I knew from the start she was trouble.

“Coming to your senses now is all that matters. Once you’re back, I’ll teach you everything myself. I’ll make sure you become the absolute master of our shadow empire.”

I had barely ended the call when Vivienne walked in with Nolan.

The moment Nolan saw my face, a smug gleam appeared in his eyes.

But when he opened his mouth, he put on a show of sympathy.

“Mr. Mercer, you’ve really been through a lot. You gave up so much just so I could have my

chance.”

I didn’t answer. I simply closed my eyes.

Nolan kept talking anyway.

“Such a shame about Director Bennett’s new project. He originally wanted you for the lead, but now that you look like this, I guess I’ll have to take the role.”

He picked up my hand as he spoke. The sight of my missing fingers made his face twist with disgust, but that didn’t stop him from rubbing salt in the wound.

“Look at your hand. Think you can still play the piano like that? I remember you bragging to your fans about being a master–level pianist. At this point, you probably can’t even hold a fork.

“Still, I’m the top actor now. If you’re that desperate to keep acting, maybe I can find you a part as some homeless guy.”

I jerked my hand away and gave him a cold look.

“Don’t bother. You haven’t held that title for long. I wouldn’t get too comfortable if I were you.”

Before the words had even left my mouth, Vivienne snapped at me.

“Julian, what is wrong with you? Nolan came here because he was worried about you, and this is how you treat him? Get down on your knees and apologize right now, or you’re going to regret

it.”

I let out a humorless laugh.

“He insulted me first. Why the hell should I apologize?”

Vivienne actually laughed, as though I were the unreasonable one.

“Was anything he said wrong? You’re the one being petty. Julian, I know you’re hurt, but that doesn’t give you a free pass to lash out at people. This attitude of yours needs to change. Apologize to him. Now.”

When I refused again, Vivienne’s face darkened, and she turned and walked out.

Nolan wasted no time taking another shot at me.

“Wow. You’re scarier than anything I’ve seen in a horror movie. If I looked like you, I would’ve jumped off a roof already.

“Ever wonder why nobody answered all those calls you made that night?”

He started undoing the buttons of his shirt. His collarbone and chest were covered in hickeys, leaving little doubt about what had happened between them that night.

Nolan smiled, pleased with himself.

“Your wife was a little busy in bed with me that night. Your own son went out to buy condoms for us. As for you? You could’ve died, and nobody would’ve cared.”

I refused to give him the reaction he wanted. But the second Nolan heard footsteps coming down the hall, he suddenly sprang into action.

He grabbed the water beside him and splashed it over his own face. Then he dropped to the floor with a thud and started apologizing through fake sobs.

“I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have mentioned your injuries. I was only worried about you. Please… please don’t ruin my face!”

Vivienne came in just in time to see him on the floor. Her face twisted with fury, and before I could say a word, she slapped me hard across the face.

“You threw hot water in Nolan’s face? Isn’t it enough that you’re already disfigured? Now you want to ruin his face too? How can you be this vicious?”

“I didn’t…”

The slap sent a sharp burst of pain through the wounds on my face, but it was nothing compared with the ache in my chest.

That was when I noticed what Vivienne had brought back with her. A large dog stood at the end of a leash in her hand.

Vivienne gave a sharp whistle, and the dog immediately lunged toward me.

After what had happened in the dogfighting ring, even the sight of a dog was enough to send me into blind panic. I scrambled backward until I lost my balance and crashed off the bed.

Vivienne stood over me, her expression cold.

“Get on your knees and apologize to Nolan right now. If you don’t, I’ll let the dog teach you

some manners.”

Something inside me collapsed.

I had already lived through this nightmare once. Why was she forcing me through it all over again?

Did Vivienne really hate me that much?

My lips shook. In the end, I had no choice. I lowered myself onto my knees in front of Nolan.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have touched you, and I shouldn’t have insulted you. I was wrong. I deserve this.”

I slapped myself hard twice as I spoke. Then I smelled urine. I’d lost control of my bladder, and the disgust on Vivienne’s face was impossible to miss.

Vivienne took the dog and left with Nolan.

“Julian, you really do need to get that temper under control. Stay here and calm yourself down. I’m taking Nolan downstairs for some air.”

While Vivienne was outside walking with Nolan, her phone suddenly rang. My son’s frantic voice came through the moment she answered.

“Mom! Something’s wrong! Come back! Dad jumped off the building!”