Chapter 6

Hospital Room

Gloria lay on the hospital bed, the white sheets making her face look even more pallid, devoid of any color.

Sebastian had already noticed Gloria's frail appearance back in the private room.

But now, seeing her face clearly, it felt like something was squeezing his heart tightly.

The emaciated woman before him was unrecognizable from the vibrant and radiant heiress of the Russell family from three years ago.

In just three years of imprisonment, Gloria had turned herself into this.

Sebastian furrowed his brows, recalling everything that had happened at the bar earlier.

Even the dignity that Gloria had once been so proud of was now cast aside.

Sebastian couldn't help but step forward, reaching out to touch her face, wanting to confirm if this was really Gloria or if someone was wearing a mask to impersonate her.

Otherwise, how could a person change so drastically?

"Mr. Windsor." Someone pushed the door open and entered.

Sebastian's hand paused in mid-air before he casually withdrew it. "What is it?"

"Mr. Jones asked me to check when you'll be returning. Ms. Jones isn't doing well." Sebastian's assistant, Lucas Davis, stood respectfully at the door.

Seeing the person on the bed, a flash of surprise crossed Lucas's eyes before he quickly looked away.

For the past three years, Amara's depression had frequently relapsed, leading her to suicidal tendencies.

Only Sebastian could stabilize her emotions.

Lucas didn't know the reason, only that whenever Amara had an episode, Sebastian would drop everything and rush back immediately.

This time was no exception.

"Got it. Prepare the car." Sebastian took one last look at Gloria before turning to leave. "And make sure someone keeps an eye on her. Don't let her know I was here."

Lucas respectfully agreed.

When Gloria woke up, it was already early morning.

Seeing the white ceiling above her, Gloria felt a bit disoriented.

"You're awake? The doctor said you passed out from excessive drinking and physical exhaustion." A familiar yet unfamiliar voice came from beside her.

Gloria turned her head and recognized Elodie, the woman who had helped her out in the private room earlier.

"Did you bring me to the hospital? Thank you." Gloria struggled to sit up from the bed.

Elodie quickly walked over and gently pushed her back down. "No need to thank me. After all..."

After all, it wasn't her who brought Gloria here; she was just following orders from her boss.

Thinking of her boss's instructions, Elodie didn't continue. "Just rest. The doctor said you need to recuperate."

Gloria felt a sharp pain in her organs, took a few deep breaths, and shook her head. "No, I'm fine. I need to leave the hospital now."

Elodie frowned.

"I don't have much money on me. I'll pay you back for the medical expenses once I earn some. Thank you for helping me earlier." Gloria gritted her teeth, pulled out the IV needle from her hand, and tried to stand up, but she stumbled.

She was visibly weak.

Elodie sighed.

As someone struggling at the bottom, she understood Gloria's predicament all too well.

Who would endure such humiliation in a private room unless they had no other choice?

Moreover...

With a complicated expression, Elodie pushed Gloria back onto the bed. "Alright, just rest. Don't worry about the money."

Gloria sat on the bed, her large, clear eyes on her gaunt face giving her a pitiful look.

Elodie tried to smile but couldn't quite manage it. "Congrats, you've got someone looking out for you now. You won't have to worry about money anymore."

Gloria struggled to process the news. "What do you mean?"

"Starting this month, you don't have to do anything. Just stay at home and behave," Elodie said.

Gloria's eyes flickered, unwilling to admit that she felt a slight sense of relief upon hearing this. The idea of being taken care of was something Gloria had never imagined for herself. She couldn't even fathom how her former self would have reacted to such a notion. But now, she felt a strange sense of relief. If someone was taking care of her, did that mean she wouldn't have to struggle so hard anymore? Could she avoid facing Sebastian? Even if it meant selling her body, as long as it allowed her to live peacefully.

"Elodie, how much money can I get? I really need money right now." Gloria asked.

She cast aside her pride, her mind filled only with thoughts of money. Once she saved enough, she would find her family and leave this place far behind. But Elodie's next words shattered her hope. "People like us, do you think we ever see the money? The bosses take it all. If they provide us with food, shelter, and clothing, we should be grateful. At least you won't have to sell your body or be bullied anymore."

Gloria's fingers clenched tightly on her lap. "Not even a little?"

Elodie shook her head. "If you got the money and ran, how would the boss make a profit? Don't even think about it."

The hope that had just risen in Gloria's heart was instantly extinguished.

Elodie added, "Just rest. I'll take you back to the dorm tomorrow."

Elodie didn't say anything more to Gloria and started playing on her phone. Gloria lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, her mind in turmoil. "Elodie, I really need money. Please help me. I'll do anything."

Elodie paused her phone activity, silent for a few seconds. "I do know a way to make quick money, but I'm not sure if you can handle it."

Gloria's eyes were full of determination. "I can. As long as it makes money."

Elodie glanced at her and made a phone call. Even though she knew she wouldn't have to worry about money, Gloria didn't stay in the hospital for long. The next morning, she was discharged.

Elodie showed her around their dorm and then took her to a bar.

"This is the replacement? Can she even dance with that frail body?" A rough-looking bald man eyed Gloria up and down.

The bar's usual dancer had taken sick leave, causing a drop in customer numbers, and the boss was desperate to find a replacement.

Elodie smiled and put her arm around Gloria's shoulders. "Felix, does it really matter if she can dance? In this line of work, it's all about being bold, right? Gloria, show Felix you can handle it."

Gloria nodded without hesitation. "I can. I'll dance well."

Felix Reed still looked at her skeptically. Gloria knew words wouldn't convince him. She glanced at the stage and walked over. Before her imprisonment, she had been the most outstanding socialite in Majestic City, not just because of her family background but also because of her own talents. She excelled in various skills. The only concern was whether the injuries she had sustained in prison would affect her performance.

Standing at the edge of the stage, Gloria took a deep breath, prepared herself, and removed her shoes, stepping onto the stage barefoot. In an instant, all eyes were on her.