His Destructive, Toxic Love

Eliza had been with Casper for two years and knew him like the back of her hand. With him, you thrived. Against him, you perished. He wanted her to go back to being Mrs. Welton, to be nothing more than a lifeline for Jeffery. Had he ever considered that sending her brother to Mercy Hospital was a point of no return for her?

"Can you set up a meeting with Zach for me?" Eliza asked. After a moment of surprise, Chelsea nodded. "Sure."

They chose a quiet corner café for the weekend. Eliza arrived early and ordered a cup of coffee. Zach walked in with a white T-shirt and casual pants, making his legs look long and straight. His hair was tousled, and his face, framed by a lazy smile, exuded charm.

His appearance hadn't changed much in two years. He was looking more and more like Casper.

"Do I call you 'boss' now?" Eliza asked, stirring her coffee without standing up. Zach sat down, leaning back in his chair, his lips curling into a slight smile. "It seems my presence bothers you."

"What's your game?" she asked, her gaze cool and direct. Even after all these years, Zach still had a boyish face, looking like a college student. But his eyes had lost their innocence.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"I just want to help you," he said lightly, his deep gaze landing on her bare ring finger. "I know you're not happy with Casper."

Eliza scoffed, "To get under Casper's skin, right? Zach, I don't need to be the collateral damage in your vendetta against the Weltons."

Since Eliza married Casper, Zach showed up every time under the guise of chasing love, but really, it was to spite the Weltons. He was wild and reckless enough to give them a headache. And it had cost Eliza dearly.

Zach smiled faintly, not bothering to argue.

"Let's terminate my work contract," she said, her tone cooling. He didn't look up and was playing with his ring. He chuckled, "Am I really that bad?"

"Guys like you are nothing but trouble," she said, standing up, ready to walk past him.

Zach suddenly looked the other way. "I know Robin isn't in a good situation. I have connections at Mercy Hospital."

Eliza froze mid-step. Her face went pale and tense at his words. Casper used Robin to threaten her. Now, Zach was doing the same. No wonder they were brothers.

Just as she was about to walk away, Zach's voice followed her, "I can get Robin out of there."

Eliza said nothing and walked towards the exit. Zach tossed the spoon from his mug aside and followed her. He grabbed her wrist and pushed her into his car.

"Zach, what are you doing in broad daylight?" Eliza was startled, and was about to open the door when the car locked. "I think you should seriously consider my proposal," he said in a tone so calm it was clear he had control over the situation.

This was bad news for her. She didn't believe he'd offer such a huge favor for nothing. "So, what do you want in return for this generous help?"

Zach's gaze was intense and meaningful as he looked at Eliza. Over the two years, she had lost weight, her delicate face now free of baby fat, revealing the maturity and allure of a grown woman. He liked her slightly curly long hair and, even more, the soul-catching mole at the corner of her eye.