Chapter 8 

When security arrived and opened the bathroom door, I had Riley’s hair in my left hand and my right foot on Vanessa’s back. 

Their perfect makeup was ruined, their faces smeared with tears and snot, their designer dresses torn like rags, underwear showing. 

The security guard sucked in a breath. 

“This–call the police! No, wait, tell Mr. Gray first. This person was invited by Mr. Gray, right?” 

In front of security, I couldn’t continue fighting. 

I reluctantly let go and picked up the scattered books. 

“They attacked me first.” 

Vanessa lay on the floor crying. 

“I knew you were faking all along. I’m going to expose your true face to Jackson.” 

Riley covered her nose, crying too. 

“It hurts so much, you bitch. I won’t let you get away with this, bitch!” 

Amid their non–stop cursing, a tall figure approached from the end of the hallway, backlit. 

He was very tall. 

Dressed in a black suit, with a clean buzzcut and sharp features, his face was as sculpted as a statue. 

He carried the aura of someone accustomed to power–naturally intimidating, almost difficult to look at directly. 

I lowered my head, my body tense. 

Jackson Gray stopped in front of me, his shadow covering me completely. 

22.20 

Chapter 8 

I tried to explain. 

“Mr. Gray, this isn’t my fault. They-” 

The rest of my words all caught in my throat. Because- 

Jackson Gray hugged me. 

He gripped my waist tightly, as if trying to meld me into his bones. 

I felt moisture dampen my shoulder where his face pressed. 

My mind went blank. 

Was he… crying? 

“Victoria.” 

“Victoria.” 

“Victoria-” 

Jackson sobbed, calling my name over and over, his entire body trembling uncontrollably. 

“Hey, hey, it’s me, Mr. Gray. Let go!” 

I pushed Jackson away. 

Vanessa, her eyes red, hysterically complained: 

“Jackson, look what she did! She beat me and Riley like this!” 

I quickly defended myself: 

“They attacked me first, Mr. Gray, I was just-” 

Again, I couldn’t finish. 

Because Jackson suddenly picked me up. 

He didn’t even clanan at 

Chapter 8 

his eyes filled with the joy of recovery and disbelief, tinged with heartache. 

“I know, sweetheart. Don’t be scared.” 

“From now on, I will never let anyone bully you again. Are you hurt?” 

His eyes stopped on my reddened knuckles, and his expression instantly darkened. 

“Why are you all just standing there? Get a medical team with a stretcher immediately! Call an ambulance!” 

He carried me out with large strides. 

His tone was urgent, his expression tense, as if I might die any second. 

“Victoria, hang in there. The ambulance will be here soon.” 

I looked down at my fingers. 

My knuckles were red from punching people. 

But that wasn’t the point. 

What was wrong with this Jackson Gray? Why was he carrying me again? What was his problem? 

While I was lost in thought, I suddenly heard a familiar voice. 

“Victoria baby-” 

I turned to look. Tyler and Brandon were standing at the elevator, breathing heavily. 

They had clearly run all the way here. 

Tyler’s usually neat hair was blown back by the wind, sticking up in different directions, revealing his strong brow bone. 

His cheeks were flushed, his eyes slightly moist. 

Even more handsome now. 

I waved at him. 

22:25 

Cinderella’s Am 

Chapter 8 

“Tyler-” 

Suddenly remembering I was still in Jackson’s arms, I struggled free and jumped down. 

I ran to Tyler and hugged his arm. 

“Let’s get out of here. The people here are all crazy.” 

Let’s go quickly, before Jackson discovers the damaged books and asks for a refund. 

“It’s you-” 

Jackson’s tone was ice cold as he clenched his fists. 

“I should have known. Tyler Reed. Long time no see.”