The blow makes me lose my balance and I fall backward.

"You should be fucking thankful I offered you a way out. Hell, you should be kissing my damn shoes for even entertaining touching your pathetic little self, you fucking gold digger."

I tilt my chin up defiantly, my eyes shooting daggers at him.

"Even if you gave me all of Nikki's fortune, I would never let you lay one finger on me."

He takes a handkerchief and wipes the blood off his upper lip.

"You'll regret this." He shakes his head, his lip twitching in displeasure.

"Bring it on," I mutter.

He takes a step closer to me, his hand raised. But right at that moment, Mr. Daniels's assistant walks in, and Matthew immediately puts himself together, pretending nothing is wrong. And just like that, he's gone.

"Are you all right, miss?" the assistant asks me, coming to help me to my feet.

"I'm fine, thank you." I give him a slight smile before I ask him if there's any back exit I can use. He points me to the service elevator, and without looking back, I'm out of there.

I walk for a couple of streets before I stop, realizing that I have no home to return to. Of course, there is Noelle, and she is likely waiting for me to contact her. I reach into my pocket for my phone, but instead of dialing her number, I just stare at the screen.

My stomach releases a low growl, and I swallow hard.

It's been hours since I last ate, and right now I'm not pleasant company. Maybe I'll call her later.

After a few moments of going back and forth on what's the best course of action, I decide to grab something to eat first and talk to her later. Likely, she'll want to talk to me about Nikki, about the accident, about...everything. And no matter how much of a strong front I put on, I'm not ready to delve into those subjects. Especially not now after I realize the dangerous lengths his family is willing to go to in order to get their hands on his money.

Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I keep moving.

I have some money left, and although not much, it should be enough for a hot meal. Not one to waste unconscionable amounts on food, I try to find a cheaper place to eat, even as my stomach keeps protesting the decision.

God, but just thinking about Matthew's smug expression and his indecent proposal makes my skin crawl. His blow hadn't been unexpected, but it had certainly done a number on my already frail body.

Absentmindedly, I bring my hand over my cast, rubbing my fingers over the rough material. Maybe I should buy some painkillers too...

"Damn!" I halt, my eyes widening in shock.

My medicine. I forgot it.