Chapter 7

"I know," Sharon said without hesitation, believing Javin and even going as far as to comfort him. "You’re not the type to do something like that. Don’t worry, I won’t blame you." Javin was touched. "Ms. Tatham, you’re so kind. I’ll be sure to repay you tonight." His tone was suggestive, and he shot me a smug, provocative smile. Meanwhile, I stood there like an outsider. The scene was unbearable, and I closed my eyes, trying to regain my composure. Opening them again, I went straight to the point. "I need to borrow 500 thousand dollars. If you agree to help me, I will repay it with interest in full." "Repay me?" Sharon’s face twisted in amusement as if she had just heard the funniest joke. She looked me up and down and said, "A murderer fresh out of prison like you will repay me? With what? Your life? It’s too filthy for me to want it." Her words stabbed my heart like a thousand needles. I took a deep breath, lowered my head, and begged her in a voice so humble I almost didn’t recognize it. "I’m begging you. I desperately need that money. I’ll do whatever you ask if you agree to lend it to me." Sharon’s interest was piqued. She lifted my chin with a finger and smiled. "Really? Well, since you’re so sincere, I’ll give you a chance." I was then led to the rooftop pool of the building of Tatham Group. Sharon said, "All you have to do is stay underwater for half an hour. If you can do that, you can take the money without repaying me. How does that sound?" I stared at the calm water, but inside, my mind was raging with turmoil while my hands trembled uncontrollably at my sides. I had been terrified of water ever since Wesley’s father kicked me into the river as a child. I nearly drowned, and from then on, I couldn't even bring myself to learn how to swim. Sharon knew my fear of water well, and yet she was using it to torment me. The thought was almost laughable. Five years ago, she didn’t hesitate to send me to prison on a false charge, nearly getting me killed inside. What was this compared to that? For Mom’s sake, I didn’t hesitate. I steeled myself and started climbing down into the pool. The moment the icy water touched my skin, I began to shiver uncontrollably. I gritted my teeth and took a deep breath, but the instant I was submerged, memories of the abuse I suffered as a child flooded back. My face went pale. I could hear the water sloshing in my ears, and through the clear surface, I saw Sharon and Javin standing at the edge, laughing and flirting. Their teasing words echoed in my head, mingling with the sound of the water. I was already in poor health. It was autumn, and after only a few minutes in the freezing water, I could feel my strength draining fast. Javin crouched by the pool’s edge, smirking down at me. "It's not even five minutes. You’re already struggling?" I stared blankly at the water, too consumed by my battle with fear to respond. Mortified by my silence, Javin turned to Sharon and said, "Ms. Tatham, this is too easy. He needs to understand that 500 thousand dollars doesn’t come that cheap!" I snapped my gaze to Sharon, who smiled and replied, "Then, do whatever you think is necessary." A glint of satisfaction flashed in Javin’s eyes. Without warning, he pressed his hand on my head and shoved me underwater. The water engulfed my nose and eyes, and I immediately started to thrash, but Javin was far stronger than me. He didn’t let go, even as I swallowed mouthfuls of water, choking and gasping for air. I couldn’t breathe. The suffocating sensation from my childhood along with the terror of almost drowning overwhelmed me. In my desperation, I reached out to Sharon. "Make him stop!" I croaked, barely able to form the words through my struggle. However, all I saw was Sharon casually sipping her glass of wine, completely indifferent.