Chapter 145

Take the initiative.

Renee's mind was in turmoil, but her body instinctively stiffened. She lifted her gaze and locked eyes with him. In the dim light, his eyes felt like a bottomless abyss.

Carl, propping his chin in his hand, watched her with faint amusement, a barely-there smile tugging at his lips. The sight reminded Renee of painful memories, causing her to turn away in humiliation.

Biting down hard on her lower lip, the taste of blood filled her mouth, but it wasn’t enough to quell the burning torment inside. Desperate for control, she bit even harder.

Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her jaw as her lips parted, blood trickling down the corner of her mouth.

Carl’s eyes narrowed, a flash of anger darkening his gaze.

He was angry.

“You hate this so much? Then why did you mess with me in the first place?”

Renee remained silent, refusing to meet his gaze.

Abruptly, the grip on her chin tightened.

She winced in pain and lifted her eyes to meet his. Her lashes were damp wi