Elaine's arms turned an ugly shade of blue as they handled her with zero compassion.

Tossing a wad of $2000 bills, the woman scoffed, "Get yourself checked in at a hospital. And cut out this whole mistress act. As for Chandler's gifts, keep them. But hear me; if you go near him again, I will skin you alive."

Money littered the floor around Elaine, who was now all too aware of certain boundaries.

A little digging revealed that this attack was orchestrated by Rena.

Elaine knew she should swallow her pride, apologize, and make amends.

But bitterness held her back.

ALL she wanted was a better life and happiness. Was this humiliation her price?

Leaving the hospital, Elaine hesitated, her lips pressed tightly together.

Considering a visit to Rena, she wondered if maybe Rena might show some mercy; however, there would surely be strings attached.

Deciding against it, Elaine kept a low profile.

Within a week, her physical scars began to fade, and so did the rumors.

Yet, she was aware that she had become the butt of jokes among her peers.

She pinned all blame on Cecilia and didn't let go of her infatuation for Mark. As she arrived at Mark's office once again, the receptionist gave her a pitied look. Without even checking with Mark, she said, "Mr. Evans will not be seeing you."

Elaine tried to protest, but was cut off, “Miss Shaw, remember, Mr. Evans has a family to think about."

Just as Elaine was about to voice her anger, a familiar face emerged from the elevator: Peter, one of Mark's associates.

Elaine approached Peter, expressing her desire to meet Mark, believing there had been some misunderstanding about past events.

Peter, who was generally kind to most, held a bad impression about Elaine.

Observing the determined lady before him, he remarked, "Miss Shaw, pressing Mr. Evans incessantly may overwhelm him. While many are unaware of his temperament, I'm all too familiar. His fury can be daunting."

With a touch of regret, Elaine responded, "That wasn't my intention."

Peter thought that Elaine was in over her head.