Trust Her, Bleed Later

Chapter 1

Ethan Grant made his usual appearance at the business banquet. Compliments like “business prodigy” and “one in a million” poured into his ears with no restraint. After exchanging pleasantries with the guests, he slipped away to the garden, hiding in the shadows beneath the trees for a breath of silence.

Not far away, a couple of young newcomers were laughing dismissively.
“Ethan Grant might be capable,” one scoffed, “but people don’t need to kiss up to him like that. With the Grant family’s wealth backing him and a rumored marriage alliance with the Zhou family? Even a pig could fly! Isn’t he turning thirty next year? At that age, being called a once-in-a-generation genius? What a joke.”

Another voice quickly hushed him.
“Don’t you know? Ethan grew up in an orphanage. He was only brought back into the Grant family in his twenties. And in just a few years, he turned Grant Corp into a powerhouse. Calling him a prodigy isn’t an exaggeration.”

Ethan heard every word clearly from the shadows. These days, he was no longer the self-conscious young man newly exposed to the world of power and ambition. Idle gossip couldn’t touch him anymore. He was about to walk away—until the voices picked up again.

“Ethan took over Grant Corp just two years ago, and he already forced the witch to retreat and swear never to step foot in Rivermoor again. Tell me that’s not impressive!”

“You mean Seraphina Vale? That ruthless witch Seraphina Vale?!”

Ethan’s pupils contracted sharply. It had been years since he’d heard that name. His fists clenched instinctively.

Then, a whiff of perfume caught him off guard. A girl in a dazzling red dress ran up and wrapped her arm around his. “Ethan,” she cooed sweetly, “there you are.”

The gossipers turned pale when they realized Ethan had overheard them. He gently removed Clara’s hand, offering a mild smile. “Don’t you love being the center of attention? What brings you out here?”

Clara pouted. “My dad is so annoying. He insists the new company should be called Redfield Developments. I told him Fairfield Estates sounds better, but he wouldn’t listen. I said I want to be CEO—he shot me down too.”

The Grants and the Zhous had recently secured several infrastructure deals and were planning to launch a joint real estate development firm. The signing ceremony was scheduled for the next morning. The two families had deep roots—Ethan’s sister-in-law was Clara’s distant cousin—and lately, they’d been growing even closer. Naturally, people speculated about a marriage alliance.

Ethan replied coolly, “Why should a young woman like you trouble yourself with business? It’s not worth the stress. Just enjoy being a princess.”

He waved her off and walked back toward the hall.

Clara’s expression darkened. She stomped her foot in frustration. She’d seen it clearly—when people gossiped about her and Ethan, he looked completely indifferent. But the moment Seraphina Vale’s name was mentioned, he visibly flinched.

It’s been six years. And I still can’t compete with that venomous woman?

---

Chapter 2

Standing on the terrace, Ethan found himself thinking about the first time he met Seraphina Vale.

Back then, he’d been a broke college student, suddenly informed that he was the long-lost heir of a powerful business family. His father and older brother had both fallen into comas after a tragic car accident, leaving only his sister-in-law, Helena Cross, to manage the Grant empire. Helena came from an ordinary background and lacked the business acumen to hold things together. So, reluctantly, the family brought Ethan back as a stopgap.

He didn’t know the politics or resentment behind it. They handed him a script and told him he’d be speaking at a charity gala the next evening—representing the Grant family to show they were still strong.

Naive and sweating bullets, Ethan arrived at Rosehill Estate only to be denied entry for not having an invitation. That’s when it hit him: Helena never intended for him to succeed—she wanted to remind him of his place.

The gala was being broadcast live. Missing it wasn’t an option. After begging the guards in vain, Ethan circled to the back and decided to climb the wall. As he peeked into the brightly lit garden from atop the fence, he saw a girl sitting quietly under a flowering tree, staring straight at him.

Before he could react, the security guards’ shouts startled him. He tried to jump down—but slipped and crashed to the ground.

That moment would replay in his mind countless times. His awkward, ridiculous attempt to step into this glittering world had ended with him sprawled in the dirt—beneath the calm gaze of Seraphina Vale, who looked poised, unreachable… almost divine. And he? He felt pathetic.

Then came more noise. Edward Zhou, the host, arrived with the crowd. Ethan stood in the center, flushed with shame. Before he could speak, someone else did.

“I’m sorry,” a soft voice said. “I asked him to pick a flower from the tree. I didn’t mean for him to fall…”

Startled, Ethan looked up and saw the same girl from the garden, now nervously glancing at him. Her cheeks were red, her eyes wide with guilt.

A girl in a red dress—Clara—sneered beside Edward. “Seraphina, you’re such a troublemaker.”

Seraphina Vale lowered her head, tears soaking into her collar. “I’m sorry… it was my fault.”

Edward scolded Clara lightly. When he learned who Ethan was, his demeanor changed immediately—warm, welcoming. As they walked inside, Ethan glanced back. Seraphina was still there, smiling faintly at him, then gestured at his wrist in concern. Only then did Ethan realize he’d likely broken it in the fall.

The next day, as he lay in the hospital with his arm in a cast, Seraphina arrived with a massive bouquet of flowers. Ethan was stunned. His sister-in-law hadn’t even visited—just sent a cold phone call—but this girl, a near stranger, had come in person.

Blushing, Ethan mumbled, “This is the first time I’ve ever gotten flowers.”

Seraphina smiled. “Then you’re doing better than me—I’ve never received any.”

After a pause, she asked, “Why do you keep staring at me, Mr. Grant?”

Embarrassed but honest, Ethan replied, “You’re not at all like the rumors.”

He’d heard them all. That she was a ruthless businesswoman, the legendary “witch” of Vale Group. That she’d crushed competitors with cold, brutal precision. But the girl before him—gentle, soft-spoken, and kind—was nothing like that.

Seraphina’s smile faded for a second.

Ethan quickly regretted his words, about to apologize. But Seraphina only said softly, “Rumors… aren’t always true.”

He felt a deep resonance with that. “As long as I know who you really are… what others say doesn’t matter.”

Seraphina blinked in surprise. Ethan, realizing his words sounded too intimate, tried to walk them back—then gave up, clamping his mouth shut in defiance. His handsome, youthful stubbornness made her laugh softly.

Maybe last night, she helped him simply because he looked lost—like she once was. But now, something else stirred in her chest. No one had ever tried so hard to make her smile, or trusted her so easily. That kind of warmth… it made the walls around her heart tremble.

　　Chapter 3

The signing ceremony with Zhou Enterprises was scheduled for ten o’clock. Ethan Grant arrived at the office as usual. A few senior executives were already in his office, reporting diligently. Their attitude was respectful, their work crisp and efficient—a stark contrast to how things were when he had just taken over Grant Corp.

Back then, no one believed in him. An heir with no roots, no connections—just a name. Everyone assumed the Grant family was on its last legs. As chairman in name only, Ethan was ignored, defied, and at times outright humiliated.

Once, a shareholder named Mr. Lee even stormed into the Grant estate, demanding Ethan call for a new board election. Ethan had been out of his depth, floundering in unfamiliar waters. If it hadn’t been for Seraphina Vale guiding him from behind the scenes, he would’ve drowned.

It was during that chaos that Seraphina walked into the study, freshly washed fruit in hand. She greeted with perfect manners, “Hello, Uncle Lee.”

The old man’s tone immediately softened. He was clearly intimidated by her.

Seraphina, calm and courteous as always, advised gently, “It doesn’t help to be so harsh on the younger generation. A little patience now might benefit your own family’s business in the future.”

Mr. Lee’s face soured, but he held his tongue and left in anger, not daring to push any further.

Ethan had been confused until Seraphina explained that Mr. Lee had been secretly funneling minor projects away from Grant Corp to his own side venture. She’d given him a subtle scare, and he folded. “Sometimes,” she said with a light smile, “having a witch’s reputation isn’t so bad.”

She said it casually, but Ethan couldn’t help the heaviness in his chest.

To the world, Seraphina Vale was a venomous, heartless woman. But how many knew that beneath that sharp exterior was a girl with the softest heart?

Now that he sat comfortably in the chairman’s seat, things looked smooth on the surface—but in truth, only Seraphina had ever truly helped him.

Helena Cross, his sister-in-law, could barely stay out of his way—he considered it a blessing when she didn’t actively sabotage him. Edward Zhou was cordial, even kind, but always prioritized Zhou Enterprises. Clara? She’d been haughty at first, only warming up recently—and even that came with strings attached.

Only Seraphina had stood by him when he had nothing to offer.

And yet, it was she who would deal the cruelest blow when he least expected it.

The tightness in his chest returned. Ethan exhaled, straightened his tie, and reviewed the signing ceremony agenda one last time.

Suddenly—bang!

The office door slammed open. A woman burst in, and his assistant chased behind, flustered. “Mr. Grant! I don’t know how she got in—I’ll call security right away!”

Ethan frowned, just about to nod, when he got a good look at the intruder’s face.

His expression changed. “Everyone out,” he ordered.

Once the room was cleared and the door shut, his voice turned to ice. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be with Seraphina Vale? What are you causing a scene here for?”

The woman—Seraphina’s assistant—spoke through a strained, hoarse voice.

“Mr. Grant… please… come see her. Miss Vale… she’s been in an accident.”

---

Chapter 4

Ethan bolted out of the office like a storm, ignoring his assistant’s cries that the signing was moments away.

He arrived at the hospital breathless, only to find Seraphina unconscious. Her face was pale, beautiful, untouched by time. He stood still, unable to look away.

Six years had passed. And still, he couldn’t tell whether the pain in his chest was leftover longing—or hate carved too deep.

His fists curled tightly at his sides. The scene before him felt hauntingly familiar—Seraphina lying there, wilted like a white rose, delicate and bruised. And he… helpless as ever.

It was a long while before she stirred.

Ethan had told himself he would leave once she woke. But now, as her eyes fluttered open, his feet rooted themselves to the floor.

She scanned the room slowly, dazed. Then she managed a faint smile and said, “I thought there’d be flowers.”

The words hit him like a punch to the chest. Still, he kept his face cold.

“Didn’t you swear you’d never come back to Rivermoor? What are you doing here?”

Seraphina looked at him like she couldn’t bear to blink. “I missed you.”

He didn’t know whether to laugh or scream.

Thankfully, the nurses arrived and wheeled her out for scans. Just before leaving the room, she turned and smiled weakly.

“Ethan,” she whispered. “I wish we could go for a walk again.”

He must’ve been out of his mind, because when they brought her back, he was still sitting in her room.

She lifted the covers to reveal a thick cast on her left leg.

“Ethan,” she said softly, “can you carry me?”

Without a word, Ethan bent down and lifted her gently into the wheelchair. One arm behind her neck, one beneath her knees—her breath brushed his collarbone, and his heart roared in his ears.

He should’ve gone back to the office. Should’ve salvaged the chaos he left behind.

But instead, he wheeled her out of the hospital and into the hills behind it—familiar places where both of them had once been patients, years ago.

Back then, Edward Zhou had been visiting Grant Corp. As he was leaving, Helena Cross had stormed in, grabbing his arm, crying and begging.

Her family was in crisis. Valtor Capital—Seraphina’s company—was preparing to break up and acquire it. Everyone knew Seraphina and Ethan were close. Helena didn’t want to beg Ethan, so she went to Edward instead.

“She’s a witch!” she sobbed. “She killed my father, and now she’s trying to take everything my family built!”

Ethan interrupted, barely holding his temper. “Helena, please speak with facts. Your father passed from illness. And that acquisition clause? Your family signed it. Seraphina’s just—”

But then he saw Helena glaring behind him. He turned to see Seraphina standing there, quiet, frightened.

Helena snapped.

“Seraphina Vale! You heartless snake! You tricked my father—”

Seraphina trembled, her face ghost-white. “Helena, this is business. Vale Group has thousands of employees. I never meant—”

“You liar!”

Helena lunged and wrapped her hands around Seraphina’s throat. Seraphina struggled, her cheeks turning red as she gasped for air.

People rushed in to separate them. In the scuffle, Helena shoved her. Seraphina’s head hit a column hard, and she collapsed. A red pool slowly bloomed beneath her.

She woke again at dusk.

Ethan sat silently in the corner.

She didn’t see him. Confused by the strange room, she curled into herself under the blanket, shaking. Her voice was barely a whisper.

“I’m scared… Mom… Dad… I’m scared…”

Ethan felt like someone had driven a spike through his heart.

She was an orphan, like him. Her parents had died overseas when she was sixteen. She had no one.

He crossed the room and pulled her into his arms, blanket and all.

“Seraphina… don’t be afraid. I’m here.”

She flinched. Then stilled. The blanket moved—she was nodding.

Ethan held her tighter, his voice trembling.

“I’ll get stronger. I won’t let anyone hurt you again. Will you let me take care of you? Forever?”

There was no reply.

He waited. The silence was crushing.

Then, suddenly, the blanket flew open. Seraphina threw herself into his chest, sobbing.

The world called her heartless.

Only he knew she was just a girl—alone, abandoned, afraid.

Her tears were scorching as they fell on his neck. She clung to him like he was her last hope.

“Ethan… Ethan…”

As if he were the only thing holding her together.

　

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