Grayson Sloane arranged the surgery himself . To " avoid suspicion , " he stayed outside in the observation room , issuing orders through a microphone . The scalpel descended . With the very first cut , Jewel Whitmore's body arched in agony . The searing pain of being sliced open alive made every alive made every muscle seize . But she clenched her jaw and refused to make a sound . Her silence was so raw , so tragic , that even the nurses flinched , unable to keep watching . But Grayson's cold hand signal came again . The doctor obeyed . A second cut . A third . A fourth ... Each incision shredded her body and soul , cold sweat streaming down her skin until she thought she would break apart entirely . By what felt like the thousandth cut , the sheets beneath her were soaked, torn by her nails , her limbs splayed like a broken marionette . Finally , the surgeon stopped , his own forehead damp with sweat . His voice carried reluctant pity . " It's done . The liver's been removed . Please , let her have some anesthesia now . I'm afraid she'll die from the pain alone . " Before he could finish , a nurse quickly pushed the plunger home . Numbness spread , and Jewel's world went black . When she woke again , she was back in her ward . Her waist was wrapped in layer upon layer of bandages . Her eyes were dry . So this was what despair felt like , pain so deep it stripped even tears away . Chapter7 5.83 % She stared at the blank white wall , counting silently in her mind . Three more days . Three more days until she could leave this place and start over . " Jewel ! " Ivy Sloane's voice shattered her thoughts . Jewel turned her head . Ivy was wheeled into the room , Weston Vale and Grayson pushing her like she were royalty . " Thank you for the liver , " Ivy said sweetly , then dabbed at her eyes with a tissue . " It's very healthy . But in my body ? Honestly ... it's wasted . " She made a show of sobbing . Jewel's glare was ice and venom . " Wasted or not , " Weston murmured , crouching to gently wipe Ivy's tears , " if it lets you live even one second longer , it was worth it . " " Yes , Ivy , " Grayson added , his brows furrowed with contrived concern . " Your body is too weak . You shouldn't have insisted on coming here . " " Tell us what you want , Ivy , " Weston coaxed . " Whatever your last wish is , we'll make it happen . " Ivy sniffled theatrically . " Grayson , Weston ... my days are numbered . In a couple of days , could Jewel take me to the family cemetery ? I want to see where I'll be buried , so my soul won't be lonely afterward ... " She cried again , milking every tear . Grayson sighed , pretending to scold her . " Crying won't help . With Weston and me here , of course Jewel will agree . She owes you that much . " Then he turned , his face frosted over , eyes piercing Jewel . " Jewel , you wouldn't refuse such a small request from Ivy , would you ? " Jewel stared at him , at the same cold mask he had worn in the operating room as he ordered her blood drained . Her heart felt pierced by a thousand needles And yet , she lowered her lashes and smiled faintly . Chapter7 5.83 % " I'll do whatever my brother and Weston decide . " Her strange composure drew Weston's attention . He stroked her hand , voice softening . " Still mad at me ? Not giving you anesthesia was for your sake . You're allergic to it . I only wanted to protect you . " At those words , Jewel broke into laughter . A wild , bitter laugh , until tears spilled down her cheeks . Years ago , Weston had taken her skydiving . A freak accident had stranded them in a desolate wilderness . She gashed her thigh open , bad enough to need stitches . There was no doctor , no rescue in sight , and Weston couldn't bring himself to cut into her flesh . So Jewel had forced his hand . She made him stitch her wound , and to ease his guilt , she lied , told him she was allergic to anesthesia . That lie had lasted more than a decade . She had even half - forgotten it herself . But now , to hear Weston repeat it , offered as justification for her torture , it felt like the cruelest joke in the world . Chapter8 Title: Addicted to You Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Billionaire, CEO, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Mansion, Office, Meet Again Status: ongoing In "Addicted to You," a captivating romance unfolds between Audrey and Floyd. Despite Floyd's arranged marriage and family struggles, he continually comes to Audrey's rescue after their one-night stand that has left her secretly pining for him for eight years. As their paths intertwine in unexpected ways within the backdrop of a luxurious mansion and high-stakes office dynamics, hidden feelings resurface, igniting a tale of love, loyalty, and second chances. This modern romantic narrative by CrushReel delves deep into themes of forbidden love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships in the world of billionaires and CEOs. What sets "Addicted to You" apart is its deft exploration of the characters' internal conflicts and the magnetic pull drawing them together despite external obstacles. Experience the emotional rollercoaster as Audrey and Floyd navigate their undeniable connection amidst societal expectations and personal dilemmas. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a story that goes beyond conventional romance tropes with its rich character development and intricate plot twists.