Ruby bit her lip, struggling to speak. "The truth is… I have some health issues. After I… was with Troy, he got tested and found out he caught a disease. He freaked out and turned on me completely, calling me to scream and curse, saying I was a disgusting tramp who had been with too many men.

"In the end, Troy went to Andrew and begged him for treatment. Under Andrew's manipulative demands, Troy confessed everything to him."

Aspen's face darkened with rage. "Andrew again? Why is it that every single one of my failures has his shadow looming over it? And you, you're just as useless! I spent so much effort and money getting you out of prison, not so you could mess everything up!"

Ruby held back her anger and muttered, "I didn't want things to turn out like this. It's all because of Andrew—he's the real culprit."

Aspen cut her off impatiently. "Enough! Let me ask you, this disease… is it from reckless behavior?"

Ruby blushed deeply and, with great reluctance, admitted, "Yes, it'