Chapter 4
Just as I was about to delete the random numbers and press 911 again, a hand yanked my long hair and dragged me out of the crowd.
I lifted my foot, instinctively kicking backward in the direction of the person behind me.}
“Let go of me! This is assault! Help! He’s attacking me in broad daylight!“}
Before I could finish, a few young women rushed over. One of them slapped the hand tangled in my hair while the others pulled me behind them like a shield.}
“What the hell is wrong with you, old man?! Just because you’re older doesn’t give you the right to hurt someone younger! You lay a hand on her again, and you’ll be going to jail!“}
“She’s right! We’re all witnesses here. If any of you dare to lay another finger on her, don’t blame us bystanders for stepping in-”
But they didn’t even get to finish. My family shoved through the crowd and started beating me right there in front of everyone. “You whore! Don’t you know what you’ve done? How dare you turn the tables and play the victim? We’ll beat you to death!“}
“How could we raise a daughter like you? Falsely accusing your partner of cheating just to satisfy your selfish desires–you’re a disgrace to society! We should’ve strangled you when you were born!“}
I curled up in a ball, but I still screamed with everything I had left.
“What did I ever do to deserve this?! Why are you doing this to me?! We’ve been together for over twenty years–does that mean nothing compared to just one word from Killian?“}
By now, the people watching finally started to connect the dots–this wasn’t just some random attack. This was my family. Outraged, they shoved my family aside.
One woman stepped forward, eyes wide as she looked at my bloodied face. Her voice trembled with rage.”
“She’s your family? Are you even human? How could you do something like this to her?!“}
But Dad just sneered and replied, “Family? Someone like her doesn’t deserve to be one of us. Miss, if you knew the kind of things she’s done, you’d treat her the same way we do!“}
The woman stood firm, shielding me with determination and saying resolutely, “I don’t believe you! No way!“}
Someone else echoed her, “Yeah! We’d never do something this heartless to our own family! Even a tiger wouldn’t eat its cubs. You think we’re as heartless as you?“>
But then Dad leaned in and whispered something into her ear.}
Her righteous expression instantly twisted into fury. She glared at me with disgust and snapped, “You deserve to die for what you did! How could you do something so insane? No wonder your family treats you like this! You should give access to that TrustPay account and properly compensate your husband!“}
She turned to the others who had tried to defend me, saying, “Guys, if you trust me, stay out of this. Think about it–if she hadn’t done something horrible, why would every member of her family be against her?“}
Some people nodded. Others just stared at me like they didn’t know what to think anymore. Those who still wanted to help me… She pushed them away.”
One by one, they started backing away. I felt the panic rise in my throat
I whimpered and begged them, “I didn’t do anything! Please! Don’t leave me! Please, help me! They’re going to kill me! They just want my money! They want to ruin me!“}
But they went on walking away.
In the end, I was all alone,}
Covered in blood, I was dragged into a car and thrown into the back seat.”
Dad and Mom cast a disgusted glance at me before casually discussing my fate.
“Let’s just lock her up at home for a while,” Dad began. “Keep a close eye on her. She’s got company shares and dividends–tens of millions every year.”
“Good idea,” Mom agreed. “Once we get home, let’s use her phone to open that account for Valeraine. Since it’s a voluntary transfer, that slut won’t be able to take it back later, and there’s no way she can go after Valeraine for it.”
“Come after? It’s not like she’d even dare,” Dad added with a chuckle. “She steps outta line again, we’ll make damn sure she remembers her place.”
I was already numb. I didn’t dare say anything reckless anymore. I just tried to focus on saving whatever strength was left in me.” The car finally pulled up in front of the villa–the one I bought. With my mouth still covered, they dragged me out and shoved me inside.
Valeraine was lounging on the couch, happily popping grapes into her mouth while watching TV.
The moment I was thrown in, my so–called family left me behind and rushed to greet the mistress, showering her with warmth and affection.
Killian even wrapped an arm around her waist and rested a hand on her belly.
Looking at his in–laws, he proudly announced, “Valeraine is carrying my child. From now on, you’re all family to her!”
Valeraine burst into laughter, then shot me a smug, taunting smile like she was looking at a complete failure.
“So gross!” she sneered.
And just like that, they locked me in the damp, pitch–black attic.
19:41AM
That night, when someone finally opened the door to bring food, I practically threw myself at it.
Valeraine stood at the top of the stairs like a queen feeding scraps to a zoo animal. She tossed down three cold, hard pieces of toast.
“Zadie,” she said, “aren’t you even a little curious what your husband said to turn your whole family against you?”
Shoving a piece of dry toast into my mouth, I gave her a bitter smile.
“Even if I said I wanted to know, would you even tell me?”
“Of course I would!”
Then she leaned in close and whispered something in my ear.
My face instantly went pale.
