Chapter 3
When I confronted them, Sage’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. She covered her mouth in mock surprise and said,
“Oh my, that ugly, shabby pearl necklace was yours?”
“I’m so sorry, little sister. I didn’t know. I thought it was some dog’s collar someone left at our house, so I threw it in the trash outside.”
She was lying. She had mocked Mom’s keepsake countless times, saying it was worthless.
I spun around and ran outside, her taunting voice trailing behind me: “Sister, are you seriously going to dig through the trash?”
“Oh, by the way, the garbage truck just left before you came in. What will you do now?”
I spent the entire day sifting through the stinking garbage, my hands covered in cuts from broken glass. It wasn’t until nightfall that I finally found the pearl necklace.
The hotel owner I worked for called me: “Emily, do you know what time it is? Where the hell are you? If you don’t want the job, leave. There are plenty of people waiting to replace you!”
Dad and my stepmother never gave me a cent. All my tuition and living expenses came from working odd jobs.
I quickly apologized to the boss, didn’t even have time to bandage my wounds, and rushed to the
restaurant.
$
As I stepped into the changing room and was about to close the door, Steven’s greasy face appeared in the doorway.
He shoved his way in, flashing a lecherous grin.
“Isn’t this my little sister? Oh no, your hand is hurt? Let me blow on it for you.”
I dodged his hand and said coldly, “What are you doing here?”
“Of course, your parents invited me to dinner to kiss up to me,” he sneered. “The moment I saw you today, I couldn’t get you out of my mind. Come on, be nice and keep me company.”
grabbed my arm and tried to pull me close. I wanted to scream, but he covered my mouth.
Blood Ties, Broken Bonds
10 00
apter 3
Your sister said your husband’s a useless cripple. Can he even satisfy you? Let me help you. I’ve never done it in a changing room before.”
I struggled desperately and suddenly felt a decorative vase on the shelf. Grabbing it, I smashed it hard over Steven’s head.
The vase shattered. Steven clutched his head and let out a pig–like scream: “You bitch! How dare you
hit me!”
The noise drew a crowd. When they saw Steven injured, Dad, My stepmother, and Sage immediately
rushed over to fuss over him.
To my surprise, Steven twisted the story, claiming I tried to seduce him, and when he refused, I
Stacked him out of embarrassment.
My stepmother slapped me hard twice, her voice shrill with rage: “Shameless slut! Is your crippled husband not enough for you? How dare you try to seduce Steven? Look at yourself in the mirror–do you really think you can compete with my daughter for a man?”
The blows made my head spin. Holding my stinging face, I let out a cold laugh: “You’re overthinking
- it. I wouldn’t stomach stealing a disgusting boar.”
Dad kicked me in the stomach, and I doubled over in pain, struggling to breathe.
“You’ve got some nerve talking about Steven like that! How did I end up with such a worthless brat? If it weren’t for finding a stand–in for Sage, I should’ve strangled you to death when your useless
mother died!”
5
His words echoed loud and clear, and everyone turned to Steven in stunned disbelief.
“Which Steven? Could it really be the Crown Prince of the Grayson Family who just returned to Capital City? No way… Emily wouldn’t go for someone like that, would she?”
“Shh, don’t talk nonsense. Look at how respectful the Carson Family is toward him–it’s probably true. Emily must be trying to climb the social ladder. Women will do anything for money, won’t
they?”
Hearing the commotion, the hotel owner rushed over, bowing and scraping as he apologized to
Steven.
Then, without warning, he grabbed a waist–high vase from the doorway and smashed it over my
head.
What kind of trash are you? How dare you lay a hand on Steven? If the Grayson Family comes after
Blood Ties, Broken Bonds
19.0%
any hotel because of you, I’ll kill you myself!”
You’re fired! Your wages are docked, now get out!”
apte