Chapter 3
The sweet words he used to say–I couldn’t stand to hear a single one anymore.
“But the company isn’t just yours,” I cut him off.
“I own 20% of the shares.”
His expression shifted slightly.
“What are you trying to say?”
caught the hint of caution in his eyes, and it stung.
“Nothing. I just care about you.”
“If the company is in my hands, it’s better than it falling into someone else’s. At least we’re family. and we can work things out together.”
I was still trying to talk him out of his plan to fake his own death.
But Michael wouldn’t listen.
He refused me again.
I had to take another approach.
“I recently heard from a friend–her family’s company is interested in investing in foreign real estate. She asked if you might be interested.”
Michael exchanged a glance with Alice, his eyes lighting up.
“Where’s the investment?”
Feigning nonchalance, I pulled out my phone.
“I think it’s Switzerland. But it’s a bit tricky since there’s no extradition treaty with our country.”
“No one can get you back if anything illegal happens.”
As I spoke, I could see Michael’s interest growing. “Is it a hassle?”
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I shook my head.
“Not at all. I saved her son’s life once, so she said as long as I’m involved, she’ll agree to anything.”
Michael looked like he’d made up his mind.
“Alright, you can start helping out at the company for now.”
I felt a small sense of relief.
1
That night, instead of heading to the kitchen to make dinner, I threw myself into studying.
It had been so long since I’d dealt with company matters.
I needed to work twice as hard to catch up.
Suddenly, David kicked the study door open.
“Are you dead or what? You know dinner’s not ready?”
A pang of hurt hit me. I hadn’t noticed before, but he had already been against me by this point.
He didn’t even call me “Mom” anymore–just “hey” or “you.”
I used to think it was just teenage rebellion, but now I realized he and his father both had eyes only for Alice.
I turned back to my computer.
“Order takeout.”
“You know I’m allergic to so many things! You think takeout is fit for humans?”
He grumbled in frustration, even reaching to drag me out of the room.
I stared at him coldly.
“Either order takeout or go hungry.”
“I have work to do. Don’t come in again.”
David had never been treated like this by me before.
stood there, stunned, before I pushed him out and shut the door.
hapt
Once the door clicked shut, I couldn’t hold back my tears anymore.
I knew I’d been reborn.
I knew they had wronged me.
But it still hurt.
I forced myself to let go of the pain and focused entirely on my work.
I wasn’t lying to Michael entirely–there was indeed a potential investment project.
When the first returns came in, Michael completely let his guard down.
He even handed me his personal seal.
“You can handle things yourself from now on,” he said, holding my hand with fake tenderness.
When his fingers brushed my skin, I felt every hair on my body stand on end.
A chill ran down my back.
His touch felt like an invisible shackle, tightening around my neck.
I pretended to pour myself a glass of water to escape him.
“You should rest. I’m heading out to meet with Mrs. Taylor.”
“Alright.”