My Husband's First Love is My Half-Sister

My beloved cat was poisoned to death. It was the last gift my gravely ill mother gave me from her hospital bed five years ago. It had accompanied me through countless sleepless nights, and the warm comfort I clung to while crying after every failed IVF attempt.

While clearing out the cat's belongings, I unexpectedly discovered purchase records showing multiple deliveries of dog supplies to a villa over the past three months.

But I was always terrified of dogs, and only my husband, Thomas Crawford, and I had access to the membership card.

Driven by suspicion, I secretly visited the villa listed in the records. There, at the entrance, I witnessed my husband, Thomas, passionately kissing my half-sister, Joan Lawrencethe very woman who had made my childhood a living hell. At their feet stood a large Border Collie, wagging its tail.

Joan's eyes narrowed seductively as she clung to Thomas. "Tom, will Victoria Lawrence agree to donate her bone marrow to me? After all, she is pregnant."

I poisoned her beloved cat. She's heartbroken and showing signs of miscarriage. Once she's on the operating table, we can do whatever we want with her.

When your illness is cured, and the companys assets are transferred, Ill marry you right away. Well have our own child.

Thomas did not care at all about the life of my beloved pet, who had accompanied me for years, nor about our childs life. He cared even less for the agony I endured through five rounds of IVF to conceive this child.

I secretly used my phone to record everything.

Then I called Thomas directly. "Where are you? What are you doing?"

I watched him answer the call while still hugging Joan's waist tightly, planting a peck on her lips. Im in a meeting. Whats wrong?

I sneered and looked at everything that was laid out before me. Thomas's company was built with the Lawrence Family's financial support, but he didnt know that the true power behind the Lawrence family now was me.

If that were the case, I would take back everything that I had given him.

The light in front of the villa cast long shadows of them kissing.

With my own eyes, I watched as my husband's hands lingered on my half-sister's waist; it was the same familiar gesture that he had used to caress me as well.

Who would have thought that the pet store's transaction records would lead me here and to witness all this?

Instinctively, I clutched my abdomen as I recalled the doctor's warning. Miss Lawrence, you're showing signs of miscarriage. You must avoid any major emotional fluctuations. This child was not easy to have.

I fought desperately to suppress the churning emotions. Five rounds of IVF, countless days and nights of hope and disappointment, had finally brought this tiny life into being. I couldn't lose the child.

Tom, I'm scheduled for a bone marrow transplant next week. Do you think Victoria will really agree to donate? She's pregnant, after all... Joan nestled into Thomas's embrace as she traced circles on his chest with her fingers.

I poisoned her beloved cat. She's heartbroken and showing signs of miscarriage. Tonight, I'll light the aromatherapy candles. Once she bleeds and is hospitalized, we can do whatever we want to her.

My breathing stopped.

Turned out, for Joan, Thomas poisoned Ali to death to stimulate my miscarriage.

Ali was an adorable, white, long-haired cat that was given as a last gift from my mother at her hospital bed. Victoria, Mom can't stay with you anymore. Let Ali take Mom's place, okay?

Since then, every late night after a failed IVF cycle, every night my husband came home late from business dinners, and every time my father favored Joan and treated me with indifference, it was Ali that curled up in my arms, its gentle purring slowly mending my broken heart back together.

But three days ago, Ali suddenly foamed at the mouth and died in my arms. Those amber eyes gazed at me until the very endlike a farewell, yet also filled with confusion.

At that time, Thomas had held me with reddened eyes, his voice choked with emotion. Victoria, dont be too sad. Ali has gone to keep your mother company.

I had thought he understood my grief. Now I realized that the one who killed Ali was the very man who held me and comforted me. That was terrifying.

When youre cured, and the companys assets are transferred, Ill divorce her and marry you immediately. Well have our own child. He kissed Joans forehead tenderly.

I dug my nails deep into my palms, lifted my phone, and activated the video recording function to record everything before my eyes. My hands trembled along with my heart.

Thomas had no idea about the envelope my mother had slipped to me secretly before her deathit contained the share transfer agreement for 50% shares of the Lawrence Group.

Back then, consumed by grief over my mother's loss and Thomas's meticulous care, I locked those documents in a bank safe deposit box and nearly forgot about them.

Thomas's company was founded four years ago using the Lawrence Family's capital and connections.

He always believed that the Lawrence family was now in the hands of Joan and her mother. That was why he treated me, the unfavored eldest daughter, with a superficial marital relationship.

What he did not know was that the true power behind the Lawrence Group was the very wife he dismissed as "a person who only knew how to cry and could not even take care of a cat."

I encrypted the video and sent it to my lawyer. [Help me investigate everything, especially Joans illness. Also, my mothers agreement can be activated in seven days.]

Then, I dialed Thomas's number.

I watched from nearby as the man frowned, took out his phone, and made a shush gesture to Joan, before switching to a gentle tone, Victoria, what's wrong?

Where are you? What are you doing? My voice was so calm, even I was a little surprised.

Thomas answered while still wrapping his arm around Joan's waist. I'm in a meeting, and it's an urgent project. Are you feeling unwell? I'll come home early today.

Watching this scene, my eyes stung.

I remembered the rainy night of my first failed IVF attempt. I had sat in the hospitals icy corridor, crying uncontrollably. Thomas had rushed through the rain, soaked to the bone, and pulled me into his arms.

It's okay, Victoria. We have each other, it's enough. Even without a child, I'll love you forever.

Back then, I truly believed him.

Is it really urgent? My voice cracked, though I knew the answer; I couldn't help asking.

There was a pause on the other end before Thomas's voice softened further. Are you scared of being home alone? I'll finish this meeting and come back to be with you, okay?

No need. I hung up the phone abruptly, turned, and left the villa with faltered steps.

Before getting into the car, I couldn't resist glancing back.

The lights on the villa's second floor were on, so the two figures embracing so intimately were illuminated so glaringly.

Once upon a time, we were that deeply in love, too. But now he had poisoned my cat and was planning to drug me to kill our child, for the sake of another woman.

I silently bit my lips and drove straight to the hospital.

At some point, heavy rain began to fall from the sky, and my tears slowly fell. My mind was filled with the overlapping images of Thomas, the man I had loved for years, being with Joan.

Suddenly, without warning, a car from the right lane sped up toward me.

Panicked, I jerked the steering wheel, but it was too late.

Bang!

With a deafening loud noise and a huge impact, the world was spinning around me. A severe pain exploded from my abdomen, and warm liquid gushed down my inner thighs, instantly soaking my skirt.

My child!

The instinct to survive made me push the door open with all my strength and struggle to crawl away.

At that moment, the person in the black sedan that had hit me stepped out of the car and walked slowly and deliberately toward me.

With great difficulty, I lifted my head. Through blood and rain, I saw my stepmother, Joans mother.

With an umbrella in her hand, she stood above me, looking down at me. I tried to speak, but darkness washed over me like a tide.

The last thing I saw was her cold, merciless gaze and the faint curve of her lips.

When I opened my eyes again, the smell of antiseptic filled the air.

Victoria, you're finally awake! Thank goodness!

I slowly turned my head toward Thomas. His eyes were bloodshot, stubble sprouted on his chin, and he looked utterly exhausted. The look in his eyes held pain, guilt, and a complex mix of emotions I couldn't quite name.

Joan was also standing behind him, with just the right amount of worry on her face.

Victoria, you had a car accident, and your child couldn't be saved. Don't be too sad. Your health is important.

As I looked at Thomas, and waves of pain throbbed in my stomach, I felt the man before me extremely unfamiliar.

At that moment, the ward door was flung open, and my father, Elliot Lawrence, stormed in with an ashen face and slapped me across the face.

Smack!

The force jerked my head to the side, and a faint metallic taste spread in my mouth.

Thomas exclaimed, "Dad!

My father pointed at my nose, his voice cold and harsh as his gaze swept over my flat stomach with disgust.

Victoria, you are absolutely a failure! You couldnt even protect your own child. Were you that careless? What is Thomas supposed to do now? How about the Lawrence family's reputation?

Dad... I tried to speak, but my throat was too hoarse to make a sound.

Don't call me Dad! he cut me off harshly.

"Since you're so useless and can't even bear children, do something useful. Joan needs a bone marrow donor. Youre her sister, arent you? So, get your health back quickly and prepare to donate bone marrow to her. Thats probably your only value now."

Every word my father spoke pierced my heart.

Sure enough, everyone was counting on me to sacrifice myself to save my sister.

My father used to cherish me most, but everything changed after my stepmother and Joan entered the family. I had become the unwanted presence in this family.

Slowly, I lowered my hands from my face and looked at the people in front of me.

At Thomas, his eyes filled with guilt, though hopeful, toward Joan, who desperately tried to hide her delight, and at my father, who was scrutinizing me with anger.

What a harmonious and bitterly ironic bedside scene.

Just then, the ward door swung open.

"Victoria,?Im here to take you away!

When I looked up, I found none other than my childhood sweetheart, Hugh Stone.

Hugh was the president of the Stone Consortium,?a true figure at the very top of the pyramid. His company's assets had far surpassed the Lawrence Group.

He strode straight toward me, his tall figure casting a shadow that nearly engulfed me.

Victoria, his voice was low and steady, I've come to take you away.

There were no empty words of comfort, just a simple statement, yet it brought a long-lost sense of security.

Thomas's expression instantly darkened. He strode forward, blocking the space between Hugh and me.

Mr. Stone, Victoria is my wife. She needs rest and won't be going anywhere. Please don't interfere in our family affairs.

Hugh didnt even look at him. He simply helped me to get out of bed and set me into a wheelchair.

"Hugh!" Thomas's voice rose. By what right are you taking her away?

"Victoria, so you've already found a new man? Are you this eager? This shameless?

Before I could react, a sharp thud rang out.

Thud!

Hugh turned around abruptly and slammed a punch on Thomas's jaw. The force was so great that Thomas staggered and fell backwards, hitting the wall with a cry of pain. Blood immediately appeared at the corner of his mouth.

Hugh shook his fist and towered over the disheveled Thomas.

"Thomas, this punch is for Victoria. If I hear another word of insult from your mouth, I wont hesitate to show the Crawford Family what it means to be destroyed!"

Thomas's face turned from red to white. Meanwhile, my father, who had been so aggressive to me before, was cowering to the side at this moment, too afraid to speak.

Just then, the sound of hurried high heels echoed through the room. My stepmother, Joan's mother, rushed in.

Wait! You can't leave! She grabbed the armrest of my wheelchair. I've arranged everything. Joan will have her bone marrow transplantation tomorrow. You absolutely cannot leave!

I lifted my eyes and slowly brushed her hand off the armrest.

What surgery? My voice was unnaturally calm. I dont agree.

What? my stepmother shrieked. What do you mean you dont agree? Shes your sister!

I looked into her eyes and said word by word, I have entrusted the Stone Consortium's legal department and private investigators to re-investigate my car accident.

The color drained from her face. Terror and panic flashed in her eyes. What nonsense are you spouting? It was an accident. The police closed the case. Victoria, have you lost your mind?

Her panic and loss of composure were starkly obvious to everyone present. Even my father looked with suspicion and disbelief.

Hugh personally pushed my wheelchair. Let's go.

I hadn't expected that the moment I arrived at the Stone family villa to recuperate, Thomas would follow close behind.

I watched him standing rigidly in the pouring rain, his gaze filled with a near-obsessive plea. And I knew all of it was for Joan.

Hugh sat next to me. His eyes were deep and serious. Should we let him in, or have someone escort him out?

I watched Thomas in the rain in silence. If this were the past, his posture might have softened my heart. But now, I only felt truly disgusted.

If we make a scene now, the media will be on it, and this won't benefit me in reclaiming the Lawrence family. Six more days. I need time, and I also need Joans medical records. Without solid evidence, I cant expose their lies.

I analyzed the pros and cons calmly. Hughs appearance had successfully saved me from the hospital and spared me from being forced into surgery, but the road ahead, I would have to walk it myself.

Hugh was silent for a moment. Then he gently patted the top of my head and sighed. Do what you need to do. Just rememberthe entire Stone Consortium stands behind you. Six days from now, no matter the outcome, Ill come for you.

I nodded and walked toward Thomas. I'll go back with you. I'm willing to donate to save Joan.

Thomas's eyes flashed with disbelief.

"But the Stone Consortium's doctors have examined me. My health is too poor right now. They said I need at least six days of rest and observation before a bone marrow transplant can proceed.

Six daysthe exact timeframe for the Seven-Day Plan to be finalized.

Hardly without hesitation, Thomas nodded. Alright, I'll do whatever you say. As long as you're willing to go back and save Joan, I'll do anything!

I stared coldly at the man before me, who was pleading desperately for my stepsister's sake.

A cold smile touched my lips.

Thomas, I hope you will still be able to smile in the end.

The day after returning to the Crawford residence, Thomas took Joan and me to an exclusive jewelry auction under the pretext of helping me unwind.

With his one arm casually draped around my waist and Joan clung tightly against him on the other side, the three of us formed a strange and attention-grabbing formation. Many people cast complicated looks at our way; some sympathetic, some curious, but most with amused looks, as if watching a show.

The auction proceeded smoothly, but I was losing interest until a sapphire necklace was presented on the display stand.

As if possessed, I raised my bidding paddle. One hundred and eighty thousand dollars.

Almost the moment my words fell, Joans sweet voice chimed in beside me, Two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars.

I turned to look at her. She wore an innocent and na?ve expression. Victoria, I really like it too.

I tightened my grip and raised my paddle again. "Two hundred and seventy thousand dollars."

"Three hundred dollars." Joan followed closely.

Whispers rippled through the roomit was clear to everyone that this wasn't a normal bidding war.

Suddenly, Thomas made a gesture. "Always bid fifteen cents higher."

This meant that, no matter how high the final bid reached, he pledged to purchase the item for fifteen cents more than the winning bid.

The auctioneer excitedly brought down the hammer. Congratulations, Mr. Crawford!

The sapphire necklace was carefully presented before us.

I thought it was for me, but Thomas didn't glance at me. Instead, he gently placed the necklace around Joan's neck. Joan, consider this a wish for your surgery's success. You deserve the very best.

Joans eyes reddened with emotion as she threw herself into Thomass arms.

And I turned around, and under everyone's sympathetic or mocking gaze, I walked out of the auction hall stiffly and went to the balcony.

Unexpectedly, Joan followed me out and stood beside me.

Sister, she said softly, her voice laced with malice as she gently stroked the necklace, What a pity. You can never win against me. Ever since childhood, everything you've wanted will ultimately be mine.

She paused, admiring my pale profile. Your child... what a pity. But it doesn't matter. Once I get better, I'll have many children with Thomas. As for you, you'll end up with nothing.

I remained silent, refusing to turn toward her. But she suddenly took a step back and raised her hand.

Smack!

A crisp slap echoed.

"Why did you hit me?" she cried out with tears streaming down her face as if she had suffered the greatest injustice. I was only trying to comfort you. I know you're hurting, but how could you do this?

I turned in shock, but Thomas had already rushed out after he heard the sound.

When he saw the red mark on Joan's cheek, his face instantly turned gloomy. "Victoria."

He pulled the sobbing Joan behind him. When are you going to stop causing trouble? Joan kindly came to cheer you up, and this is how you treat her? You made a scene at the hospital, you made a scene at home, and now youre embarrassing yourself out here. Where are your manners?

I didn't ... My protest sounded weak and feeble.

Enough! Thomas cut me off, refusing to listen. He shot me a look of utter disgust before turning to the butler, who had hurried over, and instructed, Madam is unwell after her miscarriage and emotionally unstable. Take her home immediately. She is not to leave the house again without my permission.

After being escorted back to the villa, suppressing my hurt and anger, I slipped silently into Joan's room. I need more evidence to rip away their disguise with my own hands.

As my heart pounded, I held my breath and frantically searched through the room. Finally, at the very bottom of a drawer, I found a document with the logo of a private hospital.

I swiftly pulled it out, flipped to the diagnosis page, and snapped a clear photo of the critical conclusion with my phone. [Aplastic Anemia (Mild, Drug-Controllable), No Immediate Indication for Transplant.]

As expected, Joans illness was nothing but an excuse.

When I was about to close the drawer and leave after I had the evidence, my fingertips accidentally brushed against a slightly worn manila envelope beneath the document. It was written in my grandmothers handwriting.

My heart skipped a beat. I had grown up by my grandmothers side; she was the person who had been the kindest to me besides my mother. But why would my grandmothers letter be here with Joan?

My hands trembled as I tore open the envelope, and I quickly scanned the letter.

[Grandma's heart condition has been getting worse lately. I miss you terribly and can't get in touch with you. I'm afraid your father will stop me ]

"Victoria? What are you doing in my room? Joan's sharp voice rang out from the doorway.

Victoria. Thomas strode in, his voice strained. "Where are your manners? Who gave you the nerve to break into Joan's room? What's that in your hand?"

I instinctively hid the letter behind my back. This is a letter from my grandmother. What have you done to her?

Joan's voice filled with hurt. I truly didn't know it was your grandmother's letter. It's all my fault. I'll move out immediately and never make you angry again.

I trembled with anger and raised the letter paper, How many things have you hidden from me? How is my grandmother doing now? I have to see her!

Thomas's eyes flickered subtly. He didn't try to snatch the letter back, but instead scoffed, "See her? Victoria, your priority right now is to recover. Unless ... do you want some accident to happen to Grandma during her peaceful recovery, something that no one wants to see?"

I stared into his icy eyes, then at Joan's smug gaze behind him. I understood that any resistance or questioning at this point would be useless and would only put Grandma in greater danger.

I lowered my hand that was still clutching the letter. What do you want?

Thomas seemed satisfied with my compliance. Pointing toward the villa's entrance, he commanded in a tone brooking no argument, You trespassed and frightened Joan. Your punishment is to kneel at the front gate until she forgives you.

Two bodyguards immediately stepped forward, seized my arms, and dragged me to the villa entrance, where they forced me to kneel.

At this time, it was time for residents of the upscale neighborhood to return from strolls or head to dinner parties.

Luxury cars slowed as they passed by, and in the distance, people stopped, pointing and whispering.

Isn't that Mrs. Crawford? Why is she kneeling at her own doorsteps?

Tsk, I heard she caused a scene at the auction. This is getting interesting. The rightful wife is kneeling outside while the other one walks right in.

Poor thing. I heard she lost the baby too...

I bit my lower lip hard, forcing myself not to listen to the whispers, barely holding back the tremors in my body.

Then, a voice I knew all too well called out from afar.

Oh dear, Victoria, why are you kneeling on the ground? Get up, get up! What kind of behavior is this?

My stepmother came to me, helping me up. The floor is so cold, and your body is already weak. How could you treat yourself this way? Come inside with me. If you have any grievances, we can discuss them behind closed doors as family.

She even removed the cashmere shawl from her own shoulders and carefully draped it over my shoulder, which was trembling slightly from the cold. The soft texture and lingering warmth made me feel momentarily dazed.

She practically carried me into the villa, but her steps hesitated slightly at the archway leading to the living room. Very skillfully, she positioned me in a shadowed spot where I could clearly hear the conversation in the living room.

Joan's discontented mutter reached my ears. Thomas, now that Victoria knows about Grandma, will our plan change?

Thomas's voice was as cold as ever. "Whats to change? An elderly woman on her deathbed is the best bargaining chip. With a few tactics, we won't be afraid that Victoria won't sign and give away her shares in the Lawrence Family. Once we have the shares, wouldn't it be perfectly natural for a heart-diseased old woman to suddenly take a turn for the worse in a nursing home? Then we'll arrange for Victoria to suffer excessive grief and have a little accident. Everything will fall into place."

In that moment, I charged into the living room like a wounded, trapped beast that was utterly enraged, my eyes bloodshot.

"Thomas! Joan!?Are you even human? She is my grandmother! How dare you... how dare you plan...

My body shook with rage, my voice was hoarse and broken, and I could hardly speak a complete sentence.

Thomas clearly hadn't expected my sudden appearance. His expression shifted abruptly as his sharp gaze darted toward my stepmother, who was behind me.

But my stepmother rushed forward, positioning herself between him and me with a feigned look of benevolence to mediate.

Thomas watched her performance and sneered, "Beatrice, have you finished your act? You were so eager to lure Victoria herewasnt it because of her grandmother's old house in the suburbs? Though it may be dilapidated, the location and land are valuable. You've wanted to get your hands on it for a long time, haven't you?"

His words struck like thunder. Not only did they make my stepmother's face go pale and her eyes dart away, but they also made me realize instantly that, beyond Thomas and Joan's vicious schemes, my stepmother had also had her own agenda.

The revelation of the layers of truth made me dizzy. Despite my weakened state, a surge of unexpected strength erupted within me, propelling me forward toward Thomas without hesitation.

"Victoria, are you crazy?"

Thomas roared and, in a flash, grabbed my raised wrist. Meanwhile, Joan, who had followed him, shoved me hard.

Since I was already feeling lightheaded and dizzy, the shove sent me staggering backward. The moment I crashed against the cold wall, a sharp pain shot through my back.

And in the split second before I lost my consciousness, I thought I saw the icy glint in my stepmother's eyes, Thomas's furrowed brows, and Joan's slightly curled lips.

When I regained consciousness, I was alone in a hospital bed. Though an IV needle pierced the back of my hand, no one was by my side.

My fever had not subsided, and it worsened in the middle of the night, making my head pound like it was about to explode. Weakly, I reached out and pressed the call button by my bed.

One minute. Two minutes. Five minutes but still ... not a single nurse came.

I pressed it again, but there was still no response.

I had to bring this fever down. The desire to survive forced me to drag my heavy body out of the ward by leaning against the wall step by step.

Although the corridor was empty, a group of doctors and nurses gathered not far away, outside the VIP ward. They looked nervous and talked in a low voice, Miss Lawrence said her heart was uncomfortable, and Mr. Crawford is inside with her."

"Mr. Crawford ordered to neglect all other patients. Miss Lawrence must not suffer any mishap.

So that was it. All the medical staff were gathered outside Joan's VIP room, while I, the genuinely frail and feverish Mrs. Crawford, was left to fend for myself in a regular ward.

Knowing our family history of heart disease, Joan?was now using this very reason to torment me. How utterly ridiculous.

Despair mixed with feverish dizziness washed over me. I leaned against the icy wall, nearly collapsing to the floor. But the instinct to survive kept me from falling, at least, not here.

Summoning my last ounce of strength, I groped my way to the direction of the nurse station in my memory.

My blurred vision scanned the medicine boxes until I spotted the familiar name of the fever reducer. Ignoring dosage and instructions, with trembling hands, I unscrewed a mineral water bottle and swallowed several pills hastily.

I leaned against the wall, drenched in cold sweat, and finally received a message from Hugh.

[All materials will be ready in three days.]

A smile touched my lips. [Three days from now is the Lawrence Group's anniversary celebration. Let all truths be revealed that very day.]

This time, I would destroy them all completely.

The fever reducer cooled my burning body. I was lying in a hospital bed with my eyes barely open when I was roughly yanked upright by the bodyguard and dragged into a ward filled with medical equipment.

The sight before me instantly plunged me into an icy abyssit was Grandma!

She was lying on the bed with several tubes inserted into her body. An oxygen mask covered her gaunt, aged face. The flickering numbers and wavering lines on the monitor were the only proof that she was still alive.

Standing on either side of her bed were Thomas and Joan.

When he saw me brought in, Thomas immediately began accusing me. Victoria, because of your hysterics at the villa, Joans heart has been uncomfortable ever since then. Shes so weakshe cant endure your repeated torment.

Now, at the bedside of your beloved grandmother, kneel before Joan. Apologize for all your past thoughtlessness and cruelty. Beg for her forgiveness.

Furthermore, at the Lawrence Group anniversary celebration in two days, I demand you publicly announce that you'll transfer all Lawrence Family shares and assets under your nameincluding those left by your motherto Joan. And you will sign the formal bone marrow donation agreement on the spot.

A chill ran through my body. I just stared at the demons before me and stayed silent.

Thomas closed in on me. His mouth curved into a cruel smile. Slowly, his hand moved toward the ventilators power plug beside the bed.

If you can't do it, I wouldn't mind helping your grandmother find complete release right now, in front of you. After all, living like this must be quite difficult, wouldn't you agree?

I stared intently at my grandmother's sleeping face, watching the faint rise and fall of her chest. A surge of overwhelming rage, humiliation, and terror threatened to tear me apart.

I cant let my grandmother die before my eyes!

A flash of unconcealed delight passed through Joans eyes. She even lifted her chin slightly, waiting for my submission.

I closed my eyes, and when I opened them again, there was only dead ashes and cold numbness left in my eyes.

My legs felt weak as I took two steps forward. Before my sleeping grandmother's hospital bed, I slowly bent my knees and knelt before Joan.

Through clenched teeth, I forced out the broken, hoarse words, Im sorry Joan. Please forgive me. In two days, Ill do as you ask.

A dazzling smile blossomed across Joan's face. Victoria, get up now. I forgive you. From now on, let's be good to each other. Our family shouldn't be like this anymore.

Thomas finally retracted the hand that was hanging next to the ventilator and nodded in satisfaction. Remember what you said today, and remember what you should do, two days from now. Don't let us down at the celebration.

He signaled for the bodyguards to escort me back to rest. As the door closed, I caught one last glimpse of my grandmother still sleeping in the hospital bed, and the man and woman standing side by side like victors.

As soon as I left the ward, the bodyguards escorted me back to the villa and imprisoned me there. I could only entrust Hugh to save my grandmother. After waiting anxiously, all I received was a message. [My Condolences] and a video.

My body went cold as I opened it with trembling hands.

In the footage, it was in the evening. Grandma was lying alone on a hospital bed, with monitoring equipment connected to her body, and she looked extremely thin and weak. She seemed to sleep very restlessly, her brows frowning slightly.

At this moment, Joan crept stealthily into Grandma's room. She pulled a small syringe from her pocket and, without hesitation, plunged the needle into Grandma's arm.

Ugh! Grandma's eyes widened in terror. Her body began to struggle violently, her frail limbs kicking helplessly against the sheets.

Joan held her down firmly, her eyes gleaming with a near-manic satisfaction.

Within minutes, Grandmas struggles grew weak then she stopped completely.

At this moment, the ward door was slammed open from the outside, and Thomas walked in quickly. When he saw the scene in the room and the glaring line on the monitor, his face immediately changed drastically.

But he quickly composed himself. He glanced at Grandmas lifeless body, reached out, and turned off the monitor. Then he wrapped his arms around Joan.

Its fine. If she's dead, then she's dead. She's just an old cripple. She didn't have long left anyway; that should have been dealt with a long time ago. This's better and cleaner.

He even wiped the corner of Joan's eye with a handkerchief. Let's go. I'll handle this.

From start to finish, he hadn't called a doctor or attempted resuscitation. He simply left Grandmother lying there, alone.

I stared fixedly at my phone screen, biting my lip as I replied to Hugh.

[Release this video at the ceremony. I'll make the whole world know they're murderers!]

[In addition ... Mothers agreement, Joans true condition, the stepmothers affairs, the Crawford Group scandal... Every truth must be exposed at the celebration.

[Rest assured, everything is arranged. Ill personally escort you away first thing in the morning of the celebration.]

As always, no matter how late it was, Hugh replied to my message immediately.

When I saw his reply, I finally broke down and covered my face as I burst into tears.

My mother had gone, I had lost the baby, my grandmother had passed away, my body was no longer fit for pregnancy, and the love I thought I had become the one who wounded me the most .

Other than Hugh, I had no one left. Only a pack of demons eyeing me hungrily.

After crying for an unknown length of time, I rose and walked to the bathroom. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I saw a pale face and swollen, reddened eyes. But I knew I couldn't break down yet!

I splashed cold water on my face again and again to clear my chaotic mind. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I swore word by word, They will pay the price.

In the days that followed, to avoid arousing their suspicion, I remained unnaturally calmeven obedient.

I tried on the elaborate gowns that Thomas demanded, and when Joan deliberately flaunted them, I managed a stiff, fake smile.

In private, however, I was in constant contact with Hugh, confirming and adjusting every detail of the celebration day plan.

Amidst the surging undercurrents, the day of the celebration finally arrived.

Early that morning, I gathered my documents and prepared to leave the villa as planned.

When I pushed open the bedroom door, I was momentarily blinded by the sight before me.

The villa interior had undergone a dramatic transformation. Joan's favorite pink flowers were adorned everywhere. It was clearly a meticulously prepared celebration.

Thomas was standing in the center of the living room, carefully putting a diamond necklace around Joan's neck.

After today, everything will be fine, his voice carried a tone of indulgence. You'll no longer suffer from illness, and all obstacles within the Lawrence Family will be cleared. Joan, I will make you happy.

I stood at the staircase entrance, silently watching these two murderers with clenched fists.

When Thomas noticed me, his brows furrowed. His tone carried his usual reproach and displeasure.

What are you doing here? Don't try any tricks again. I warn you, Victoria, today you won't ...

"Mr. Crawford, I need to take Victoria to take care of some business."

A deep, steady voice cut through his warning.

The villa's front door had opened unnoticed. Hugh stood at the entrance, his figure straight and imposing in a perfectly tailored dark suit.

He walked directly to me and took my slightly cold hand from nervousness into his own. His broad and warm palm radiated a reassuring strength.

Victoria, his voice was low but clear, Let's go.

Thomass face twisted into a grim expression. His eyes, which were boiling with rage and fear, fixed on my hand that was in Hugh's. Since President Stone is looking for her, Ill grant him the courtesy. But Victoria, dont forget your promise. This afternoon, at the Lawrence Family celebration, Ill be waiting for you. You cant escape!

His voice was full of warning, as if no matter whom I went with, I would ultimately return to the track he had laid out for me.

Without a glance at Thomas or Joan, I followed Hugh straight to the airport.

The car was very quiet, but I could feel Hugh's gaze on me with undisguised concern.

Everything's arranged, he said, breaking the silence. The evidence chain is complete. Legal proceedings can begin at any moment. Once we land, you'll be safe.

Thank you. I gazed out the window at the city where I'd lived for over twenty yearsa place that held all my loves and hates, joys and sorrowsnow fading into the distance.

Boarding. Takeoff.

As the plane surged into the sky, I closed my eyes.

Mother, Grandmother, my unborn child ...

Please watch the show is finally about to begin.