Chapter 3
The obese woman shoved forward, face twisted in rage, “Talk now, or we’re calling the cops!”
I met her gaze with a cold laugh, “Cops?”
“Fine, call them! Let’s see who your daughter is!”
“What makes you think this is her home?”
The woman eyed me suspiciously, darted outside to check, “No mistake, this is my daughter’s place!”
“Honey, stop talking-it’s clearly a burglar!”
“Look at that gift box in her hand-must be expensive!”
Her eyes locked on my hand. Instantly enraged, she charged like a hurricane, palm raised high.
Smack!
A vicious slap struck my face, her sharp nails drawing blood.
“You shameless thief! Stealing jewelry our son-in-law bought for Deborah! Know who our son-in-law is? He’s CEO of Timothy’s company! How dare you provoke him? You’re asking for trouble!”
My head snapped sideways, blood flooding my mouth. As I turned, the man punched my gut, then swung at my face.
The woman kicked over the suitcase, violently scattering its contents.
“Let’s see what you’ve stolen from us!”
“Don’t touch my things!”
I gasped for air, blood dripping from my lips onto the floor.
“Oho, still barking?”
“Honey, call security! Some upscale neighborhood-can’t even keep out thieves!”
“Dear, call Deborah and Victor! They don’t know there’s a thief in their house!”
Caring for my father had left me sleepless and ill-otherwise I’d never have been this defenseless.
Seeing my misery, the couple sneered triumphantly. While waiting for Victor, they rummaged through the room. “Who bought this painting?”
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07:42
Chapter 3
“So ugly. Toss it!”
The man lifted it with disgust. As he moved to throw it out, I screamed, “Don’t!”
“Shut up, bitch! Who asked you?”
He stomped on my face, grinding his filthy sole against my skin.
“Don’t throw it! I told you, I own this house!”
“Pah! Delusional pauper!”
“Think everyone has Deborah’s luck? Marrying a CEO? Look at yourself-you worthy?”
He hacked up phlegm and spat on my face.
“Ugh, disgusting! Victor will be revolted when he sees this!”
Sneering, the man hoisted the painting toward the door. I scrambled up, limping after him.
“Want it that badly?”
He stroked his chin, eyes glinting maliciously.
“Kneel and beg.”
I clenched my jaw. If… if only he’d return the painting.
But he broke his promise, instead lifting the painting high and smashing it hard to the ground.
“Don’t!”
I cried out, my voice breaking with pain.
The protective glass shattered on impact. He grabbed the painting from inside and tore it to shreds.
That was the last piece my grandmother created before she passed, meant for her future son-in-law.
Grandma was a famous painter-her works were priceless and impossible to get.
All strength left my body as I slumped to the ground in despair.
Suddenly, headlights from a nearby car flooded over me.
“Honey!”
