My husband makes $280,000 a year. He sends every single cent to his mother. Our joint account has exactly $1.25 left in it. I used that $1.25 to buy a cheap bagel, ate it calmly, and accepted a six-month work assignment in Berlin. Before boarding the plane, I turned off my phone. Four days later, in my hotel room in Germany, I turned it back on to find 79 missed calls and 126 text messages. 01 The supermarket AC was blasting, raising goosebumps on my bare arms. At the checkout, the card reader let out a sharp, piercing beep. For the first time, the usually expressionless cashier looked at me with impatient disdain. “Ma’am, insufficient funds.” She slid my card back across the counter, tapping her knuckles on the surface. I took the card numbly, ignoring the stares from the line forming behind me. I opened my banking app, unlocked it with my fingerprint. The joint account I shared with Caleb, under his name. The balance was a bright red, bone-chilling number. $1.25. One dollar and twenty-five cents. I stared at that number for a full thirty seconds. My heart didn’t ache with the familiar pain, nor did I feel a surge of rage. There was only a dead silence. It turns out when disappointment and humiliation reach their peak, you feel nothing at all. I muttered an apology to the cashier, pushed the half-empty cart aside, and walked out of the supermarket under the silent gaze of the crowd. The evening sun stretched my shadow long, like a silent struggle. I took out my phone and scanned a QR code at a street vendor, using the last few dollars in my digital wallet. “One bagel, please.” With the warm bagel in hand, I sat on a roadside bench, chewing mechanically. It smelled good, but I couldn’t taste a thing. For three years, Caleb’s $280,000 annual salary had passed through our lives like a seasonal wind, never stopping. Every paycheck, on the dot, was transferred in full to his mother, Mrs. Vance, back in his hometown. His excuse? “Mom is great at investing. We young people spend too freely. She’s saving it for us.” This joint card with $1.25 was all he left for me, for our “home.” All our household expenses—mortgage, car payments, utilities, social obligations—came from my paycheck. Caleb, a finance bro envied by everyone, was purely a consumer in this marriage. And I, a successful architect earning a decent salary myself, had become a free live-in maid who paid for everything. I swallowed the last bite of the bagel, feeling a burn in my stomach. I opened my work email. An hour ago, HR Director Mr. King had sent an offer for an overseas assignment. A major project in Frankfurt, Germany. Six months. I had previously declined, citing family reasons. Now, I typed a reply. “Mr. King, I accept the assignment. I can leave for Germany immediately.” Click. Send. The light from the screen reflected in my hollow eyes. My numb heart finally beat with a cold, resolute rhythm. When I got home, the entryway light was off. Caleb was sunk into the sofa, the light from his phone illuminating his handsome but selfish face. Over the sound of his mobile game, he bragged triumphantly. “Babe, you’re back? I just sent Mom another $8,000. She wanted that new imported massage chair for her back.” He didn’t even look up. I put down my bag and stood in front of him. “As long as Mom’s happy,” my voice was so calm it didn’t sound like me. He finally spared me a glance, frowning with entitled complaint. “Why are you so late? You haven’t made dinner yet? I’m starving.” I suddenly smiled. A very faint, light smile. “I’m too tired today. Order takeout.” Without waiting for his reaction, I walked into the bedroom and ordered myself a salad using my own money. He probably found my behavior odd, but the game was more important. He muttered “weirdo” and went back to playing. That night, he slept soundly, snoring with satisfaction. I didn’t sleep. I opened the closet and started packing. My ID, certificates, professional books, and the laptop storing all my project files. I didn’t have many clothes. In recent years, I barely bought anything for myself. The closet was filled with his expensive suits and shirts. Ironically, every single one was bought with my card. I looked at the empty corner of the closet. That was the “me” swallowed up by this marriage. I opened my phone and methodically unlinked every automatic payment tied to my salary card. The $2,500 mortgage. The $1,000 car note. The quarterly HOA fees. Utilities. And the secondary credit card with a $30,000 limit I gave him. I switched every single payment source to that joint card with $1.25 left on it. By the time I finished, dawn was breaking. I dragged my small suitcase out, not looking back at the man or the so-called home. In the VIP lounge at the airport, I drank an iced Americano. The bitter liquid cleared my mind like never before. Before boarding, I took a photo of the departure board and posted it to my private feed, visible only to myself. “Goodbye, old life.” Then, I turned off my phone. I knew a massive storm was about to erupt behind me. And I would be thousands of miles away, watching the fire from across the ocean. This time, I was no longer the docile wife, Maya. I was the executioner. There was no sadness in my heart, only a thrilling, cold anticipation of revenge. 02 Frankfurt, Germany. Sunlight streamed through the hotel’s floor-to-ceiling windows, blindingly bright. The air was free of oppression and arguments, smelling only of grass and coffee. Like a dying plant transplanted into rich soil, I greedily inhaled the air of freedom. My phone had been off for four days. For four days, I threw myself into work—meetings with German colleagues, site visits, revising blueprints. My professional skills, worn down by marital trivialities, shone brightly again. The long-lost satisfaction of being respected made me almost forget the humiliation of that $1.25. On the evening of the fourth day, I returned to the hotel. After a shower, I put on a robe and poured a glass of red wine. It was time. I sat on the sofa, connected to the hotel WiFi, and turned on my phone. The moment the screen lit up, it was like a bomb going off. Notification sounds, missed call alerts, text pings… a cacophony of noise flooded in for nearly a minute. The phone grew hot from processing the backlog. The screen was covered in red badges. 79 missed calls. All from “Husband – Caleb”. 126 messages. All from him. I opened the chat and started from the beginning. These messages documented the complete breakdown of an adult baby, from self-righteousness to total collapse. Day 1, 9:00 PM: “Babe, why is your phone off? You’re not answering.” “I’m at dinner with clients. Transfer the money for the bill, I forgot my card.” “Hello? I’m waiting! The clients are watching, it’s embarrassing!” Day 2, 10:00 AM: “Maya, what is the meaning of this??? Playing hide and seek?” “The bank texted me saying the car payment failed! What’s going on? Is something wrong with your card?” “Still off? If you don’t reply, I’m calling your office!” “I have zero dollars on me. I can’t even eat lunch!” Day 3, 3:00 PM: “Property management just came knocking! They said they’ll cut the water and elevator access if we don’t pay!” “The water is cut! I told you to renew it early!” “Where the hell are you?! Did you run off with the money? Maya, I’m warning you, don’t play games!” Day 4, 4:00 AM: “Wifey, I was wrong.” “I was really wrong. Please turn on your phone. Please reply.” “I can’t find you, I’m going crazy.” “There’s no money for groceries, I can’t order takeout. I haven’t eaten properly in two days. My stomach hurts.” “Please come back, I can’t live without you.” I scrolled expressionlessly to the last one. “Wifey, I’m sorry, please come back. We have no money to cook.” Reading these 126 messages, I felt nothing but a grim amusement. A man making $280,000 a year, a financial elite who dictated markets, couldn’t even feed himself without me. He wasn’t a husband; he was a giant infant I was supporting. Our marriage wasn’t a home; it was a private charity I ran for him. I didn’t reply to any of his tearful confessions. I opened my banking app and found that nearly forgotten joint card. I transferred $75 from my personal account to it. In the transaction note, I typed: “For the next six months, I will transfer $75 on the 1st of each month. Mr. Caleb, as an adult, please learn budget management.” Transfer successful. I took a screenshot but didn’t send it. That screenshot was for me. A tombstone for my three years of stupidity. Then, I opened his contact, clicked delete. “Block this contact?” Yes. Confirm. Blacklisted. The world was instantly quiet. 03 Seventy-five dollars. To a man used to spending freely, it wasn’t help; it was an insult. Caleb’s madness came faster than I expected. Less than ten minutes after blocking him, a strange number called. I answered. It was Caleb, his voice trembling with suppressed rage. “Maya! What is the meaning of this? $75? Am I a beggar to you?” “Are you trying to starve me? Let me tell you, don’t think you’re safe just because you’re abroad!” Before I could speak, someone else snatched the phone. It was Mrs. Vance. Her voice was shriller, filled with offended anger and vicious insults. “Maya, you ungrateful wretch! My son works hard to make all that money, and you spend it all! Now you think you’re big enough to run away?” “Let me tell you, my son’s money is my money! It has nothing to do with you! You won’t get a dime!” “Everything you eat, wear, and live in belongs to my son! Get your ass back here and serve him, or you’ll regret it!” I listened quietly to her filth, as if listening to static. For three years, I’d heard variations of this countless times. Before, I felt pain, grievance. I argued. Now, only numbness and disgust. When she paused to catch her breath, I spoke slowly. My voice was light but icy. “Oh, done?” “Well, I wish you and your precious son a happy life.” I hung up. Then blocked the number. I knew his relatives would bombard me next. So I turned on the “Block Unknown Callers” feature. Done. I leaned back on the sofa, watching the Frankfurt night. The past played like a silent black and white movie in my mind. A year ago, my dad had a heart attack back home. He needed immediate bypass surgery. It cost $15,000. My money was tied up in a short-term investment I couldn’t liquidate immediately. I called Caleb, crying. “Caleb… Dad needs surgery. I need $15,000. Can you ask Mom to withdraw some money?” Silence. Then, in his gentle but firm voice: “Babe, don’t panic. We are family.” “But the money is in a long-term CD with Mom. Withdrawing early means losing interest. Can’t you think of another way?” I begged him like a drowning person. “It’s a matter of life and death! Who cares about interest? My dad is waiting to be saved!” He still calculated. “It’s not just interest, it’s locked. Why don’t you ask your friends or colleagues?” I hung up, cold all over. Just the day before, I heard him planning a Maldives trip for his parents. Budget: $15,000. $15,000 for a vacation was available instantly. $15,000 to save my dad was “locked up.” That moment, my love died. I didn’t beg again. I called my old college professor. He transferred the money in thirty minutes. My dad’s surgery was successful. From the moment my dad left the OR, my heart turned to stone. Caleb was no longer family. He was a business partner. A bad one, waiting to be liquidated. Since then, I started preparing for my “rebirth.” I opened a new bank account for my salary. I collected evidence. Screenshots of his salary deposits and immediate transfers to Mrs. Vance. Records of my payments for the mortgage, car, groceries—everything. I scanned and uploaded everything to an encrypted cloud drive. Folder name: Project Rebirth. Mrs. Vance’s screaming call was just the final signal to press “Execute.” 04 Total silence panicked them. When they realized they couldn’t reach me, they went low. Caleb started spreading rumors in our mutual friend groups. “Wife’s been gone for days, can’t reach her. Worried.” “Sigh, women these days. Hearts turn wild. Who knows what she’s doing abroad.” His scumbag friends chimed in, hinting I ran off with money or a sugar daddy. Mrs. Vance took the war to my parents. She sat in the courtyard of their apartment complex, crying to neighbors about her “unfaithful” and “unfilial” daughter-in-law. She banged on my parents’ door, cursing them for raising an ungrateful wolf. My mom shook with anger. My dad’s blood pressure spiked. My mom called me, weeping. “Maya, where are you? Come back! Caleb’s mom is here causing a scene. Your dad can’t take it! Just… just apologize and come back, please?” Hearing my mom’s plea, my rage exploded. But my voice was calmer than ever. “Mom, don’t be afraid. Lock the door. Take care of Dad. Leave the rest to me.” I hung up and contacted a top divorce lawyer, Ms. Lee, online. We spoke for two hours. I gave her everything. Ms. Lee said one thing: “Ms. Maya, rest assured. We will win.” The next day. Two identical lawyer’s letters were express mailed. One to Caleb’s top-tier investment firm. One to Mrs. Vance’s home. The content was brief but lethal. Demand Caleb and Mrs. Vance cease all defamation and harassment immediately, or face legal action. Demand Mrs. Vance return the marital assets illegally transferred by Caleb within three days. Total: $840,000 ($280k x 3 years). With detailed legal citations. Attached was a partial evidence list. Title in bold: “Mr. Caleb Vance 2021-2023 Salary Income and Fund Flow (Partial)”. Caleb received it at work. When the receptionist handed him the thick envelope with the law firm logo, colleagues stared. When he saw the $840,000 demand, he froze. Rumor has it even the CEO was alerted. Mrs. Vance received hers in front of her neighbors. Seeing “Illegal Transfer of Assets,” her arrogant face turned ghost white. The final straw for Caleb was a message I sent him. My first proactive contact since blocking him. No text. Just a screenshot. A screenshot of my “Project Rebirth” cloud folder. Subfolders listed clearly: “2021 Bank Statement Analysis” “2022 Bank Statement Analysis” “Household Expenses (Paid by Maya)” “Caleb Asset Risk Assessment” “Legal Analysis on Malicious Transfer of Marital Assets” Caleb was stunned. He never imagined his obedient wife had been weaving a net this tight, this cold, this deadly. He finally realized this wasn’t a domestic squabble. It was a war he had no chance of winning. 05 The lawyer’s letter hit them like a precision airstrike. After the panic, they played the pity card. Caleb sent a photo. Mrs. Vance in a hospital gown, looking jaundiced, oxygen tubes in her nose. “Wifey, Mom had a stroke because of your letter. The doctor says it’s bad.” “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have given her the money. I shouldn’t have ignored you.” “Come back, okay? See her… it might be the last time.” Looking at the staged photo, I sneered. A woman with the energy to smash my parents’ door gets a stroke from a letter? I asked a doctor friend back home to “visit” her. Half an hour later, I got a video. Mrs. Vance was in a luxury private suite. Dying? Hardly. She was propped up, peeling an imported apple, loudly commanding Caleb. “Massage my legs! Harder!” “Get me water! Warm!” Caleb, like a scolded schoolboy, scurried around serving her. So, not critical condition. Just a spa day. I saved the video as “Fraud Evidence 01” and uploaded it to the cloud. This farce didn’t affect my life in Germany. My work was going great. My project lead, Mr. Gu, a Chinese-German man, praised my efficiency. Mr. Gu was around forty, rigorous, upright, with healthy boundaries. He was like sunlight piercing my gloom. At a team dinner, Mr. Gu asked about my family. I didn’t hide it. I calmly explained I was going through a divorce. When I said, “My husband transferred all his earnings, about $840,000, to his mother,” the German colleagues gasped. They couldn’t comprehend this “filial piety” or the financial abuse. “That’s illegal here!” one engineer said. “That’s economic violence!” Mr. Gu raised his glass to me, respect in his eyes. “Maya, you are brave. You made the right choice. You deserve better.” Their support melted the last of my hesitation. That night, I replied to Caleb. I didn’t expose his lie. I just sent a photo taken by the Rhine river. Me, smiling brilliantly in the sunset, with a castle in the background. Caption: “Hope Auntie recovers soon. By the way, the air in Germany is very fresh.” I knew this photo would hurt him more than any curse words.

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My husband texted me that he had to work late. Bored and alone, I was scrolling through TikTok when I stumbled upon a video posted ten minutes ago by a girl I went to college with. “My dream guy wants to take me to Hawaii, but he’s afraid his wife and family will get suspicious.” “Any ideas, guys?” I opened the comments. The internet was full of helpful souls. The top comment suggested: “Have him fake cancer, file for divorce so he ‘doesn’t drag her down,’ and then claim he’s going abroad for treatment. The wife stays home to take care of his parents, and he can come back whenever he’s done having fun.” I chuckled at the absurdity and scrolled past. At 3 AM, my husband came home, looking exhausted and devastated. He slumped onto the sofa and whispered, “Honey, we had mandatory health screenings at work today. They found liver cancer. Stage 4.” “I don’t want to be a burden to you. Let’s get a divorce.” I stared at Ethan for a long time. His words… why did they sound exactly like that top comment on TikTok? Could it be…? Was he the “dream guy” that college girl, Chloe, was talking about? I immediately dismissed the thought. Since we got married, Ethan had been the perfect husband—handsome, responsible, and kind. How could he cheat on me? I must be overthinking it. I took a deep breath and walked into his arms. “Ethan, we’re husband and wife. We took vows. For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. I’m not going anywhere.” “I don’t care what you have. I will never leave you!” Ethan suddenly pushed me away. “Ava, please accept reality!” “I have cancer! It’s terminal!” “I only have days to live.” “Just… consider this my dying wish.” “Please?” Tears streamed down his face. My heart broke seeing him like this. In this situation, I obviously wasn’t going to argue. I hugged him tight again and choked out, “Ethan, tell me. What do you want me to do?” “Whatever you want, I’ll do it.” Ethan wiped his tears, looked up, cupped my face, and said softly with red eyes, “Honey, I wasn’t actually working late tonight.” “Then why are you back so late?” “I went to see a friend’s sister. She went to the same college as us, remember Chloe? She told me there’s a new experimental laser therapy in Switzerland that can clear 99.99% of cancer cells.” “I didn’t know if it was true, so I went to ask her in person.” Hearing the name “Chloe” made my heart skip a beat. It was getting harder to deny my suspicion. It was almost certainly him. But I didn’t expose him. I didn’t question him. Instead, I played along. “And? What did she say?” “She said it’s real. But it’s expensive. I want to use our savings for the treatment. Even if there’s only a tiny hope, I don’t want to give up.” “Honey, you support me, right?” “Of course I support you!” I nodded and kissed his lips gently. “I can drop everything and go with you.” “If it’s about money, I’ll sell the house, I’ll sell my kidney if I have to!” Ethan immediately took two steps back. “You don’t know the language there. Besides, Chloe is going with me to help translate. You should stay here and take care of my parents.” “This therapy has risks. I might die on the table. So, I need you to lie to my parents for me.” “Tell them I died of cancer. If I’m cured, I’ll come back and surprise them.” I frowned. “You think they’ll believe that?” “Don’t worry, my parents are gullible. If they ask to see the body, just say I didn’t want them to be sad seeing me like that, so you had me cremated and scattered the ashes in the ocean.” “You’ve really thought this through.” “Tomorrow, we’ll go to the courthouse and divorce. Then I’ll fly out.” “You’re just going for treatment. Why do we have to divorce?” “Chloe said there’s a policy there. Single men get a huge discount on the therapy.” “Honey, I’m trying to save money for you. Can you understand? It’s a fake divorce anyway. When I’m cured, we’ll remarry immediately.” “As long as it’s for your good, I have no objections.” “Thank you, honey. I love you so much.” Ethan kissed me again, relieved. The next morning, we signed the divorce papers. He said he had to go meet Chloe to finalize the travel plans. Then he left. Less than thirty minutes later. Chloe posted a new TikTok. “Thanks for the advice, guys! My dream guy successfully played the sick card and escaped his controlling wife! We bought tickets to Hawaii!” “I’ve waited so long for this day. Once we land, I’ll update you guys on our happiness!” “Witness our love!” The video included a few photos. No faces, but interlocked hands. I clearly saw the watch on the man’s wrist. I bought that for Ethan’s birthday last month. If yesterday was suspicion, today was confirmation. The “dream guy” was my husband, Ethan. I felt like a boulder was crushing my chest. I couldn’t breathe. We had been so happy for years. I never thought he would betray me for a younger woman. That night, Ethan didn’t come home. He texted me saying he was prepping for the trip and they were flying out early. I asked if he wanted me to see him off. He said no. I sent another message, but it went unanswered. I put down my phone and took a deep breath. He was probably wrapped up in Chloe right now. Texting him would just be rude. I tossed and turned all night. The next day, I went to the airport. I saw Ethan and Chloe. They were intimate, laughing, sharing a cookie. They looked more like a married couple than we ever did. Ethan walked right past me without even noticing. I calmly recorded everything on my phone. Only after they boarded did I go home. Meanwhile, Chloe updated again. A photo of their boarding passes. “Hawaii, here we come!” “I think I’m the happiest woman in the world right now.” The comments were full of envy and blessings. Chloe replied to them one by one. Someone asked: “What about his wife?” Chloe replied: “Who cares about her? She’s a middle-aged hag, sloppy and smells bad.” “My guy suffered every day lying next to her.” “Now he’s free. He belongs only to me.” Because Chloe posted videos of herself, everyone knew she was young and hot. No one called her a homewrecker. They all cheered for her “true love.” I seethed with anger. I created a burner account and commented: “Don’t you care that he abandoned his wife and unborn children?” Two minutes later, she replied. “Haha, that just proves my guy is amazing. Those women were desperate to trap him. They deserved it!” “Aren’t you afraid he has kids?” “I don’t care. Kids or not, he’s mine. Besides, his wife got pregnant before, but I made him convince her to abort it.” My blood boiled. Years ago, I was pregnant. Ethan gave me a million reasons to abort it, saying we weren’t ready financially. Turns out, someone was pulling the strings behind the scenes. I never dreamed Ethan was this kind of monster. He killed our child. I suppressed the urge to murder someone and typed: “Aren’t you afraid of karma for killing a baby?” Chloe replied: “Karma? Haha, don’t be funny. There’s no such thing.” “As long as he belongs to me forever, I’d take a lightning strike.” “Gotta go, honeymoon time! Byeee!” She didn’t reply again. And I made a decision. A few days later. At dinner, my in-laws asked where Ethan was. I hesitated. “Mom, Dad, Ethan is busy with work.” They were suspicious but accepted it. A week later. They got into a car accident. My mother-in-law died on the spot. My father-in-law was critically injured but survived. When he woke up and learned his wife was gone, he broke down. I took care of him in the hospital for two weeks. His most frequent question was: “Where is my son?” I avoided answering. Until one day. I was emptying his bedpan. He suddenly grabbed my hand, tears in his eyes. “Ava, you’ve been like a daughter to us.” “Please, tell me the truth. What happened to Ethan?” “Why can’t I reach him? His office said he quit weeks ago.” I helped him sit up. I couldn’t hide it anymore. I sighed deeply. “Dad… Ethan… he died of cancer. His body was cremated, and his ashes scattered in the sea, just like he wanted.” “W-what?” My father-in-law’s eyes widened in horror. I wiped my tears and explained the lie Ethan concocted. Stage 4 liver cancer. Didn’t want to burden the family. Suffered alone. “Why didn’t he tell us?!” “He wanted to protect you.” “My son… my wife…” Overwhelmed by the double tragedy, he fainted. When he woke up, he wailed until his voice gave out. Later, I got a text from Ethan from a strange number. “How are my parents? You didn’t tell them the truth, right?” I smiled and replied: “I did exactly as you said.” “Good girl. Keep covering for me.” “Something happened at home. Are you coming back?” “I’m busy. Don’t bother me unless the house is burning down.” “Handle it yourself.” I didn’t reply. Ethan. You enjoy your time with Chloe. I sneered at the screen. After that, Ethan cut off all contact. I only saw him in the background of Chloe’s TikToks. Back home, my father-in-law fell into a deep depression. He started talking to himself. One day, he called me into his room. He handed me a sealed document bag, his eyes red. “Ava, I can’t hold on much longer. Before I lose my mind completely, take this. It’s the entire family fortune.” I was stunned. “Besides this house, there are two office buildings and a portfolio of stocks.” “Two… office buildings?” I stood up in shock. He nodded. He explained that the buildings were actually from Ethan’s grandfather. But since his wife’s side of the family died out, the grandfather left everything to Ethan. They planned to give it to Ethan once he matured. But now, Ethan was “dead.” Hearing this, I almost laughed out loud. God was helping me. Ethan wasn’t dead. He was sipping Mai Tais in Hawaii. But looking at my father-in-law’s broken face, my conscience pricked me. The son was the monster, not the father. I couldn’t do it. After a few days of agonizing, I told him the truth. I told him Ethan wasn’t dead. I told him about the fake cancer, the mistress, the Hawaii trip. He listened, then tried to call Ethan like a madman. No answer. He smashed his phone on the floor. “Ava, does Ethan know about the accident?” “I told him.” “What did he say?” “He said he was busy and couldn’t come back.” “Animal!” “I have no son!” He roared in rage. The next day, he took me to see the buildings. I thought they were small commercial lots. They were two 20-story skyscrapers in the business district. My jaw dropped. He told me the total assets were worth over $150 million. I stared at him. Ethan and I scraped by on salaries, saving a few hundred thousand after years of work. And my in-laws were sitting on $150 million? “Ava, that animal doesn’t care if we live or die. He’s dead to me.” “Even if he’s alive, I’m giving this to you.” “He doesn’t deserve a cent!”

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At the New Year’s Eve family dinner, my father distributed the “Founder’s Shares Bonus” for the family business. My older brother got some. My adopted sister got some. Even my unborn nephew in my sister-in-law’s belly got a share. Only I got nothing. “Mandy, you’re a girl. Eventually, you’ll marry out. The shares can’t flow to outsiders.” I froze, pressing my lips together in silence. They seemed to have forgotten that I was the one who funded 90% of this company and slaved away for five years to build it from the ground up. The next day, I convened an emergency board meeting: “Since the company is now on the right track, I am withdrawing all my capital to pursue my own ventures.” 1 The dining table for the Sterling family’s New Year’s Eve dinner was full. I had just rushed back from the airport, dusty and tired. I spent three grueling days negotiating a hundred-million-dollar contract before the client finally caved. “You’re back?” My father, Richard Sterling, sat at the head of the table, radiating the authority of a patriarch. Unfortunately, that authority was built on the company I had painstakingly propped up. I nodded and sat down. “Dad, what was the important announcement you mentioned?” Richard finally looked up, a smile breaking across his stern face. “The company is going public next month. I called you all back today to take advantage of the New Year and distribute the founder’s shares as a bonus.” The living room fell silent. My older brother, Leo, immediately sat up straight, uncrossing his legs. My adopted sister, Snow, paused with her teacup, her face a mask of gentle obedience. My sister-in-law, five months pregnant, leaned into Leo’s embrace in surprise. Watching Richard pull three documents from his briefcase, I instinctively straightened up too. “Leo.” Richard called my brother’s name. Leo stood up instantly, unable to hide the smugness on his face. “30% of the company’s founder shares, worth $36 million. It’s yours. Work hard, don’t let me down.” Leo took the document and stuffed it into his pocket without even looking at it. “Dad, don’t worry. I won’t let you down.” My grip on the teacup tightened. 30%. “Snow.” Richard called my adopted sister’s name. Snow’s eyes lit up as she trotted over. “You’ve worked hard taking care of your mother and me all these years. This 20% share, worth $24 million, is what you deserve.” Snow took the document, her eyes red. “Thank you, Daddy. You’re so good to me. I’ll take good care of you forever.” Everyone’s eyes in the dining room fell on me. I put down my teacup and looked at Richard. The remaining 50% should be mine. After all, from beginning to end, I was the one holding this company together. Richard pulled the last document from his briefcase. I was about to stand up. “Leo.” He called my brother’s name again. I froze. “The child in your wife’s belly is the eldest grandson of the Sterling family. This 10% share, worth $12 million, is reserved for him.” Leo’s wife covered her mouth and giggled. “Dad, you’re too good to us.” I watched Leo take the document, my mind going blank. “Dad,” I spoke, my voice calmer than I expected. “What about me?” Richard finally looked at me, frowning. “Mandy, you’re a girl. You’ll marry sooner or later. Shares can’t go to outsiders. That’s the rule.” “Besides, you’re capable. You can earn on your own. You don’t need this. Why fight with your siblings?” Leo laughed loudly. “Exactly. Giving it to you would just benefit some wild man outside. Big brother will give you a red envelope later.” Snow chimed in with fake sweetness, “Big sister is so capable, she surely doesn’t care about these material things, unlike useless me.” I scanned their faces one by one, downed my wine in one gulp, and smiled. “Dad’s right. I don’t lack this little bit.” I turned and left, leaving the room in stunned silence. As I reached the door, my stepmother chased after me, grabbing my arm and raising her voice: “Mandy! Who are you showing attitude to on New Year’s? Are you happy only when everyone is miserable?” Me? Making everyone miserable? I shook off her hand and sneered. “If I hadn’t sold the tech company I founded and used my entire inheritance from my grandfather to fill the Sterling family’s financial black hole, you’d all be bankrupt by now!” “You take my shares and give them away, did anyone consider if I was happy today?” “Even the adopted sister gets shares, but I’m an outsider? Fine. Since I’m an outsider, we’ll do things the outsider’s way.” 2 9:00 AM. Sterling Group Main Conference Room. As the CEO, I convened an emergency all-hands shareholder meeting. The room was packed. Every shareholder was present, except for three empty seats on the stage—Chairman Richard Sterling, New Director Leo, and New Director Snow. Typical of them. Five years ago, the Sterling Group was insolvent. Richard begged everywhere, but no one would lend him money. I sold my successful tech startup, liquidated the trust fund, antiques, and mansions left by my grandfather, and scraped together $90 million to inject into the Sterling account. Before the transfer, I signed an agreement with Richard containing a clause: If the equity change is not completed within five years, the capital injection automatically converts to a personal loan. The creditor has the right to demand full repayment at any time, with compound interest. This was meant to be a risk prevention measure. I never thought it would become a prophecy. Shares for the adopted sister with no blood relation. Shares for a fetus. None for me. Then what was my five years of turning the tide and working myself to the bone for? One question, and I realized I was the only outsider. My heart turned ice cold. Since he says I’m an outsider, this money is an external debt. Don’t blame me for being ruthless. I opened the PPT and displayed a financial report. “Gentlemen, the Sterling Group’s cash flow and operations are on track. The market value has reached a five-year high.” The shareholders applauded, thinking I was announcing dividends or IPO news. “Since the company is on the right track, my mission is over.” I paused. “I formally announce that I am withdrawing all personal funds I lent to the company. I will resign to pursue my own endeavors.” The room exploded. A shareholder jumped up in disbelief. “Withdraw? That’s $90 million!” “The company is facing the final IPO review next week. That $90 million accounts for 90% of the liquid capital! If you pull it, the capital chain will snap immediately!” “Supplier payments aren’t settled, bank loans are due next month, and thousands of employee salaries… If this money moves, the Sterling Group is finished!” I nodded. “Correct. I’ve made my decision.” Shareholders tried to persuade me. “Mandy, this is five years of your blood and sweat. How can you bear to watch it collapse?” “We’re all in the same boat. We can discuss anything.” I shook my head. “Sorry. Due to private reasons within the Sterling family, which I cannot disclose.” “Private reasons?” I looked at them, feeling a twinge of regret. We worked well together for five years. As minority shareholders, they didn’t cause trouble and supported my decisions. In return, I gave them ample dividends at the end of the year. I pulled the agreement from my file and placed it on the table. “This is the agreement I signed when I injected the capital. You can see for yourselves.” The nearest shareholder picked it up and read aloud. His voice grew quieter, his face uglier. “This… Richard is insane! A debt-to-equity swap agreement, and he dragged it out until it became pure debt!” It’s debt. I can take it back. Dead silence in the conference room. A few seconds later, someone jumped up and grabbed their phone. “I’ll call the Chairman!” “You can’t do this!” Five or six shareholders dialed simultaneously. The room filled with beeping tones. However, no one answered. “What’s going on? Why isn’t the Chairman answering?” “Leo isn’t picking up either!” “Snow? Snow’s phone is off too!” I watched the anxious shareholders and took a sip of tea. No need to call. I’ve seen it clearly over the last five years. As long as I was at the company, they didn’t worry about a thing. Richard liked taking my stepmother to the Maldives for two months at a time. Leo lived in casinos and clubs, his phone always on silent. Snow was busy with socialite gatherings, updating her Instagram more often than work reports. They were used to being hands-off. Used to me blocking the wind and rain. Only this time, no one was there to save them. As the CFO hit enter, $90 million plus interest transferred into my account. I closed my laptop and nodded to the ashen-faced shareholders. “Gentlemen, until we meet again.” My phone rang. It was Leo. The shareholders looked at me with hope. 3 I answered the phone. “Mandy, transfer me $500,000.” Leo’s voice was urgent, background noise filled with slot machines and shouting. “Bad luck just now, lost a big hand!” Normally, I would yell at him and have security drag him back. But now, I nodded. “Okay.” “What did you say?” Leo couldn’t believe it. “I said okay, brother.” My voice was light. “Is $500,000 enough? I’ll send a million. It’s New Year’s, you worked hard all year. Have fun.” “Really?” Leo’s voice pitched up. “I knew my little sister was the best! Dad just scolded me for wasting money. Transfer it quick, I’m going to win it all back!” “Arranging it now.” “Great! Thanks Mandy, I’ll treat you to dinner when I win!” Hanging up, I looked at Old Zhang, the CFO. “Ms. Sterling.” His voice trembled. He knew I hadn’t taken a single dividend in five years. Now that Leo had shares, he could technically withdraw dividends. “Old Zhang, transfer one million from the company account to Director Leo.” “Ms. Sterling?” Old Zhang gasped. “You just withdrew the principal. There’s only $1.2 million left. That’s for next month’s payroll and bank interest. If you transfer this, the account is empty!” “Transfer it.” I smiled. “Note it clearly: Director Leo urgent need, advance on personal dividends.” Old Zhang paused for a second, then nodded. “Understood.” Ding. A picture from Snow. A Himalaya Birkin bag. A voice message followed: “Sister, I’m at Hermes. This bag requires $200,000 in spend to buy. Dad limited my secondary card. Can you have finance transfer it? I’m a shareholder now, I can afford it.” I looked at the picture, the corner of my mouth lifting. I looked at Old Zhang again. “Old Zhang, how much is left?” Old Zhang sounded like he was about to cry. “Ms. Sterling, after the one million transfer, only $203,000 left. That includes next week’s utility and property management fees…” “Transfer that $200,000 to Snow.” “What?!” “Note: Director Snow advance on dividends, for luxury goods purchase.” “But Ms. Sterling, that will zero out the account! We won’t even have money for printer paper!” “Transfer.” Old Zhang sighed heavily and processed the request. Immediately, a roar erupted in the conference room. “What’s happening? Why is the balance zero?” “That one million went to Leo for gambling? And this $200,000?” “Snow? Buying a bag?!” A white-haired shareholder smashed his teacup on the floor. “Sinful! Leo gambles with the company’s lifeblood, Snow buys bags with the utility money! This is the heir Richard chose!” “Richard is blind! Throwing away the God of Wealth to worship two prodigals!” “It’s over. The Sterling Group is empty.” Listening to the wailing and cursing behind me, I calmly walked out. Snow sent a “Love You” sticker. “Received, thanks sis! You spoil me.” I replied with a smiley face. Of course I spoil you. It’s not my money anymore. Why not be generous? Just then, another call came in. Richard. The shareholders looked up again, eyes full of expectation. 4 “Mandy, transfer $800,000 to the Antique House.” Richard’s voice dripped with arrogance. “I saw a Jade Cabbage sculpture. Perfect for feng shui in the new office.” I looked out the window. “Dad, no money.” “Don’t give me that.” Richard interrupted impatiently. “Do I have to beg every time? Don’t forget, I’m the Chairman now. You used to control the money tight, I let it slide. Today is a happy day, don’t block me.” “Really no money.” “Do you think I’m stupid? $3 million came in yesterday, how can there be no money?” Richard sneered. “Fine, you won’t transfer? I’ll tell Old Zhang to do it. I’m the legal rep and major shareholder. I’ll see who dares stop me. Don’t hang up, listen!” The call became a three-way conference. Old Zhang’s trembling voice joined in. “Old Zhang, how much is in the account?” “Chair… Chairman… really no money. Ms. Sterling just transferred the last $200,000 to the second miss for a bag…” Richard was silent for two seconds, then exploded. “Fine! You’re all on her side, huh? Account empty? Then get a loan from the bank! The company has a $5 million credit line. Max it out now!” Old Zhang wailed on the other end. “Chairman, you can’t! That’s the last lifeline! The account is empty, if we borrow this $5 million, we can’t pay interest next month. The bank will seize assets immediately!” “This is drinking poison to quench thirst, Chairman!” “Shut up!” Richard roared. “Am I the Chairman or you? The company isn’t dead yet and you’re cursing me? The Jade Cabbage is a must, it’s my face! Loan it now or get out, no severance!” “Loan! Do it now!” Old Zhang sobbed, the sound of keyboard typing heavy. “Yes… applying now.” Listening, I had to admire Richard’s ability to self-destruct. “Dad,” I said. “Congratulations. Sterling Group’s debt ratio just broke the red line. With this $5 million loan plus previous debts, the company is insolvent.” “You know nothing!” Richard gloated. “Once my Jade Cabbage is here, the company’s luck will turn. What’s a little money! You just can’t stand seeing me spend!” “Okay,” I laughed. “Enjoy your Cabbage.” I hung up and shook my head. Sterling Group could have limped along for a few days. Now with this high-interest loan, the collapse would be twice as fast. Even God can’t save them now. Curses still echoed from the conference room. I shrugged at the shareholders and slipped away. Five years of hard work, I never even took a vacation. I bought a ticket and went straight to the airport. Money in the account, time on my hands. Feels good! After a spa treatment, I lay on a lounge chair in an island villa, slowly turning on my phone. The moment it booted, the screen exploded with missed calls. 99+. All from Richard, Leo, Snow, and a bunch of shareholders. I opened the company group chat. It was chaos. “Finance Dept Emergency: Insufficient funds, cannot pay suppliers this month!” “HR: Issue with payroll next week, please comfort staff.” “Bank just called. Credit line frozen. Next month’s loans must be repaid early or legal action follows.” “What happened? Wasn’t there money yesterday?” “Where’s Mandy? Where did the CEO go?” “CEO resigned. Find the Chairman.” “Chairman? Why isn’t he answering!”

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My sister was frail, but incredibly rebellious. To make her obedient without physical punishment, I became her “control sample.” She liked wearing heavy makeup and staying out late, so Mom made me walk through dangerous neighborhoods at night in a miniskirt. When she saw me come home disheveled and covered in bruises, she was too terrified to hang out with delinquents ever again. When she wanted to drink while pregnant, Mom forced ten cases of beer down my throat when I was eight months along. She watched me hemorrhage and lose my baby. Terrified, she didn’t touch a drop of alcohol for the rest of her pregnancy. She successfully gave birth to a healthy, fair-skinned baby boy. By her bedside, Mom held her hand: “If you had kept drinking, you would have ended up like your sister. Not only did she lose the baby, but she can never have children again.” My sister looked at me with gratitude: “Thank you, Terra. Otherwise, I would have ended up like you.” “Don’t mention it.” I wrapped a cord around Mom’s neck and stabbed a needle into her shoulder: “Let big sister teach you one final lesson—” “What happens when you abuse a child for twenty-seven years.” 1 Blood splattered onto my sister’s face. She screamed. I tightened the cord around Mom’s neck, dragging her backward step by step. My sister fell off the bed, but her body, weak from childbirth, couldn’t possibly catch up to me. By the time she cried and summoned the relatives, I was long gone. While everyone was in a panic, a livestream suddenly went viral online. On screen, I sharpened a machete against a whetstone. Schwing. Schwing. Behind me, Mom was tied tightly to a chair, looking at me with pure terror. [?? Isn’t this Mrs. Chen who went missing recently? Why is she here? Tied up by her own daughter!] [Holy sh*t, livestreaming a matricide?] “Terra!” In another split-screen livestream, my sister Chloe appeared: “Terra, what are you doing! Stop!” I admired the gleaming edge of the machete and gave the camera a cold stare. “Sister! I’m begging you!” Thud! She knelt on the floor. Her postpartum body was frail and trembling: “Mom raised us for over twenty years. Even if she wasn’t perfect, she worked hard! Whatever you’re unhappy about, take it out on me! Please, let her go!” The comments exploded: [WTF are you crazy! That’s your own mother! What kind of grudge is this?] [Killing your family on livestream? This is evil! Lock her up! She must have the violence gene!] The police sent a warning in the chat: [We are tracking your location. Surrender now, and there is still a chance for leniency.] I laughed: “Feel free to track.” [??? So arrogant! Lock her up forever!] [Just execute her when you find her, she’s too dangerous.] I didn’t speak. I just turned to look at my mother. She was trembling: “Terra, surrender quickly. Mom will write a letter of forgiveness for you.” [Boohoo, a mother’s love knows no bounds.] [If anyone else said it I wouldn’t believe it, but a mom really would forgive her daughter.] [Terra is a monster!] I smiled: “No need.” The machete dragged on the floor, sparking against the concrete as I approached Mom. [!! Stop! Don’t hurt your mom!] [Ahhh where are the police! Stop her!] “Sis!” Chloe’s voice tore through the screen. The machete rested against Mom’s neck. She shuddered: “Terra, are you really going to kill Mommy?” I looked down at her: “Tell me where Noah is.” Mom froze. 2 It wasn’t just Mom. Everyone watching the livestream froze. Tears streamed down Chloe’s face: “Sis, Noah is dead!” “He’s not!” I whipped my head around, eyes bulging with rage. The machete trembled in my hand. I gritted my teeth: “Noah isn’t dead. I know he isn’t dead!” “Terra! I know you’re hurting from the miscarriage, we all are! But you have to move on!” My father’s angry voice came from Chloe’s stream. I laughed. I looked at Mom: “Mom, you know whether my baby really died or not, don’t you?” Mom’s eyes darted away. I looked at the camera: “Everyone! I didn’t start this livestream to kill my family. I did it to find my son, whom my mother hid from me!” [?? What is she saying?] [Sounds like she had a miscarriage but thinks the baby is still alive?] I stared dead into the lens: “You may not know this, but my ‘miscarriage’ wasn’t an accident. It was because my sister insisted on drinking while pregnant. So my mother—” “To teach her a lesson about the dangers, forced ten cases of beer down my throat!” [??? Wait, is this English?] [I understand the words, but the sentence makes no sense.] [A mom forced alcohol on her older daughter just to show the younger one what happens? No way.] [Holy sh*t if this is true I’m gonna lose it!] I smiled at Mom: “Right, Mom?” “Nonsense!” Mom panicked: “You did it to yourself! No one could stop you! Why would I force you to drink and kill my own grandson?” [Yeah… I think the mom is right. Parents can have favorites, but no mom would do that.] [I agree. I have two daughters. Even if I’m biased sometimes, they’re both my kids.] [Seems like Terra had a mental break after the miscarriage and hallucinated that her mom caused it.] [Definitely. Normal people don’t livestream torturing their parents!] I laughed. I knelt in front of Mom: “Of course I know why you did it. “I’ve been Chloe’s control sample for over twenty years. Now my Noah has to be the control sample for Chloe’s baby, right?” “What are you talking about!” Mom scolded harshly. But I could see her breathing had become erratic. That was the nervousness of being exposed. I pressed my hand on her knee: “Mom, why do you treat me like this? Am I not your daughter?” “You’re crazy!” Mom turned her head away. I chuckled bitterly. Stood up. My eyes turned cold: “I know the police are tracing my location. Don’t worry, you won’t find me. “But I promise, as soon as you find my Noah, I will surrender. “If not…” I pointed the machete at Mom: “Every ten minutes, I take a piece of her!” [? She’s going to torture her??] [She’s insane!] Ignoring the frantic chat and Chloe’s screaming, I started the timer. The police had no choice but to investigate. A team questioned Chloe and her husband about Noah. Without exception, they all said, “He was stillborn.” Dad wiped his tears: “If Terra hadn’t insisted on drinking, Noah wouldn’t have died in the womb! Now the baby is gone, and she blames her mother!” I laughed bitterly. Stared at the timer. “Ten minutes are up.” I stood. Chloe threw herself at the camera: “Sis! Don’t do it! I know you’re just threatening us, that’s our mom! Don’t worry, when you come out, I’ll help you look for Noah, okay?” I stood behind Mom. Grabbed her ear. The blade fell. Mom screamed in agony. I held up her ear to the camera. In front of Chloe’s horrified eyes. I let go. The flesh hit the table with a sickening thud. Chloe’s eyes rolled back, and she fainted into her husband, Dr. Lucas’s, arms. Lucas was furious. He strode to the camera and slammed a document against the lens: “Terra, wake up!” It was… Noah’s death certificate. 3 I stared at the report, unable to speak for a long time. Lucas panted heavily: “The hospital issued the death certificate, stamped and verified! What is there to doubt!” The comments scrolled wildly: [Confirmed, Terra is really crazy!] [With witnesses and evidence, it really seems like a mental break.] [Boohoo, poor mom, suffering for nothing.] “Terra!” Lucas stared at me through the screen. Hope in his eyes. I printed out the death certificate he uploaded. Turned around, and restarted the timer. “Terra!!” Lucas roared at the camera like a madman. He looked like he wanted to reach through the screen and strangle me. I just sat in the chair, watching the countdown calmly. “Crazy, you are truly crazy!” Lucas paced in circles. Then pointed at the camera: “What will make you believe? Noah’s ashes are buried! If you don’t believe the death certificate, what will you believe!” “I don’t disbelieve death certificates!” I stared coldly at the screen: “I just don’t believe the one you gave me.” He froze. I stood up, hands on the table: “Dr. Lucas, it would be one thing if someone else signed this certificate. But the signature is yours.” His face went pale. I smiled sarcastically: “All these years, when Mom made me be Chloe’s control sample, you never had a problem with it. “You even actively told Mom about your wife’s bad habits, encouraging Mom to experiment on me so your wife would learn!” Lucas avoided my gaze. I leaned into the camera, smiling: “You just wanted your son to learn lessons painlessly too, didn’t you? “Lucas, let me tell you. Impossible! “My child will never be a control sample for yours!” “I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Lucas’s breathing quickened. I sat back, leaning against the chair: “Don’t know? Fine. “You signed the paper saying the baby was stillborn. Do you dare let the doctors and nurses who delivered him confront you?” “I!” Lucas choked. Couldn’t say a word. The comments immediately sensed something wrong: [Something’s fishy. Is the death certificate fake?] [If it’s real, why can’t he speak? Did the baby survive?] [No way, did they really try to use someone else’s kid as a lesson for their own? That’s evil!] The police questioning them changed their expressions: “Sir, we need you to cooperate with the investigation.” “No! Wait, don’t believe her, I didn’t forge it, really!” Lucas panicked. The police remained calm: “We will investigate your colleagues, including everyone present at the birth. Don’t worry, we won’t wrongfully accuse you.” “W-what?” Lucas turned white. Chloe rushed up: “No need to investigate, officers! My sister is talking nonsense! You should be finding her location, not suspecting innocent people!” [Suspicious. Why are the couple so anxious?] [Their attitude changed too fast. Feels like they’re hiding something.] [Did they really hide Terra’s baby!] The netizens could see it, and the police saw it even clearer. With one minute left on the timer. The police officer darkened his face: “Mr. Lucas, this is a matter of life and death. If you really hid the child’s status, confessing now can earn you leniency. “And spare Mrs. Chen more suffering.” “I, I…” Lucas was breaking. “The child is dead!” The door was pushed open. A man looked at the police, calm and composed: “Officers, please don’t believe Terra’s one-sided story.” I stood up: “Sean!” He looked over: “Terra, stop this.” 4 I knew this wouldn’t be easy. But I never thought the one to stop me would be my husband. “Why are you here?” My fists clenched tight. His expression was cold: “To stop you from making a bigger mistake.” “Noah didn’t die!” “He died!” In three years of marriage, this was the first time he yelled at me. The comments were full of question marks: [?? What’s happening?] [Her own husband is testifying against her?] [But Terra didn’t seem like she was lying? Is Sean siding with outsiders? That’s his own son!] “No, everyone. Terra is lying.” Sean faced the comments, sighing lightly: “My wife… she has persecution mania.” I froze. The chat filled with question marks. “After we lost the baby, she developed postpartum depression. It evolved into this. She insists the baby is alive, even hallucinating that she is Chloe’s control sample. “As her husband, I understand and my heart breaks for her.” He looked at me, eyes gentle like they used to be, the eyes that made me feel cared for: “Terra, stop it. We can have another child.” “I’m not crazy!” My eyes turned red: “You know Noah isn’t dead! You know better than anyone! Why frame me!” “Noah is dead!” A report was slammed in front of the camera. The bold title read: [AUTOPSY REPORT]

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I was born with a mission. My umbilical cord blood was meant to cure my brother’s leukemia. He recovered, but years later, he sent himself to prison for murder. I became my parents’ only child, basking in all their love. Until the year I turned ten, when my parents died in a car crash on their way to pick him up from prison. I hated him. 1 My mother had treasures in her metal tin box. Being a curious kid, I naturally peeked inside when the adults weren’t home. Inside the tin was an old, faded ultrasound report. It read: [Cord Blood Match Successful. Donor: Fetus; Recipient: Caleb (Eldest Son)] Caleb was my brother, fifteen years older than me. Since I was old enough to understand, he had been in prison. My parents never talked about what he did. But every time Mom came back from visiting him, her eyes were swollen. Dad would just smoke silently on the porch all night. Before I turned ten, my entire impression of my brother was: a vague name, a stranger who made my parents cry, and the sole reason for my existence. Yes, I knew. I was never the crystallization of my parents’ love. I was just proof of their love for Caleb. Mom’s health wasn’t good. She risked a high-risk pregnancy at an older age only because Caleb had leukemia and needed a newborn’s cord blood to survive. The day I was born, Caleb’s surgery was a success. And I was just a “useful tool” in this family. But karma works in mysterious ways. Who would have thought the brother wrapped in my parents’ love would commit murder and end up behind bars? That year, I was five. I was too young to remember why Caleb went to jail. And honestly, it didn’t matter. What mattered was that I went from being a “tool” to being my parents’ only child. But the good times didn’t last. The year I turned ten, Caleb finished his sentence. Mom and Dad left early that day, full of hope, ready to give Caleb a fresh start. Then, the bad news came. A truck’s brakes failed, and it smashed into their sedan. Dad died instantly. Mom held on until the hospital, where she said only one sentence to me: “Baby, take care of your brother.” I didn’t understand. Why ask me to take care of him? Wasn’t I the child who needed taking care of? Before I could argue, Mom closed her eyes forever. At the funeral, I stared at my parents’ stiff smiles in their black-and-white photos, then at the stranger kneeling before the coffins—the brother I hadn’t seen in five years. He slammed his forehead against the concrete floor, thud, thud, until blood seeped out and mixed with his tears. Relatives whispered, their gazes pricking my back like needles. “Poor thing, losing her parents so young…” “Stuck with a murderer for a brother. What’s she going to do?” I gripped my sleeves, nails digging into my palms. Then I rushed over and shoved him with all my strength. “It’s all your fault! If you hadn’t gone to jail, Mom and Dad wouldn’t have gone to pick you up! They wouldn’t have died!” Caleb swayed from my push but didn’t look up. He just slammed his head harder. That night, after the funeral, Caleb found me in the dim living room. He wore ill-fitting old clothes, his eyes sunken like a skeleton. “Baby.” His voice was hoarse as he reached out to touch my head. I dodged. “Don’t touch me,” I said. His hand froze in mid-air, then slowly dropped. 2 We lived in a small town where there were no secrets. Gossip traveled faster than the wind. Soon, everyone knew: Caleb was out. He was a murderer. Not only was he morally bankrupt, but he was bad luck—he got his parents killed. And his sister, Chloe, orphaned at a young age, was now stuck living with a killer. When I returned to school, my homeroom teacher looked at me pointedly during roll call. “Chloe, your family situation is special. If you have any difficulties, tell me.” The whole class turned to stare. During recess, boys surrounded my desk, grinning maliciously. “Chloe, did your brother really kill someone?” “How did he do it? Knife or rope?” “Are you going to kill people too?” I buried my head in my arms, pretending not to hear. On the way home, girls from the next class pointed at me. “That’s her. Her brother was in prison.” “Stay away from her. A murderer’s sister can’t be any good either.” I ran home and threw my backpack on the floor. Caleb was in the kitchen boiling noodles, wearing Mom’s old apron, clumsily cracking eggs. “You’re back, Baby?” He turned, forcing a smile. “Almost ready. Egg noodles today.” Looking at his face, which resembled Dad’s, I suddenly exploded. “Why did you come back?! Why didn’t you die in prison?! Do you know everyone is laughing at me! Calling me a murderer’s sister!” The water in the pot boiled, steam blurring his face. He turned off the stove, his back to me, shoulders trembling slightly. After a long time, he said: “…I’m sorry.” That night, I heard him crying in the living room—suppressed whimpers like a wounded animal. But I didn’t go out. I hugged Mom’s pillow and told myself: I hate him. I had no obligation to understand or sympathize with him. If not for him, my parents wouldn’t have been in that car crash. If not for him, I wouldn’t be pointed at every day. He was supposed to be saved by my cord blood, yet he “repaid the favor” by turning my life into a mess. I was done with him. I hated him. 3 Caleb started working odd jobs. Construction during the day, helping at a night market stand in the evening, and assembling cardboard boxes late into the night. Maybe because of his major surgery years ago, his health was poor. He coughed often and looked perpetually pale. But he spent every cent he earned on me: a new backpack, new clothes, even random books I mentioned wanting. I have to admit, Caleb took good care of me. But the environment I grew up in was a swamp. In eighth grade, I ranked first in my grade. For the parent-teacher conference, he borrowed a decent shirt and combed his hair neatly. But the moment he walked into the classroom, the whispers started. “That’s Chloe’s brother?” “He looks honest enough. Who would have thought…” “Murderers don’t have it written on their faces.” Throughout the meeting, he kept his head down, fingers gripping his knees tightly. On the way home, walking behind his slightly hunched back, I suddenly said: “Let’s move.” He stopped but didn’t turn around. “Where to?” “Anywhere,” I said. “As long as no one there knows you’re a murderer.” He was silent for a long time. “Okay.” A month later, we moved to the provincial capital, two hundred miles away. Caleb used all his savings to rent a small studio apartment. We slept in bunk beds. He found a job at an electronics factory, working three shifts. The night we moved, lying on the unfamiliar top bunk, I stared at a crack in the ceiling. “Hey,” I said. Rustling from the bottom bunk. “Yeah?” “Why did you go to prison?” Silence. Long, suffocating silence. Just when I thought he wouldn’t answer, he whispered: “…I did something wrong.” “What did you do?” “Something very bad.” His voice was light as a sigh. “Baby, don’t ask anymore.” “Just know that… I’m sorry to you, and sorry to Mom and Dad… that’s enough.” I turned to face the wall. Like this again. Always like this. I never had the right to know. 4 Turns out, miracles do happen. Caleb worked at the factory for barely six months before the factory owner’s daughter took a liking to him. Her name was Vanessa, five years younger than Caleb. Fresh out of college, sent by her father to learn management at the factory. Rumor had it she couldn’t take her eyes off Caleb the moment she saw him. Okay, I admit, Caleb was good-looking. Even malnourished and exhausted, he inherited the best features of our parents—deep eyes, a high nose bridge. When he was silent, he had a broken, tragic beauty. Vanessa chased him openly. Bringing him lunch, medicine, even staying late when he worked overtime. Coworkers urged him, “Caleb, just say yes! That’s the owner’s daughter! You’ll skip twenty years of struggle!” Caleb always shook his head. “I’m not worthy.” Until Vanessa’s father—Mr. Xu—personally talked to him. That night, Caleb came home late. He sat in the dark living room, chain-smoking. He never smoked. “What happened?” I couldn’t help asking. He stubbed out the cigarette, voice dry. “Mr. Xu… knows I went to prison.” My heart sank. Of course. The background check came back. It’s over. Job gone. Can’t stay in this city either. “He asked about what happened,” Caleb continued. “I told him everything.” I closed my eyes in despair. “And?” “And…” Caleb looked up, his eyes scary bright in the darkness. “He said next month has a lucky day. He asked if I wanted a Western or traditional wedding.” I was stunned. Crazy. I thought. Mr. Xu must be crazy to want a murderer for a son-in-law. But crazy is good. I thought again. After all, the Xu family was truly rich. Who wouldn’t want to cling to such a big tree? 5 The wedding was simple, just ten tables in the factory cafeteria. Caleb wore a rented suit, stiff as a puppet. Vanessa wore a white wedding dress, smiling sweetly. During the toast, she walked up to me, her expression complicated. “Chloe, right?” She raised her glass. “We’re family now.” I raised my soda, saying nothing. She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. On their wedding night, Caleb moved into the Xu family’s two-story house. I stayed in the rental, thinking I could finally have some peace. The next morning, Caleb came to get me. “Pack your things. We’re moving.” “I’m not going.” “Baby,” he used a stern tone for the first time. “You have to.” “Why? Vanessa obviously doesn’t like me!” “Because she’s my wife,” Caleb looked at me, eyes suddenly reddening. “You’re my only family left in this world, Baby. I can’t leave you behind.” In the end, I moved. Vanessa prepared a room for me. North-facing, small, but clean. She was polite on the surface, but it was a cold, distant politeness. I could feel she hated me. Not me as a person, but my identity as “Caleb’s sister.” Living in the Xu house felt like charity. Vanessa didn’t mistreat me. Food, clothes—better than most of my classmates. But she barely spoke to me. She looked at me like I was a flawed item she was forced to accept. Caleb, caught in the middle, became more and more silent. He was promoted to team leader at the factory, busier than ever. At home, he had to deal with Vanessa and her controlling father. I could see his exhaustion, but he never complained. When I was fifteen, I got into City No. 1 High School, the best in the province. Most importantly, it was a boarding school. The day I got the acceptance letter, Caleb was as happy as a child. He cooked a feast. Vanessa was happy too, even happier than Caleb. At dinner, she gave me a rare genuine smile. “Chloe is amazing. Boarding school is great, you can focus on studying.” I knew what she meant: I’m moving out. She finally doesn’t have to see me every day. The night before school started, Caleb came to my room and shoved a bank card into my hand. “The password is your birthday. Buy whatever you need. Don’t save.” “Does Vanessa know?” “…Yes.” He was lying. I saw the unease in his eyes. “Don’t worry,” I said. “I’ll study hard, become independent soon, and… I won’t trouble you guys anymore.” Caleb opened his mouth to speak but just ruffled my hair. “Baby’s all grown up.” His palm was warm, but I dodged it.

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After being trafficked to a private island, I escaped twice to avoid becoming a toy for the elite. The night I was caught the first time, they sent me a video of my fiancé being torn apart by piranhas. When my second escape failed, my brother—the only family I had left—was tied to a boat and torn limb from limb. In utter despair, I accepted the System’s offer. “Earn enough points, and you can resurrect your loved ones.” From that day on, I abandoned all dignity. I let the electric collar dig into my flesh, enduring torture until I blacked out, again and again. Finally, after another forced embryo extraction, I saw I had enough points. Joy surged in my heart. Just as my trembling hand hovered over the “Confirm” button, laughter erupted from around the corner. “That idiot actually believes she’s in a system, saving points to revive her brother and fiancé. She has no idea the island is fake, the deaths are fake, and the system is fake.” “I know, right? The rich really know how to train their dogs. Caleb and Asher staged this whole ‘death game’ just because she slapped Bella years ago and refused to apologize. This is all just to teach her to submit.” “Shh, keep it down. Caleb and Asher are coming to check on their ‘experiment’…” I froze, ice spreading through my veins. My ears rang. The pesticide I drank earlier kicked in. Before I could react, blood gushed from my mouth. As darkness claimed me, the door was kicked open. “Ava!” I struggled to lift my head and met a pair of familiar, panicked eyes. It was my brother, who was supposed to be dead. The person I had mourned for three years, whom I dreamed of seeing just one more time, appeared before me without warning. His eyes were red with urgency, his voice laced with panicked anger: “I told you guys to just scare her! How did it get this bad?!” He leaned down, gently lifting me, softening his voice: “Ava, don’t be scared. It’s okay. Big brother is here.” I stared blankly at his face, the conversation I overheard echoing in my mind. So it was all true. To vent Bella’s anger, my brother and my fiancé went to such lengths. Exhaustion and despair swallowed me whole. I gave a tragic smile, and more blood poured from my mouth in thick streams. The room erupted in chaos. Caleb was frantic, slamming his fist on the table: “Call the doctor! What are you standing there for?!” The men looked at each other nervously. Finally, someone stammered: “Mr. Vance, you forgot.” “Last time Miss Bella had a cold, you transferred your entire medical team to her side.” “You specifically ordered… since Miss Ava likes to feign illness for sympathy, no one is allowed to divert medical resources without your direct order, lest it disturb Miss Bella’s recovery.” Caleb froze, guilt flashing across his face as he looked away from me. After a long silence, he squeezed out two words: “…Useless trash!” While Caleb turned to dial, rough hands pinned me to the bed. “Quick! Keep her awake until the doctor gets here! If she dies, Mr. Vance will kill us all!” Needles stabbed into my flesh, forcing consciousness upon me. Pain exploded. My freshly stitched wounds ripped open, and my body spasmed. Caleb’s hushed, coaxing voice drifted into my ears: “Bella, don’t be mad. Just lend your doctor to your sister Ava for a bit. When she wakes up, I’ll bring her to thank you personally.” “Yes, yes, I’ll make her kneel and thank you. Whatever our Bella wants.” I dug my nails into my palm and laughed bitterly. So now, even my life and death require Bella’s permission. Another needle plunged in. Amidst the torture, I turned my head with difficulty, grabbed the fruit knife on the nightstand, and slashed my wrist without hesitation. When Caleb turned around, blood sprayed. His phone clattered to the floor. His pupils constricted. “Ava!!!” My last memory was Caleb screaming and lunging toward me. In the haze of unconsciousness, I dreamed. In the dream, I was destiny’s darling. My brother cherished me, and my childhood sweetheart, Asher, never left my side. Until the day Bella, my father’s illegitimate daughter, stepped into our home. The war began. For three years, she staged suicide attempts over a dozen times. Wrist cutting, pills, gas… every time, she was “coincidentally” discovered by Caleb or Asher. But Caleb would just sneer at the spilled pills: “Is seeking attention the only thing you know how to do?” Asher would walk right past the sobbing Bella, take my hand, and leave: “Ignore her. I’ll take you to school.” Their disgust was so real I never doubted their love for me. So on the day Asher and I got our marriage license, when Bella climbed onto the roof threatening to jump again… Caleb watched coldly. Asher frowned and moved to hang up. No one took her seriously. Unexpectedly, Bella smiled tragically and jumped. On the video call, Caleb’s face went pale. He ran toward her like a madman. Asher froze, phone in hand. His indifference shattered, replaced by a face white as a sheet. That day, clutching our marriage certificates, I walked out of the courthouse in a daze. Asher’s friends were laughing nearby: “Ash, divorced in three minutes? Bringing the princess here for the experience?” “Didn’t you say you hated Bella? Why did you look like you saw a ghost when she jumped?” “You guys don’t get it. Ash talks tough but is soft inside. He probably hurts for her.” Asher didn’t retort. He frowned: “Shut up.” Then he walked past me, dialing the number he had pinned to the top of his contacts: “I got the divorce. Can you be a good girl and let the doctor treat you now?” The other end said something. He sighed, voice full of helpless indulgence: “Okay, whatever you say… my little princess. I’m coming home to you.” Only when his car sped past me did I realize what had happened. When I rushed back to the Vance estate, Asher was gently draping a coat over Bella. The room was a mess. My gaze landed on our wedding photo, clawed and scratched. I could imagine what they had just done. Nausea rolled in my stomach. Bella peeked out from Asher’s arms, timidly: “Sister Ava, Asher and I aren’t what you think…” Before she finished, a slap echoed through the room. Bella clutched her cheek, staring at me in disbelief. Almost instantly, a massive force struck my face. I was knocked to the floor, ears ringing. “Ava Vance! Apologize to Bella!” My cheek burned. I looked up. Caleb stood over me, voice icy: “Bella’s depression only gets better when she sees Asher. Can’t you be sensible and let her have him?!” “Go! Apologize to Bella now!” Asher looked at me with equal anger: “Ava, no matter what happens between Bella and me, I’ll only marry you in the end. Why do you have to push her to death?” “She did nothing wrong. You’ve gone too far this time. Apologize!” Asher’s face blurred before my eyes. The boy who grew up with me, who fought kidnappers for me, who risked his hands for me… he was gone. I looked around the room. And met Bella’s smirking, triumphant gaze. I jolted awake from the nightmare. Before I was fully conscious, I cried out the name I had relied on for twenty years: “Brother…” No one answered. I woke up in a dark, empty bedroom. Next door, lights blazed. Everyone was surrounding Bella, who was crying and threatening to leave. “Brother, look at Ava. Drinking poison, cutting her wrists… she’s just trying to intimidate me! I don’t understand why she still can’t accept me after all these years!” “Asher, I should stay away from you. You go be with her. I’ll just leave this home!” Caleb stopped her, voice tight with anger: “Bella, you’ve suffered enough. Don’t worry, I’ll teach her a lesson for this!” “I didn’t expect this either. We spent three years trying to teach her to submit, but instead of changing, she’s gotten worse. Now she’s using death to threaten us for attention!” “Seeing her like that today, I almost… I almost fell for it!” I slowly raised my hand to my wrist. The burning in my stomach had faded, and my wrist was bandaged. But the sting under the skin was real. So my desperate struggle for death was, in my brother’s eyes, just a “bitter meat trick” for attention. Asher pulled Bella into his arms, coaxing her: “Bella, Ava is spoiled. Don’t lower yourself to her level.” “Our wedding is tomorrow. Don’t let her ruin your mood.” Caleb chimed in: “Right, focus on the wedding. I’ll handle her! Whether she wants to or not, she will be a bridesmaid! I won’t let people gossip about you!” Wedding? Bridesmaid? Three years ago, I was supposed to be the bride. Now, without my knowledge, I had been demoted to bridesmaid. My heart froze with every word they spoke. I tried to smile, but failed. Before I knew it, my legs had moved off the bed. I tried to stand, but the moment my feet touched the floor, the stitched wound on my abdomen tore open. Agony hit. My legs gave out, and I crashed to the floor. Moonlight illuminated the gruesome scars covering my body. Memories of the past three years flooded back. To earn points, I knelt under strangers, was stripped naked, forced into humiliating poses. To earn points, I was strapped to lab tables, my embryos surgically removed as soon as I conceived, tortured for endless days and nights. The pain of electric shocks, the numbness of shattered dignity… In my darkest moments, I wanted to end it all. But thinking of Caleb and Asher waiting for me in the “other world,” I survived. Turns out, the “points” I risked my life for were just a scam designed for me. I felt pathetic and laughable. I wiped the wetness from my face, grabbed the edge of the table, and tried to pull myself up inch by inch. Crash. I fell again. I pulled the tablecloth down with me. Glass shattered, shards piercing my skin. I didn’t feel it. I just stared at the open window ahead. The noise alerted next door. Caleb’s footsteps approached. He knocked, sounding annoyed: “Ava!” “I haven’t settled the score with you for scaring Bella today.” “Everyone is busy. Can you grow up?” I gasped for air, sliding down the wall. Pain tortured me every second. Three years of grievances erupted. I couldn’t hold it back anymore. I screamed at the door: “Busy with what?! Busy preparing for Bella and Asher’s wedding?!” “Or busy forcing me to be a bridesmaid for the mistress who stole my life?!” Silence outside. Then Caleb’s voice rose: “What nonsense are you spouting?! Everyone knows Bella and Asher are a couple. You’re the one trying to interfere…” He stopped, as if remembering something, then changed his tone: “Ava, love isn’t first come, first served.” “Asher loves Bella now. Plus, you know Bella has depression. She only got better because Asher stayed by her side. This marriage is expedient, good for everyone.” “Are you really going to fight Bella over this?” I didn’t answer. I finally dragged myself to the window. Wind hit my face. My heart was dead. “Bang!” The door was kicked open. I heard it, but didn’t look back. The next second, I jumped. As I fell, a strong hand grabbed me. Asher. Sweat dripped down his forehead. Veins popped on his neck, face pale: “Grab my hand, Ava!” His hand, injured for me years ago, shouldn’t have been able to hold weight. It was shaking violently. He pulled me back inside with all his might. As soon as I hit the floor, a slap landed on my face. “Ava Vance! Even if you don’t want to go to the wedding, do you have to do this?!” Asher rarely showed such emotion: “Do you know how high this is?! If I hadn’t been fast, you’d be dead!” Caleb’s legs were weak too. Supported by a maid, he barely stood. He took deep breaths, voice trembling: “Ava… how did you become like this?!” “Anyone would think you suffered terribly these three years! We lied to you, yes, but we fed you and housed you! We even visited you secretly! You never suffered!” “You know Bella is soft-hearted. You insist on suicide on her wedding day just to make her feel guilty, don’t you?” “Can’t I even scold you now? How did I raise such an ungrateful wolf?!” “Let me tell you, you are being a bridesmaid today whether you like it or not!” He yanked me up, pinned me to the bed, and signaled the maids: “Change her!” The bridesmaid dress was brought over. I stared blankly. As the maids’ hands reached for me, memories of countless hands touching me overlapped. “No!!!” I struggled with everything I had, but it was useless. “Rip!” The dark clothes covering me were torn away. My scar-covered body was exposed to everyone. Bruises, burns old and new, the two-inch incision on my abdomen oozing blood… The air froze. Everyone stared. A timid maid screamed. Looking at my scars, Asher’s face went deathly white. Caleb stumbled back two steps, eyes wide with disbelief, and collapsed onto the floor. “W-what is this?!” Caleb’s voice shook so hard it was almost a roar. Supported by others, he couldn’t stand. His gaze swept over the torn clothes, then landed on my mutilated body. His usually composed face was now paper-white. I stood there numbly, watching their shocked, twisted faces. My ears rang, vision blurring. Asher reacted faster than Caleb. Instinctively, he stepped forward, reaching out to touch me. But just before his fingers made contact, Caleb shoved him away. “Get away!” Caleb’s eyes were bloodshot. “Don’t touch her! Asher, you’re marrying Bella. Don’t dirty my sister with your hands!” Asher froze, pinned by those words. He opened his mouth but made no sound, staring blankly at my scars, his face turning gray. In the standoff, the tearing pain in my head surged again. I broke free from the maids, crawled to the wall, and slammed my head against it. Caleb jumped, rushing to hug me from behind. His grip was tight, hurting my ribs. “What are you doing?! Doctor… call the doctor! Hurry!” He picked me up frantically, voice trembling: “Don’t do this Ava, don’t do this, brother is here, don’t be scared…” I shook violently, pushing him with all my might, but he wouldn’t budge. Caleb repeated over and over, comforting me or maybe himself: “Don’t be scared, Ava, brother is here, brother is here.” I was dizzy, vision darkening.

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After failing the Bar Exam six times, I finally passed. But the moment I got my license, I transmigrated into a trashy romance novel—specifically, the kind where the female lead gets tortured, abused, and framed for everything. In this world, getting kicked and slapped is a Tuesday. Miscarriages and forced organ donations are just plot points. I used to read this book as a “what not to do” legal case study. Now, God has given me a chance to practice law in the field. So, staring at the “White Moonlight” (the hero’s first love) who was about to frame me for my own miscarriage, I pulled out my phone and started screaming: “Help! Murder! The mistress is trying to kill the pregnant wife!” It’s time to teach these law-illiterate idiots a lesson. 1 When I woke up in this world, I was in a hospital bed, the smell of disinfectant stinging my nose. “Ugh,” I wrinkled my nose. Standing by my bed was a tall figure in a black trench coat, his voice icy cold. “Stop pretending to be dead. Get up and apologize to Bella.” That line sounded familiar. Wasn’t this the trashy novel I read before bed? Caleb Vance stood there against the light, hands in his pockets, posing like he was in a photoshoot. In the original story, Caleb and the heroine, Sarah, were in a loveless marriage. Sarah secretly loved him, and Caleb was unknowingly falling for her—until his first love, Bella, returned from abroad. Bella drugged Caleb to sleep with him but accidentally sent him into Sarah’s bed. She then framed Sarah for the drugging. Sarah couldn’t explain herself, and the misunderstanding deepened. From that night, Sarah got pregnant. But Bella showed up, deliberately provoked her, and pushed her down the stairs, causing a miscarriage. And now this jerk wants me to apologize to Bella? I’m not the original Sarah. I’m here to clean house. I frowned impatiently. “Apologize my ass!” Caleb froze. “You finally stopped pretending? Bella was right. Your gentleness was all an act!” He stepped forward and grabbed my arm. “You fell down the stairs yourself and framed Bella! She’s so guilty she hasn’t eaten since you passed out. Have some conscience and apologize to her!” Get your hands off me! I yanked my arm back. My vision blurred—this body was still weak from the miscarriage. I glanced at him and held out my hand. “Give me your phone.” Caleb frowned, seeing my pale face. A flicker of pity crossed his eyes as he pulled out his phone. “Apologizing over the phone is fine too. Given your condition, I’ll let it slide this time…” Before he could finish, I snatched the phone and dialed three numbers. 9-1-1. “Hello? I want to report an assault.” Caleb: ? The police arrived quickly. I cleared my throat and started wailing. “Officer, help me!” I pointed a shaking finger at a confused Caleb. “My husband is cheating on me! His mistress pushed me down the stairs! My baby is gone! Boohoohoo! My poor baby!” Caleb’s face turned green. Under the officers’ stern gaze, he stammered, “I didn’t… I wasn’t…” “Caleb…” Everyone turned. Bella stood at the door in a white dress, looking fragile and pitiful. God, she can act. I decided to strike first. I ripped the IV out of my hand, curled into a ball at the foot of the bed, messed up my hair, and screamed: “Help! She’s here! The murderer is here! She’s going to kill me! She killed my baby!” Bella’s carefully curated “fragile” expression cracked. Caleb moved to comfort her, but the lead officer blocked him. “Sir, the victim has accused both of you of assault. Please step back.” Bella: “?” Another officer approached to calm me down. I hid behind him, trembling. “She pushed me. My baby was only three months old… he never even saw the world.” Caleb roared, “Sarah! Stop lying! You fell yourself! How dare you call the police! Filing a false report is a crime!” I looked at the officer with teary eyes. “It’s true. Since I got pregnant, I installed cameras all over the house for safety. You can check the footage!” The officer nodded and sent a colleague to retrieve the video. Bella turned pale. She thought there were no witnesses. The original heroine was stubborn and never used the evidence she had. But I’m not her. The police returned quickly. The body cam footage clearly showed Bella backing me into a corner and shoving me down the stairs. Bella’s legs gave out, and she collapsed to the floor. Caleb mumbled, “Impossible… Bella really killed my child…” Bella crawled to him, grabbing his pant leg. “Caleb, I didn’t mean to! I just wanted her to stop hogging you! I didn’t mean to kill the baby! Forgive me, please!” I couldn’t take it anymore. “Are you delusional? Who are you asking forgiveness from? I was the one pushed! I lost the baby! I am the victim lying in this bed! You’re crying at the wrong grave, you idiot!” Bella: “?” Caleb: “?” Police: “???” Oops, forgot my character. I clutched my stomach and wailed, “Officer, the evidence is solid! Bella attempted to murder me! I want to press charges! She’s dangerous! I’m so scared!” Despite my terrible acting, the evidence was irrefutable. Bella was taken away in handcuffs. Caleb stared blankly as Bella was dragged out. What are you looking at? You’re next. I lay back down. “Caleb, I want a divorce.” Caleb’s lip trembled. “Divorce? What right do you have to ask for a divorce?” Ah, the classic CEO line. I grabbed the glass of water from the nightstand and chucked it at his forehead. “You think having money makes you an emperor? You think you own me? I have every right to divorce you! It’s a legal right, not a favor you grant! Tomorrow I’m sending the papers. If you don’t sign, I’ll release the footage! ‘CEO of Vance Group cheats on wife, mistress kills unborn heir!’ Let’s see how your stock price likes that!” Blood trickled down Caleb’s forehead. He looked more disheveled than he ever had in his life. “Sarah… you shouldn’t be like this.” I laughed coldly. “Then what should I be like? A doormat? Letting you and your mistress walk all over me? Smiling while you cheat? Go to hell. No one is going to spoil you forever. I’m not your mother!” Caleb left, looking like a lost soul. My chest suddenly ached. I realized it was the original owner’s lingering feelings. Stop hurting. He’s not worth it. 2 Bella was detained for 15 days for assault. She avoided prison likely due to Caleb’s connections. The day after I called the police, I hired a lawyer to draft the divorce papers, clearly dividing our assets. I never understood why heroines in these novels always leave with nothing to prove their “purity.” I was tortured physically and mentally—I deserve half his fortune and emotional damages! Unfortunately, Caleb refused to sign. After days of stalling, he sent his mother—my mother-in-law—to persuade me. Mrs. Vance sat there in her Chanel suit, sipping coffee. “I know Caleb was wrong. But in our circle, men have needs. It’s just a fling. Calling the police was too much. You embarrassed the family.” Wow. The audacity. I picked up my coffee and threw it in her face. “AHHHH!” Mrs. Vance shrieked, brown liquid dripping from her expensive hair and suit. “Sarah! Are you crazy?!” “Yes! Driven crazy by your shameless family! Your son cheated and killed his own child, and you’re telling me to calm down? Are you even human?!” “You…” “You what?! You raised a son who grew up to be a cheater and a murderer-by-proxy! Do you take no responsibility as a mother?” “I…” “Shut up! ‘Men have needs’? I seem to recall when your husband had an affair with a starlet, you threatened to hang yourself! Rules for thee but not for me? If you’re so magnanimous, why didn’t you throw them a wedding?” “He…” “He nothing! I’m divorcing him! I’m taking half the assets! Be grateful I’m not suing your whole family for emotional distress!” Mrs. Vance’s face darkened. She waved to her bodyguards. “Take this ungrateful woman to the basement! I need to teach her some manners!” The basement? I remembered now. This old hag used to lock the original Sarah in the basement to “discipline” her. Illegal imprisonment? I pulled out my phone and dialed 911. “Hello? I’m at the Vance Estate in East District! My mother-in-law is trying to imprison me! Help!” Mrs. Vance froze. “What are you doing?” I sneered. “Giving you a lesson in civilization.” The police arrived efficiently. The lead officer looked between us with a complicated expression. “You again?” I hid behind him. “Yes, officer! This is my mother-in-law. She’s trying to lock me in the basement because I want to divorce her cheating son!” The officer frowned at Mrs. Vance. “Ma’am?” “I… I was just scaring her…” “Lies! If I hadn’t called, I’d be in the dungeon right now!” I played the recording on my phone. “Officer, listen!” The recording clearly captured her ordering the bodyguards to seize me. The officer looked stern. “Ma’am, this isn’t the feudal era. Restricting personal freedom is a crime.” Mrs. Vance wilted. “I didn’t actually do it…” “Threatening is also illegal!” Mrs. Vance, with messy hair and coffee-stained Chanel, got a 15-minute lecture from the police. I knew they couldn’t arrest her for a threat, but the humiliation was enough. As we left, the lead officer looked at me with deep sympathy. “Life is hard. Stay strong.” “Thank you, officer. Sorry for the trouble.” Watching the police car leave, I sighed. “God bless the legal system.” 3 Caleb kept stalling. Bella was anxious too. She tried to cause trouble, but I wasn’t the original Sarah. She released snakes in my new apartment. I had cameras. I called the police. “Yes, it’s me. Bella is trying to kill me with snakes.” She spread rumors online that I was the mistress, doxxing me. I called the police. “Officer, I’m being cyberbullied and doxxed. I’m suicidal!” Bella went back to jail for another 15 days. During those 15 days, Caleb stalked me like a ghost. “What the hell do you want?” I met him at a cafe. He looked thinner. “I misunderstood you. I didn’t know Bella was like that. I apologize.” “Accepted. Bye.” “Sarah, wait.” Caleb looked at me intensely. “You’ve changed.” Here we go. I rolled my eyes. “Changed how? Not a doormat anymore?” Caleb smiled bitterly. “You don’t love me anymore.” I nodded solemnly. “Correct.” “Why?” WHY?! “Are you serious? You cheated. You let your mistress kill my baby. And you ask why? Are your brains in your pants? Use the head on your shoulders for once!” Caleb sat there, stunned. I felt better after venting. “Sign the papers. Or I sue.” Of course, the donkey didn’t sign. When Bella got out, he still refused. I hired the best divorce lawyer money could buy and sued. In court, my lawyer presented everything. Bella’s framing, the snake incident, the cyberbullying. Plus Caleb’s cold texts to the original Sarah and Mrs. Vance’s abuse. “Defendant Caleb Vance failed his duties as a husband. His infidelity and enabling of Bella led to my client’s physical and mental trauma, including the loss of her unborn child. We request a divorce and a favorable division of assets!” I gave my lawyer a thumbs up mentally. The court granted the divorce and divided the assets fairly. Walking out of the courthouse, the sun felt brighter. Caleb stumbled after me, trying to grab my hand. I dodged. “Sir, we are no longer married. Don’t touch me, or I’ll sue for harassment.” Caleb looked lost. “Sarah… I realized I love you. My feelings for Bella were just nostalgia… I…” “Stop! That’s disgusting, Ex-Hubby.” “I regret not cherishing you. I’ll make it up to you!” I was already walking away. Just give me the money. 4 Caleb was serious about “making it up to me.” He sent flowers daily. Left jewelry at my door. Sent gourmet breakfasts. It was annoying. I fed the breakfasts to stray dogs. I stuck the flowers in public planters. I sent the jewelry to his mother via courier. (Heard she fainted from anger). I felt no lingering emotions from the original Sarah. She had truly let go. One day, after shopping, Caleb was stalking me again. I called the police. “Officer, I’m being stalked.” Caleb: “…” The police found him squatting by a telephone pole. Officer: “Again?!” Caleb: “I just want to win her back.” Officer: “1. Too late. 2. This is harassment!” Caleb promised to stop. The officer patted my shoulder. “Hope you escape this mess soon.” Caleb watched me from afar. “Sarah, can I ask one question?” “Ask.” “Are you really Sarah?”

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I was born with a system that rebounds rumors. Anyone who spreads a lie about me suffers the consequences of that lie themselves. In high school, a boy started a rumor that I was “easy” and had slept with several old men. That same day, he was picked up by a group of sugar daddies and transformed into a gigolo. In college, while I was dating someone, his childhood friend spread a rumor that I was the star of a leaked adult video. That night, every deepfake video on the internet suddenly wore her face. Since then, no one dared to whisper a word about me. Until my biological parents found me and brought me back to the wealthy Sterling family. The fake heiress, Chloe Sterling, linked her arm affectionately with mine: “Sister, I heard you got pregnant out of wedlock and had a baby with a murderer.” “Since you’re home now, why not bring the baby too? We are family; we won’t look down on you!” 1 As soon as the words left her mouth, my father’s face turned a sickly shade of gray. “You have a bastard child?” “Annie! How could you do something so shameful at your age!” Hearing Dad scold me, the corners of Chloe’s mouth twitched upward, but she quickly covered it with a dramatic gasp. “Oh my god… Sister didn’t tell you, Dad?” “I’m so sorry, Sister. It’s all my fault… I shouldn’t have blabbed.” Then, she turned to Dad, her tone earnest and pleading. “Dad, don’t blame Sister. She’s been alone out there all these years… she must have had her reasons.” “Sister, don’t worry.” She turned back to me, eyes sincere. “From now on, I’ll help you keep this a total secret. I won’t let anyone gossip!” Just as she finished, a woman dressed in designer clothes rushed out of the villa and hugged me tightly. “Annie! My daughter… Mommy finally found you!” She wept on my shoulder, taking a long moment to notice the eerie silence around us. “What’s wrong? Why are you all staring at Annie? What were you talking about?” “It’s nothing, Mom. Sister must be tired from the long drive. Let’s go inside,” Chloe interjected quickly, winking at Dad, playing the role of the protective sister perfectly. I spoke calmly: “She said I got pregnant out of wedlock and had a baby with a murderer.” Mom’s face went pale instantly. “What! Annie, you—” “I didn’t. She’s spreading rumors.” “Sister!” Chloe’s voice pitched up, tears rolling down her cheeks. “I meant well! How can you say I’m spreading rumors?” She choked back a sob and took a half-step back. “Do I have to expose all your dirty laundry right here?” She bit her lip at the perfect moment, looking at Mom and Dad with hesitation. “What else is there?!” Veins popped on Dad’s forehead. “Chloe, speak! We need to clear this up today!” Chloe looked like she was making a huge decision. She bowed deeply to me. “I’m sorry, Sister… I know you want to hide it, but Mom and Dad have a right to know the truth.” She sighed deeply, voice soft. “When I heard Sister was coming home, I asked around about her hobbies… and accidentally found out…” She took a deep breath, as if it was too shameful to say. “Sister has been… doing that kind of work… since high school…” Boom. The air in the garden exploded. Dad was shaking with rage. “Disgrace! How did the Sterling family produce such a lowlife!” Mom stumbled back two steps, looking at me with utter disbelief. But I just looked at Chloe with a faint smile. “Are you sure these things are true? Spreading rumors brings bad karma, you know.” “Of course it’s true! You—” URGH—! Before she could finish, she convulsed with a violent dry heave, her stomach slightly distended. I blinked, the corner of my mouth lifting. I told you, karma is real. “Chloe! What’s wrong? Why are you throwing up like that?” Mom and Dad rushed forward in panic. I stood there and tilted my head. “Oh my, Chloe, you’re throwing up like you’re pregnant.” The air solidified for a few seconds. “What nonsense are you spouting!” Chloe shrieked, acting like she was deeply wronged. “I don’t even have a boyfriend! How could I be pregnant?” “Just because you… you aren’t clean and did dirty things, don’t project onto me…” Seeing her tear-streaked face, Mom and Dad’s hearts broke. Dad glared at me with fury. “Annie Sterling! You dare spread rumors about your sister’s virtue? No manners at all!” Mom looked disappointed. “Annie, that’s too much! Your sister has never even been with a man. How could she be pregnant?” I blinked, expression innocent. “I was just saying.” “But throwing up like that… maybe she should see a doctor!” “No!” Chloe blurted out, then covered her mouth and coughed lightly, eyes darting around. “I just ate something bad. I’ll be fine after a rest.” Saying that, she feigned weakness and collapsed onto Mom. Mom and Dad hurriedly helped her into the villa. I watched their backs thoughtfully. Chloe’s reaction was off. It was like… she knew she was pregnant. A strong sense of gossip ignited within me. I immediately followed them into the villa and stood by her bed with Mom and Dad. “Chloe, Sister is really worried. I called a doctor for you; he’ll be here any minute.” “Better to check and be safe, so Mom and Dad can rest easy.” Hearing my considerate words, Mom and Dad looked satisfied. But Chloe’s face lost all color. She whimpered and burrowed into Mom’s arms. “Mommy… I don’t want to see a doctor…” Mom patted her back soothingly and was about to speak— “No need.” A deep voice came from the door. My brother, Liam, walked in, looking me up and down with undisguised disgust. “You’re Annie?” “Let me tell you, even if we share blood, Chloe is my only sister.” “You have no right to interfere in her business.” He walked straight to Chloe’s bed and gently wiped her tears. “If Chloe doesn’t want to see a doctor, she doesn’t have to. Big brother is here.” Hearing this, Chloe threw herself into Liam’s arms and wept. “I knew Big Brother was the best!” I watched them, a thought sparking in my mind. I said innocently: “Brother and Chloe are so close. Even though they aren’t biological, they’re surprisingly intimate!” As soon as the words left my mouth, everyone’s expressions changed. Liam let go as if scalded, ears turning red, eyes full of anger. “What nonsense are you talking about!” Chloe sobbed quietly, looking at me with teary eyes. “Sister, how can you say that about me and Brother?” “Are you trying to divert attention? Are you spreading rumors about me just so Dad won’t pursue your pregnancy out of wedlock?” She bit her lip, looking disappointed. “Actually… I found out Sister was being bullied and wanted to ask Mom and Dad to help you… I didn’t expect you to treat me like this…” Mom instantly got nervous. “Bullying? Annie, who bullied you?” I sat down, amused. “I don’t know either, Chloe. Who bullied me?” “Sister, don’t be scared. It’s not your fault…” Her eyes filled with sympathetic tears. “I found out… a few months ago, Sister… you were dragged into an alley by seven or eight thugs…” “They did… that to you…” She sighed, reaching out as if to hold my hand. “Originally… it wasn’t your fault. But Sister, how could you be so confused? To keep entangled with them?” “The first time was forced, but later… how could you invite them over…” “Neighbors say… every few days, they see that group of men coming out of your room half-naked…” She stopped at the perfect moment, lowering her head as if she couldn’t bear to say more. “Bastard! How can you be so shameless!” Dad roared, his face as ugly as it could get. Mom clutched her chest, pointing a trembling finger at me. “Annie… tell me this isn’t true…” “Annie Sterling, you are utterly shameless!” Liam glared at me furiously. “The Sterling family has no place for someone like you! Get out now!” Looking at their twisted faces, I felt it was absurd. Setting aside the fact that I didn’t do it. Even if I had encountered something like that, shouldn’t my family’s first reaction be concern that I was assaulted? “Sister, although… although you messed around, I believe you aren’t beyond saving.” Chloe advised me. “As long as you admit your mistake and cut ties with those men… Mom and Dad will forgive you.” I chuckled lightly, looking at her calmly. “I don’t know any thugs, why should I admit a mistake?” “And… Chloe, didn’t I just tell you? Spreading rumors brings bad karma.” “Sister, why are you accusing me again?” Chloe squeezed out a few tears, tremblingly taking out her phone and shoving the screen in everyone’s face. “If I’m spreading rumors, then how do you explain these photos?” In the photo, I was wearing revealing clothes, lying ambiguously among several men. Probably fearing the evidence wasn’t strong enough, she swiped to another photo of me holding a baby. Mom and Dad’s faces were pitch black. “These photos are fake.” I reminded Chloe again. “I’ll say it one more time. Rumors rebound.” “I didn’t spread rumors! I—” “Fine,” I interrupted her calmly. “Just don’t regret it.” With the rebound system, I can’t lose. Chloe’s mouth was writing checks her reality would have to cash. Seeing my nonchalant attitude, Mom, Dad, and Liam’s anger soared. “Sister, it’s good you admit it.” Chloe smirked triumphantly, offering fake comfort: “Mom, Dad, don’t be angry… Sister was just confused for a moment…” Mom hugged her gratefully. “Chloe, you’re the sensible one.” “You’re not feeling well, so we won’t disturb you. Sleep early.” “If you still feel bad tomorrow, Mom will take you to the doctor.” They closed the door reluctantly, their eyes full of disdain when they looked at me. I didn’t care. The corners of my mouth kept rising. Until the next morning. I slept soundly until dawn, when I suddenly heard a scream: “Chloe! What… what happened to you?!” “Who did this?! Who did this!!” Chloe’s crying echoed through the villa. I stretched and walked over slowly to watch the show. In Chloe’s room, seven or eight shirtless men were pinned to the floor by bodyguards. Her eyes were swollen, red marks covered her body, and she was curled up in the corner of the bed, shaking. “Animals! Who gave you the guts to touch my daughter!” Dad kicked the nearest man over, eyes bulging. “Who touched her? She threw herself at us!” The man turned to Chloe with a lewd grin. “Little vixen, explain to your parents.” “You called us over last night. We’re all familiar, why act innocent now?” He took out his phone and shoved the chat logs in everyone’s face. “Big brothers, come keep me company tonight.” “I miss you guys. I’m waiting at home. It’s more exciting here.” Mom and Dad stumbled back, thunderstruck. Liam stared at the screen, eyes full of disbelief. “Fake! It’s fake!” Chloe screamed, tearing her voice. “I don’t know them! I didn’t send those messages!” The more she spoke, the more aggrieved she felt, tears falling non-stop. “Why are you spreading rumors about me? I don’t know you at all…” “Rumors? We aren’t spreading rumors! The chat logs are here!” The man shoved the phone closer. Chloe’s face was white. She opened her mouth to explain but couldn’t say a word. I leaned against the doorframe, watching with a cold smile. Now she should know what it feels like to be the victim of rumors. “It’s you!” Chloe suddenly looked up and glared at me. “Annie! You hired these thugs to frame me!” I looked helpless. “Me again?” “Yes! It’s you!” Chloe shouted righteously, crying like a pear blossom bathed in rain. “Sister, how did I offend you? Why did you hire people to harm me!” “These men… are clearly your clients from before!” A cold laugh escaped my chest. “You mean, I have improper relations with these men?” “Fine, Chloe. Show the evidence. Let me see clearly.” “I will!” Chloe looked prepared, glaring at me viciously. “Sister, you forced me!” A trace of malice flashed in Chloe’s eyes. She quickly tapped her phone and played a video for everyone to hear. Ambiguous moans and panting instantly filled the room. Slap!!! Dad didn’t even think. He turned and slapped me hard across the face! “I knew it! Chloe has always been well-behaved. She couldn’t do such dirty things! You orchestrated all of this!” My cheek burned, ears ringing. “I even defended you, and you harm your sister like this!” Mom looked at me with venom. Liam hugged the trembling Chloe, roaring at me: “You shameless bitch! Get out of the Sterling house immediately!” Chloe glanced at me triumphantly, then put on a magnanimous act. “Sister, I don’t blame you. As long as you apologize, I’m willing to forgive you…” My gaze swept over their hateful faces and landed on Chloe’s pitiful expression. “Apologize?” “Why should I apologize?” I reached out and pointed at the video still playing. “The person in that video is clearly you.” As my words fell, the air instantly died. Everyone’s eyes snapped to the video. The screen was dim and shaky, but the woman on it was undoubtedly Chloe! “This…” Chloe frantically turned off the video, fingers trembling, eyes wide. “Impossible… how is this possible…” “How can the person in the video be me… I didn’t…” She shook her head wildly, as if encountering the most shocking thing in her life. I silently gave the Rebound System a thumbs up and shed tears of grievance. “Chloe, you said I spread rumors about you, but clearly you’ve been framing me all along.” I deliberately looked at Mom and Dad, who were frozen in place, sobbing softly: “It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t been kidnapped as a child, Mom and Dad wouldn’t distrust me so much.” “The moment that video played, no one even looked at the face. Everyone just assumed it was me.” I paused, covering my cheek while sobbing. “Annie… I…” Dad snapped out of it, looking guiltily at the red mark on my face. “Dad was too impulsive just now. I shouldn’t have hit you…” Mom held my hand in heartache, her eyes full of disappointment as she looked at Chloe. “Chloe, what is going on?” “You kept saying Annie was messing around with men, doing dirty things.” “But these thugs are all in your bed, and those chat logs, photos, videos…” “How… how could you have the face to accuse Annie?” Chloe’s face was ashen, eyes swollen. “I… I didn’t…” “Mom, listen to me! These people really have nothing to do with me! The video has nothing to do with me!”

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The summer after my high school graduation, my dad fell from a construction scaffold and died. As soon as the funeral ended, my aunt told me to forget about college. “Your mom’s struggling alone. A girl like you should go out and work to help the family.” I refused. I rented a basement room in a cheap part of the city, worked on construction sites during the day, and studied at night. One day, just after collecting my pay, a black sedan blocked my path. The window rolled down. It was my mother, Linda, sitting next to a stranger. She looked at my dust-covered clothes, frowning deeply. “Hope, get in. We need to talk.” In the cafe, she pulled a document from her designer bag. “Sign this waiver, and consider your dad’s affairs settled.” “I found you a job at an electronics factory. Food and housing included. It’s better than this.” I stared at the words “Voluntary Renunciation of Inheritance Rights” on the document. My blood froze. My gaze drifted past her to the luxury watch on the man’s wrist. She had a new life, and I was the obstacle that needed to be cleared. 1 I didn’t respond. My mind was blank. “Hope, your dad’s death was an accident. Most of the settlement money from the company went to pay off his debts.” She pointed at the man beside her, a hint of boasting in her tone. “This is your Uncle Dave. We’re planning to get married.” Her exquisitely made-up face contrasted sharply with my dirt-stained hands. I forced myself to calm down, staring silently at the document. She seemed to lose patience, pushing the paper toward me. “Hurry up and sign. We have a wedding dress fitting.” This scene was all too familiar. A year ago, when my dad was still alive, it was the same. That day, Dad had just brought home his wages, ready to pay for my SAT prep classes. “Hope is taking the SATs soon. This money needs to be spent where it counts.” Linda’s face changed instantly. “My brother needs to buy a house. As his brother-in-law, shouldn’t you contribute?” “What’s the use of a girl studying so much anyway!” Dad’s face flushed red. “The kid’s future is the most important thing! Let your brother figure out his own house!” The argument quickly escalated into shoving. Linda grabbed a water glass and threw it. Dad’s forehead started bleeding immediately. Things in the house were smashed everywhere. In the end, Dad squatted on the floor clutching his head, while Linda snatched the money and slammed the door. “I can’t live like this! Divorce!” After that, she went back to her family. She didn’t return until Dad’s accident. When she calmed down, she looked at me with a strange, calculating gaze. “Your dad is gone. This family relies on you now.” That night, she cleared out all of Dad’s belongings, not even leaving a single photo. “He’s dead. Keeping these things just takes up space.” “Go to the labor market with your aunt tomorrow and find some work.” I grabbed the hem of her shirt, my voice trembling. “Mom, my college acceptance letter is coming soon.” She shook off my hand. “College? Are you trying to drag me down?” I thought she said those things out of grief. Now I realized she had planned everything long ago. So, I stopped reminiscing and looked up at her. “Mom, I got in. It’s a top university…” She cut me off directly. “I’m not interested in what school you go to.” “High school graduation is enough. If you want to keep studying, earn the money yourself.” “Sign this, and don’t come looking for me again.” She leaned on Dave’s shoulder, smiling happily, but her eyes stared at me coldly. “I have a wedding to plan. Don’t waste my time!” All my illusions from the past year shattered in that moment. 2 I forced back the stinging in my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I calmed myself. “I can sign, but I want my share of the settlement money.” Tuition and living expenses for a top university aren’t cheap. Dad’s settlement was $250,000 in total. Legally, I was entitled to at least half. But I only asked for $50,000. Enough to get me through the start of college. I could walk the rest of the road myself. Unexpectedly, hearing this number, Linda started wiping away tears. “Hope, when did you become so materialistic? All you talk about is money!” “Your dad’s debts aren’t even paid off. Where would I get money for you?” “I thought you’d be sensible now that you’re grown up. I didn’t expect you to just want to bleed me dry.” I sneered internally. Her story was watertight. She was afraid I’d become a burden to her new family, and even more afraid this money would affect her and her new husband’s lifestyle. So she used this chance to solve the “me problem” once and for all. Seeing me unmoved, she seemed to think of something, her eyes shifting as she picked up her phone. “Hope, if you don’t believe me, you should believe your aunt.” “She’s your dad’s biological sister!” The call connected quickly on speaker. “Sis, how’s it going? Did that girl sign?” My aunt’s urgent voice came through. “Hope is here. She won’t sign and is asking me for $50,000.” Linda’s tone was full of grievance. My aunt’s voice instantly spiked on the other end. “$50,000? Why doesn’t she rob a bank! Ungrateful brat!” “Your dad’s bones aren’t even cold, and you’re thinking about splitting the money! How can you face him?” “Your mom’s hair turned gray paying off debts. Do you have no conscience?” Every sentence was a knife in my heart. I looked at Linda, trying to find a trace of maternal warmth on her face. But I failed. “If you don’t give me the money, I’ll apply for legal aid and investigate where that money went.” My answer silenced both ends of the call for a moment. Then, Linda stood up abruptly, pointing at my nose. “You dare!” “Fine! For money, you’d even sue your own mother!” “I’m telling you right now, you won’t see a cent of this money!” People in the cafe looked over, pointing at me. “Kids these days are unbelievable. Being a mom is hard.” “Suing your parents for money? That education was wasted.” “An unfilial daughter like that needs a reality check.” Many took out their phones, seemingly filming. I felt the air around me thinning. Linda looked at me triumphantly. “Hope, do you still want it?” How ironic. $50,000 meant nothing to her, who was about to marry into wealth. But she just wouldn’t give it to me, using this method to trample my dignity. I clenched my fists and spoke word by word. “Linda, I’ll see you in court.” 3 Linda immediately switched to a heartbroken expression, crying to the people around us. “What sin did I commit to raise such a daughter!” “Her dad just died, and she’s forcing me to split the assets. What’s the point of living!” The man named Dave immediately hugged her, comforting her softly while giving me a warning look. The whispers around us grew louder. I felt like a heinous criminal. Eventually, we were taken to the community mediation center. Learning I was suing my mother for $50,000 of the settlement, the mediator, Ms. Wang, frowned deeply. “Young lady, your mother raised you alone. It wasn’t easy. How can you be so insensible?” I pressed my chest to ease the pain, trying to keep my voice steady. “That’s my dad’s settlement money. I’m just asking for my rightful share to pay for tuition.” Linda started crying immediately. “Tuition? She’s always spent money recklessly since she was little, hanging out with bad crowds! I’m afraid if she gets the money, she’ll blow it in three days!” I looked at her in disbelief. For money, she could fabricate facts out of thin air. Feeling that wasn’t enough, she called my aunt again. My aunt rushed over quickly. Upon entering, she pointed at me and cursed. “Hope, you heartless thing! Your mom used all the money to pay off your dad’s gambling debts, and you’re still pressuring her!” “How did our family produce something like you!” I completely gave up. My dad was an honest man. When did he ever gamble? Even his own sister was willing to splash dirty water on the dead to embezzle this money. Ms. Wang’s gaze on me became severe. “Hope, today, you must apologize to your mother and aunt.” “Don’t mention the money again. Go home with your mom.” Seeing me stand still, Linda and my aunt grabbed my arms, trying to drag me out. I broke free with force, holding onto the table to stand steady. “I’m going to sue.” This sentence silenced the entire mediation room. Hearing this, Linda sat on a chair, covering her face and pretending to sob. “My life is so bitter. My daughter, whom I raised so hard, wants to send me to the defendant’s seat for money.” My aunt patted her back incessantly, muttering about my faults. Their performance attracted onlookers from other staff in the center. “Is that the girl suing her mom for money? People really have changed.” “Looks quiet, didn’t expect such a vicious heart.” Ms. Wang sighed heavily and waved at me. “Child, you’re too extreme. This won’t solve the problem.” Linda wiped her dry eyes and stood in front of me. “Ms. Wang, don’t persuade her. If she wants to sue, let her! I’ve had enough!” “Let the judge decide whose fault it is!” With her words, Ms. Wang said no more, just letting us leave. Before leaving, I looked at Ms. Wang and asked softly. “Ma’am, what materials do I need to prepare for a lawsuit?” She looked at me with annoyance and pulled a flyer from a drawer. “The Legal Aid Center’s number is on it. Ask them yourself.” I cherished that thin piece of paper, turned around, and walked out of the mediation center. 4 The day I got the copy of the complaint, my rented basement was trashed. The landlady pointed at my nose and told me to get out immediately. “I won’t rent to an ungrateful wolf who sues her own mother!” In the following days, I found myself isolated by the whole world. In the family group chat, my aunt posted my “crimes” daily, accompanied by Linda’s haggard selfies. “My poor sister, forced to tears every day by her unfilial daughter.” “That girl was vain since childhood, asking her dad for money to buy brand names. Now that he’s gone, she torments her mom.” They even fabricated rumors about my dad’s gambling. Helpless, I left all the group chats, burying my head like an ostrich. But trouble still found me. At the construction site where I worked, the foreman found me and said he couldn’t use me anymore because someone had “said something.” I knew it was their doing. Desperate, I worked odd jobs during the day and hid in the city library’s basement reading room at night. It was quiet and empty. Finally, the court date arrived. As soon as I walked out of the library, I was surrounded by a group of people. The leader was my cousin, my aunt’s son, whom I used to be closest to. “Hope, you really shame our family!” The people behind him also pointed at me. “That’s her. Disowns family for money.” “Heard she wasn’t a good girl in school, hooking up with boys everywhere.” These filthy words made it hard for me to breathe. I stared at my cousin. “You believe them too?” His eyes dodged, but he stiffened his neck. “My mom said if you drop the lawsuit, she’ll buy me the latest phone.” “Hope, don’t be ungrateful. Just for you, our whole family has no peace!” I walked through the crowd expressionlessly toward the courthouse. In the plaintiff’s seat, I sat alone. On the defendant’s side, Linda, my aunt, Dave, and a crowd of relatives filled the seats. The judge banged the gavel, tone serious. “Plaintiff Hope Lin, please present evidence proving the defendant Linda Xu embezzled the settlement money. Otherwise, the court will dismiss your claim.” Linda’s hired lawyer stood up immediately. “My client has used the entire settlement to pay off the deceased’s debts. The plaintiff, as a daughter, not only fails to understand her mother’s hardships but also makes unreasonable demands for property division. This is purely vexatious.” The legal aid lawyer beside me pushed his glasses and whispered. “The situation is very unfavorable for you. You have no direct evidence.” Whispers inside and outside the courtroom surged toward me like a tide. “See? Just making trouble, no evidence at all.” I looked up, meeting all the questioning gazes, and took out an MP3 player so old the paint was peeling off. “Your Honor, the evidence is here.”

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Three months into dating Ethan Black, he took me to meet his “boys.” The guys were cracking inside jokes and roasting Ethan. I stood there, wearing a carefully practiced smile. Chloe Miller tossed Ethan’s jacket back at him. “You wore the wrong jacket last night, fine. But returning it without dry cleaning? Gross.” One of the guys, eager to stir the pot, sneered, “Ethan, you really found yourself a princess, huh? Take my advice, pick a girl who’s domesticated and useful!” “Hand-washing clothes, cooking fresh meals, buying gifts for her man every month—you gotta test her for like three to five years before putting a ring on it!” Chloe nodded vigorously. “Also, remember when I stayed with you in that basement apartment? Back then you’d even wear the wrong underwear. Now you have a ‘sister-in-law,’ keep your distance!” Ethan’s face turned bright red. “Shut up,” he laughed, but didn’t deny it. Mark, a sycophant, leaned into Chloe’s ear. “The new sister-in-law looks clueless. Think she even understands what we’re saying?” They were close, but loud enough for everyone to hear. The group huddled together, snickering. Ethan finally remembered me. He pulled me into the center of the crowd. “Let me introduce you. This is my girlfriend, Sophie Song. No bullying her, alright?” I had just sat down when someone shoved a drink in my hand. “Sister-in-law, to hang with us, you gotta hold your liquor. No cheating.” Ethan took the glass for me. “Sophie is allergic to alcohol. I’ll drink for her.” Chloe’s face darkened instantly. “Ethan, we’ve been friends for years. You forgot the rules?” “Who promised their future partner had to be a drinker?” “Are you ditching your friends for her?” Ethan swallowed the drink and tried to appease her. “I chased Sophie for six months. We’re serious. We’re going to get married. Don’t mess this up.” The room erupted in jeers. “No wonder we haven’t seen you! Ethan is locking it down!” “Not just a girlfriend, a wife!” “Impressive! I thought Chloe was hot, but you leveled up. Sophie is a knockout!” Chloe’s hand holding her drink froze. She punched the guy who spoke, laughing loudly, “I don’t cake on makeup like those little girls.” But her eyes were filled with hostility. Ethan looked uncomfortable. He whispered to me, “Sophie, maybe we should go catch a movie.” I feigned surprise. “Why? We just got here.” My voice wasn’t loud, but it cut through the room. Mark tsked. “Trying to bail already? You used to jump when Chloe said jump. What changed?” “Enough.” Ethan’s voice was dark. The atmosphere stiffened. Only the music continued to thump. The group exchanged glances, eventually focusing on Chloe. Chloe poured two full glasses. One for herself, one for Ethan. “Ethan, since you don’t care about our rules, fine. Drink this, and we go our separate ways.” Ethan clearly didn’t expect this. He hesitated, then turned to me. “Sophie… maybe just drink it? If you feel sick, I’ll take you to the ER.” I smiled, masking my disappointment. “It’s okay, Ethan. It’s your friends’ way of welcoming me.” The stench of cheap alcohol made me nauseous. Ethan looked conflicted but didn’t stop it. Chloe downed her glass in one go. “Sister, if you don’t drink, Ethan might have to dump you.” “Right?” Ethan avoided my eyes. I held the glass for a moment, then set it back on the table. Chloe smirked triumphantly. Before she could speak, I said softly, “I really don’t want to drink. But I’ll accept a penalty. Truth or Dare, whatever.” Jason, the group’s “hype man,” sneered. “We don’t play kid games. You think you’re part of the crew?” “How about this? You don’t want to drink? Pay up. $500 a glass. Deal?” Chloe beamed at him approvingly. The others got excited, waiting to see me embarrassed. Under everyone’s gaze, I nodded slowly. “Sure. I’ll Venmo you.” Jason, seeing I was serious, hesitantly opened his QR code. A second later, the cold, robotic voice announced: “Venmo received: Fifty thousand dollars.” Jason froze, staring at his balance. “Is 100 glasses enough? Should I transfer the next round too?” I held up my phone, casually displaying a balance with too many digits to count at a glance. Jason’s eyes almost popped out. He laughed nervously, his voice dropping an octave. “Enough! Enough! I didn’t know you were a real heiress. I was just joking, don’t be mad.” The others dropped their act and scrambled for Jason’s phone. “100 glasses? You can’t drink all that! Share some!” “I want to drink with the heiress too! Don’t hog it all!” “We’re all Ethan’s bros, we deserve a cut!” Ethan pulled me into his arms. “Watch it! If you bump my wife, my billionaire father-in-law will have your heads!” “It’s just 50k. Look at you guys, embarrassing.” The group froze, exchanging glances. Knowing me, 50k became “pocket change” to Ethan. And “billionaire father-in-law”? They realized they had hit the jackpot. The richest family in the city was the Song family. That made me the Song heiress. “Sophie… I mean, Miss Song. I’m Jason. Call me J-Dog.” “I’m Mark…” They introduced themselves over each other, the arrogance gone. Even Mark, Chloe’s lapdog, wavered. Chloe glared him down. “Sophie Song! You think buying them off works? Get out! We…” “Enough, Chloe! Sophie just got here. Why are you targeting her?” “Yeah, we never said she couldn’t pay. If you don’t like it, you pay.” Chloe was cut off by the group turning on her. Her face went pale, then red. She stomped her foot. “Don’t be mad,” Ethan patted her head. “We’re here to have fun. Don’t ruin the vibe.” “Even you think I’m ruining the vibe?!” Chloe’s eyes reddened. She started chugging straight from the bottle. Before Ethan could react, I took the bottle away. “Chloe, sis, we’re women. Heavy drinking can cause birth defects. Even if you don’t care about yourself, think about your future husband.” Chloe tried to snatch it back, but hearing “birth defects,” she hesitated. “But you drank with me earlier. I’ll pay the $500.” She felt insulted and opened her mouth to argue, but Mark beat her to it. “Sister-in-law, send it to me! I’ll hold it for Chloe.” I nodded. “Sure.” Another $50k hit his account. The room exploded. I spoke slowly, “Send the rest to Chloe too. Use it for a health checkup.” Mark, blinded by money, forgot all about loyalty. “Sister-in-law, what do you want to drink? I’ll buy!” “Get lost!” Ethan shoved him. “Back off.” The party was a hit—except for Chloe. Before leaving, I dropped another $100k on a tab for them. Afterward, Jason added me to the group chat. I was in. But seeing the group name—”Chloe’s Simps”—I knew I needed stronger medicine to break them apart. Ethan saw me on my phone and grumbled, “Sophie, is your family really that strict? No sex before marriage?” His words were muffled by the pillow. I looked down, feigning sadness. “I’m sorry, Ethan. I know it’s hard…” Seeing my guilt, Ethan softened. “Didn’t you want a car? I’ll have the dealership deliver one tomorrow.” Ethan shook with excitement. “Really?!” I nodded. “Of course. When have I lied to you?” He kissed me and pulled me into a hug. Once his breathing evened out, I went to the bathroom and scrubbed my face until it was raw. Looking at the scars on my right arm, tears fell. Soon. These scumbags will pay. I unlocked my phone and added Chloe. She accepted instantly: “Ethan make you apologize?” I smiled and sent my prepared message. As expected, blocked. I smirked at the chat log. Chloe was too easy. The next day, when Ethan rolled up in the sports car, the boys lost their minds. Basking in the glory, he announced, “Sophie bought it. Haven’t even broken it in yet!” Chloe, ignored again, snapped, “Are we going shopping or what?!” They said yes, but their eyes were glued to the car. I saw their envy. “If you guys like it, we can rent a track and race.” Jason was first. “Hell yeah! Never driven a beast like this!” Some hesitated. “What if we crash? Insurance…” I smiled. “I’ll just rent the whole track.” I called the track owner. The respectful tone on the other end sealed the deal. Their eyes were full of worship. The owner sent a shuttle. I looked at the left-out Chloe and acted regretful. “Oh, aren’t you guys going shopping with Chloe? Maybe Ethan and I should go ahead?” Jason immediately insisted on accompanying me. The others followed. Chloe stood there, awkward and alone. Tears fell. Realizing she was actually crying, the guys went back and coaxed her into the shuttle. At the track, they let her pick first. She glared at me, thinking she won. I watched them do laps. Until Jason came up behind me and saw the open chat on my phone. His smile vanished. “Stop! Chloe, get over here!” Jason blocked the track with his body. The guys were annoyed, especially Mark, who shoved him. Jason grabbed my phone and shoved it in Chloe’s face. “Explain this!” The chat showed my lonely messages. “Chloe, sis, you’re the only girl in the group. I didn’t want Ethan to get jealous, so I came to you.” “I ruined the vibe tonight. I’m sorry. How about I send everyone $100k as an apology?” Chloe’s reply: “Fck off, gold digger.”* Blocked. Seeing the red exclamation mark, Jason looked like he was about to explode. The others raged. “Chloe, what the hell?” “Sister-in-law apologizes and you treat her like this?” Chloe became the target. She lifted her chin stubbornly, tears falling again. But this time, crying didn’t work. Ethan returned from the restroom and saw the commotion. After hearing the story, he looked at Chloe helplessly. “Chloe, you were wrong this time. Talk to the guys next time.” “Sophie, take a step back. Re-send the apology红包 (red envelopes).” “Sure,” I agreed instantly, making Chloe look petty. Mark grinned. “Send Chloe’s share to me. I’ll save it for her.” Chloe turned purple, but everyone was too busy checking their bank balances. Money received. They rushed back to the track. Chloe was done. She glared at me like she wanted to murder me. Until she saw my phone wallpaper. She froze, rubbing her eyes. She confirmed it. A smirk appeared. She snapped a few photos, thinking, Sophie Song, you’re dead. A few days later, Chloe acted out of character. “I was bad to Sophie. Lunch is on me today.” Once she showed weakness, the guys forgave her on my behalf. At the restaurant, she ordered a feast. Ethan peeled shrimp for me. Chloe watched with envy. She cleared her throat. “Ethan, how did you meet Sophie?” Ethan was confused but answered. “Someone was following her at night. I stepped in.” Chloe nodded, smiling. “I thought billionaire heiresses had drivers and bodyguards. Or at least didn’t walk alone at night.” Jason clicked his tongue, missing the point. Until she pulled out a photo. The table went silent. It was a blurry photo of my wallpaper. Jason, who wanted to defend me, went pale. “Sophie, funny thing. We all know the person on your wallpaper. Her name is very similar to yours.” “Sarah Song. If she hadn’t… had that incident, you wouldn’t be Ethan’s girlfriend.” “What’s your relationship with her?” I looked surprised, then sighed. “I didn’t think you’d know.” Everyone looked wary. “She’s a painter I really like. She committed suicide after being cyberbullied for… a scandalous private life. But her art was beautiful.” “I missed her, so I used her photo.” “Chloe, are you a fan too?” The tension broke. Everyone exhaled. Chloe froze. Her triumphant look shattered. “Sophie Song, stop acting! I checked! You aren’t the Song heiress!” Chloe threw documents on the table. “The Song family only has one son.” “You didn’t know this restaurant is next to the Song Corp building, did you?” “If you were really the heiress, the staff would know you!” “And that car? It’s a rental! It’s been driven by half the influencers online!” The guys looked at me in shock. Jason realized, “You didn’t spend much these few days. And you do look like her…” Chloe smirked. “You’re investigating Sarah, aren’t you? Dare to confront the Song Group with me?” My eyes widened in fear. Ethan felt a chill. I was dragged to the Song Group lobby. Chloe pinched my chin, slamming my face onto the cold stone desk. “Do you know her?” The receptionists shook their heads instantly. Chloe slapped me hard. “Bitch! Daring to play me!” Blood trickled from my mouth. I trembled, “I’m not the Song heiress…” My next sentence froze her blood. The guys holding me let go in terror. “But I am the CEO’s sister.” Footsteps approached. The lobby went silent. A man stormed toward us. “Mr. Song!” the staff chorused. Lucas Song pulled me into his arms. “Sophie, are you okay?” His pupils constricted. “Your face…” I buried my head in his chest. “Brother…” Hearing him answer, the group knew they were screwed. Chloe stammered, “Mr. Song, you’re mistaken. How could she…” “Shut up!”

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