Chapter 1

Derek Sadler helped me up. His lips quivered for a long moment before he finally heaved a sigh. He said, "It's the Sadler family's misfortune. We are destined to have no heirs. What a sin."

The old man, who was always so composed, let tears slip down his cheeks. "The Sadler family owes you, Molly. Whatever you want, just say the word."

I lowered my head, clutching the urn to my chest, my gaze hollow. "Let me go."

Derek agreed. Three days later, he arranged for me to leave the country.

When I returned to the villa and pushed open the door, a bucket of icy water crashed down over me.

Peggy Olson strolled over happily and flung a used condom into my face. "Adrian said you should clean this."

It was pointless to clean that. However, I knew that it was just another one of Adrian's attempts to humiliate me. After years of experiencing his cruelty, I had grown numb.

I remembered another time when I had accidentally torn Peggy's stockings while doing the laundry. For that mistake, Adrian ordered someone to rip out my fingernails as punishment.

Feeling numb, I made my way upstairs to clean up the mess they'd left behind in the throes of their passion.

Adrian appeared at the stair landing. He raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Who are you trying to fool with that miserable expression? Didn't you just go complaining to Grandpa? You're so fond of complaining. It seems like you can't keep your mouth shut. Why don't you use your mouth to serve me during the livestream tomorrow night? I'm sure everyone would love to see how skilful you are."

I lowered my head and remained silent. A dull ache pulsed in my chest, but I had become numb to it long ago.

Feeling annoyed at my silence, Adrian's frown deepened as he strode toward me.

Just then, Peggy darted forward and snatched the urn from my arms. "What's this box you're carrying? It's exquisite. I could use a new jewelry case!"

Horror jolts through me, my eyes widening and my veins tightening as a desperate scream tears out of my throat. "Give it back!"

I lunged for the urn. Adrian immediately stepped in front of Peggy and drove his foot into my chest.

It was as if an invisible hand were squeezing my heart, forcing the air from my lungs.

I glared at Adrian with reddened eyes. "Give me back the box. It's my fault. I shouldn't have tattled. Just give it back. I'll do anything you want!"

Pain stabbed deep in my chest when I saw his cold, unyielding stare. I slowly sank to my knees. "Please…"

I knew that Adrian despised our child and me. If he realized what was inside that box, he'd likely burn it immediately.

Adrian was caught off guard by my desperation. He glanced at the box in Peggy's hands and instructed, "Give it back to her. It's just a worthless box. I can get you something better."

Peggy pouted, her eyes flashing with resentment. Then she smirked, holding out the box and deliberately letting it slip from her fingers.

The box hit the floor with a crash. Peggy recoiled in surprise and then deliberately stomped on the box in disgust. "What the hell is this? It's disgusting!"