Chapter 1

"Are you trying to starve me just to save a little money? Are you hoping I'll die so you can inherit my inheritance and spend it however you want?"

My mother-in-law, Ruth Jennings, roared at me with tears brimming in her eyes.

At the sight of the half-eaten greasy dishes on the table, my chest tightened with anger.

I was about to remind her of her high blood pressure when my sister-in-law, Esmerelda Black, suddenly stepped in front of me. She explained, "I know you don't want me to treat Mom to a nice meal. She's my mother, though.

"Clara, you're just her daughter-in-law, so you won't understand how much it hurts to see Mom go hungry."

Ruth shot me a glare. "Since you hate me so much, go back to your own family. I'd still like to live a few more years!"

'Even if I told Clara that I came to accompany Esmerelda that day and hadn't taken a single bite of the unhealthy food, she'd never believe me. I wasn't her real mother, so she always took things out on me without even knowing the truth.'

I froze, watching as Ruth packed up her things. Her mouth never moved, but I heard her words clearly.

That was when I realized what was really going on that day.

...

That day was Ruth's 70th birthday. I had recorded a video of birthday wishes from her loved ones, invited her old friends over, cooked a table full of food, and even made a birthday cake. I'd also told Esmerelda in advance, hoping to give Ruth a surprise.

Instead, Esmerelda said she wanted company. She called Ruth over, and stood me and Ruth's friends up on purpose. Then, at her place, she ordered a bunch of unhealthy food, and urged Ruth to eat.

Ruth had passed out several times in the past due to high blood pressure, and the doctor had warned her to avoid salty and oily food. However, Esmerelda had ignored the warnings.

She even switched off Ruth's phone so I couldn't find them. I searched all day, and left with no choice, I finally called the police. That was how I tracked them down.

I had always treated Ruth like my own mother. I was only strict with her because I cared about her. However, when I lost my temper in public and scolded her, it humiliated her. After that, she stopped coming around for months.

From then on, Ruth didn't actually kick me out but grew more hostile toward me. Whenever we had a little disagreement, she'd paint me as selfish, cruel, and eager for her inheritance.

On top of that, she continued feasting on rich, greasy food every day until she had a stroke and couldn't be saved.

And me? The day after Ruth died, Esmerelda sold me off to North Maldia, where I was tortured to death.

Only while I was on my deathbed did Esmerelda proudly tell me that she could hear Ruth's inner thoughts. That was when I realized there had been such a huge misunderstanding between Ruth and me.

After my husband, Ethan, died on duty, I refused to remarry and insisted on having our posthumous child. Deeply moved by this, Ruth gave me their family heirloom bracelet, put me in charge of the family business, and repeatedly promised that I would inherit most of the assets after she died.

I also felt for Ruth, losing her son so late in life. I cared for her, attending to her meals, daily needs, and rest. Sometimes, I was even a little strict with her.

I thought she knew I was doing it for her good. I didn't know she had long grown resentful of my rules.

On top of that, Esmerelda was always whispering in Ruth's ear, pretending to stand up for her, but actually twisting my good intentions. She fed Ruth lies, making me look like the bad guy.

She would inherit everything once Ruth fully despised me. For money, Esmerelda would even scheme against her own mother without hesitation. What a "good" daughter she was.

I came back to my senses and looked coldly at Esmerelda. If I had another chance, I would tear that fake smile off her face with my own hands.

Ruth, impatient, snapped, "Why are you still here? Are you still trying to cause trouble with Esme? Don't cross the line!"

I sighed helplessly.