Chapter 3

The doctor said, "The patient's condition is extremely serious. We need to administer a specialized medication immediately. Otherwise, I'm afraid she won't make it."

My heart sank as I rushed to the payment desk. No matter which card I tried, all I got was the same message—transaction declined. The bank account had been frozen.

I called Katrina like a madman.

Once… Twice… She didn't answer.

Just as I was on the verge of breaking down, my phone vibrated.

An anonymous message came in. I opened it and saw that it was a video.

By the pool, Eason was wrapped in a bath towel. He looked as innocent as ever as he leaned against Katrina.

He whined, "Trina, I went to check on Mrs. Jaeger today because I was worried about her. Who knew she'd get so worked up that she'd pass out? If something happens to her, will Felix come after me?"

Katrina frowned slightly before smoothing her expression. Her eyes were cold.

She said, "Don't worry. His mother passes out a few times a year. She'll live. Besides, this will teach Felix a lesson. He's been too rebellious lately. He's forgotten his place and even dared to talk back to me."

Eason wrapped his arms around hers and acted spoiled.

A hint of tenderness flashed through Katrina's eyes. "Don't worry. Even if his mother really dies, I'll make sure you don't take the blame."

The video ended.

I felt my blood run cold in that instant. My heart had already been torn to pieces countless times. Even so, hearing those words come out of her mouth firsthand still hurt in a dull, unbearable way.

Just then, Katrina called me.

I forced down the pain and hatred burning inside me.

My voice came out hoarse as I said, "Katrina, my mother is in the hospital fighting for her life. I need money. Please unfreeze my cards."

Her cold voice didn't leave any room for objection. "Fine. But first, get back to the villa and apologize to Eason. Kneel down and tell everyone that he and his mother aren't worthless trash. Otherwise, your cards stay frozen forever."

My throat felt unbearably tight. So much so that even breathing hurt.

I pleaded humbly, "Katrina, please. Save Mom first. As long as she survives, I'll do anything."

She laughed derisively, her voice dripping with contempt. "You're in no position to bargain with me."

I could no longer suppress my rage.

I screamed into the phone, "You know damn well Eason was the one who drove my mother into the hospital! Why do you have to take things this far? Do you even have a heart? Mom treated you so well all these years. Have you forgotten everything she's done for you?"

There was silence on the other end. Then, I heard Eason quietly sobbing.

Katrina's frigid voice sounded again. "What's so special about the little, insignificant things she did? It was nothing more than a cheap way for someone from the bottom of society to curry favor with me."

In that moment, I hated myself.

I hated myself for ever falling in love with such a cold-blooded monster.

Left with no choice, I stumbled my way back to the villa.

The pool party was in full swing, the music blasting so loudly it shook the walls. Katrina and Eason were surrounded by people. They were like a king and queen presiding over their court.

My arrival made me look like a clown who had wandered into the wrong venue.

Everyone turned to stare at me, their eyes filled with mocking amusement as they waited for the show.

Katrina looked at me coldly and gestured. "Come here and apologize."

The crowd automatically parted to make a path for me. They laughed and whispered among themselves.

"Look at him. He looks pathetic."

"He's the number one kept man in all of Doverton. He's worthless."

Eason had his arm around Katrina as he spoke in a falsely magnanimous tone. "Forget it, Katrina. It's not like this is the first time Felix has misunderstood me."

As I looked at his fake, self-righteous expression, hatred surged through me. However, Mom was waiting for me to save her.

I clenched my jaw and dropped to my knees in front of him. "I'm sorry."

The humiliating words were forced through my gritted teeth.

The people around us started chanting. "Bow your head! Bow your head!"