Chapter 4. An Annoying Surprise

The car sped forward. Rain began to fall, accompanying Amora as she rushed to the hospital after receiving the news that her father was in critical condition. Raindrops streaked across the windshield in uneven lines, and Amora’s own tears streamed down her cheeks.

When she arrived, Amora hurried inside the large hospital. Her heart trembled violently the moment her eyes caught sight of Vicktor standing not far from the emergency room. The wound of betrayal resurfaced, bringing back a pain she could hardly contain.

She was about to step inside, but Vicktor’s voice stopped her.

“Amora…” he called softly.

Amora turned, her gaze bitter and sharp.

“Why is Father in critical condition? Did he have an accident, Vick?!”

Her question froze Vicktor in silence. His mind scrambled for an answer. He couldn’t possibly tell her the truth—that Robert had gone to see Lucy at her residence.

“Mommy said Daddy slipped in the bathroom and passed out. Maybe his heart condition relapsed again.”

Vicktor was forced to lie, just to protect Lucy from Amora’s accusations.

Amora’s face showed shock. “Where’s Mommy now?” she asked.

“Mommy is handling the paperwork. She asked me to stay here and watch over Daddy,” he replied, trying to sound calm, though the unease was clear on his face.

Before Amora could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps approached. Amora froze, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Her guess was right—Lucy must have come looking for Vicktor.

“Lucy, why are you here?” Vicktor was startled. He quickly grabbed Lucy’s arm and pulled her a little away from Amora.

“I told you to wait for me at home!” His voice rose slightly, filled with worry. He was terrified his mother-in-law might suddenly show up and see Lucy there. That would only complicate matters further.

Lucy lowered her head, putting on a sorrowful expression. “I’m sorry, Vicktor. Kelly’s running a high fever—she needs to be examined immediately.”

Vicktor stiffened. “What? Kelly’s sick?”

“Yes, her fever is high. We need to take her to the doctor right now,” Lucy pressed urgently.

Vicktor fell silent, his face conflicted. He turned toward Amora, as if pleading for understanding. “Amora… Kelly’s sick, she’s burning up with fever. I have to go home right away.”

Amora let out a bitter scoff, her chest tightening as if being crushed. “Go. I don’t need you anymore!” she declared firmly, though her heart ached.

“Amora, I—”

Before Vicktor could finish, Lucy tugged at his hand. “Hurry, Vicktor! Don’t waste time.”

With hesitant steps, Vicktor finally followed Lucy out of the hospital. Amora remained standing at the ICU doors, her body trembling as she tried to suppress the storm of rage and pain inside her.

She clenched her fists, staring blankly at the path they had just taken. “That woman is nothing but pure drama,” she hissed sharply, forcing back the tears that threatened to fall.

Now, she was left alone to face the bitter reality before the emergency room.

Moments later, the ICU doors swung open. A heart specialist emerged, his expression grim. “Family of the patient, please come in,” he said quietly.

Amora instantly rose, her heart pounding uncontrollably. With unsteady steps, she entered the room. The moment her gaze fell on the stretcher, she froze in place. Her father, Robert, lay motionless, his breath gone forever.

“No… Father!” Amora cried out, her voice shattering. She staggered forward, each step unbearably heavy, then threw herself onto Robert’s cold body. Her tears poured endlessly, soaking the hospital gown he wore.

“Father, wake up… I know you can still hold on,” she sobbed, shaking him desperately. “Don’t leave me, Father…”

Her cries filled the room, moving even the nurses to bow their heads in grief.

Not long after, Jessica entered. Her face was pale, her eyes widening in horror at the sight of her lifeless husband. “Robert… how could you… leave me?” she whispered weakly before her body collapsed.

“Mommy!” Amora screamed, reaching for her mother, but Jessica had already fallen unconscious. Luckily, several nurses rushed forward and caught her before she hit the floor.

Amora was utterly shaken. Her hands trembled, her vision blurred with tears. “I’ve lost everything… the wound from Vicktor hasn’t healed, now Father is gone, and Mother has fallen into grief…”

She looked at her father’s peaceful face, as though he were only sleeping. Her heart shattered, as if the entire world had crumbled onto her shoulders alone.

“Why is all this happening to me? How much more strength must I have to bear it all?” she whispered faintly, clinging to her father as though refusing to let go.

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A week after Robert Shane’s passing, a phone call from the company nearly stopped Amora’s heartbeat.

“Mrs. Amora… I must deliver important news,” the secretary’s voice trembled over the line. “All the company’s assets… have been officially transferred into Vicktor Caldwell’s name.”

Amora froze. “What?!” Her voice rose sharply, her fingers clutching the phone so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

“It’s true, Madam. All the documents have been signed… and legally ratified.”

The call ended, but Amora’s chest still heaved violently. Her tears fell—not from grief, but from the fire of rage consuming her.

Her gaze hardened, her right hand clenched tightly into a fist, her teeth grinding in fury at her husband.

“So this is how you repay my family? How cruel can you be, Vicktor…” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Without another thought, Amora grabbed her car keys and drove straight home. Ever since she had left, she hadn’t set foot in that house again—it had been too painful to live under the same roof as that temptress.

Amora had thought Vicktor would never stoop this low. But she had been gravely mistaken. He hadn’t only betrayed her—he had destroyed her family.

When she finally arrived at her luxurious home, Amora was struck with yet another shock. Suddenly, the place was crowded with strangers she didn’t recognize at all, as though they were invited guests. Inside, it looked as if a party was being held.