Chapter 5

All of a sudden, the door opened again. With a splash, a bucket of icy cold water was dumped all over me. It was winter, and the water was bone-chillingly cold.

Soaked through, I was freezing to the point of nearly passing out. I weakly called out for help.

The people outside cursed loudly, "You shameless toad! How dare you even fight for Christine, the most beautiful woman in the factory? Who do you think you are? It's high time you take a look in the mirror! You brought this on yourself!"

I passed out from the cold, my body burning with fever. But the sheer hatred and grievance in me kept me going, my willpower pushing me through to endure it all.

In my daze, I heard someone open the door.

Carol sighed with pity, helped me up, and fed me a bowl of gruel. "You, of all people… You're usually so hardworking and diligent. How did you end up doing something so foolish?"

With trembling hands, I pulled an envelope from inside my clothes. "...Please deliver this for me."

Carol hesitated for a moment, then took it and hurried away. She only closed the door and deliberately left it unlocked.

Upon staggering out of the detention cell, I struggled to adjust to the light outside. It was then that I realized that three days had already passed.

Workers passing by gave me cold, gloating looks. "Serves you right!"

I didn't dare linger. Forcing myself forward, I ran toward the post office. It wasn't until I spotted a military vehicle that I cried out in surprise, "Dad!"

My voice was hoarse and faint, but as if by some kind of instinct, Dad hurried out of the car.

I tried to walk toward him, but the days of torment had left me utterly exhausted. My vision darkened, and I collapsed.

Moments later, I was revived with some glucose solution and slowly opened my eyes.

Dad held me up, his expression one of worry and confusion. "Tim, how did you end up in such a state?"

I was about to answer him when suddenly a group of people rushed over and surrounded us.

Leading them was one of Edison's subordinates. He warned arrogantly, "Ms. Blackwell said you're not allowed near her house. You are to go back to your home in the countryside immediately.

"It's Mr. Whitman's and Ms. Blackwell's wedding today. If you dare cause any trouble, you'll be thrown back into the detention cell again!"

After delivering the threat, they strutted off triumphantly.

Dad was stunned, and his hands trembled slightly. "Again? Who dared to lock you up? Who was it?"

"...Christine and Edison."

Then, I told him everything that had happened over the past three years.

By the time I finished, Dad's face was ashen. "Come on. I'll go with you to demand justice."

…

We arrived at the Blackwell residence, only to find that it was decked out in grand decorations, with fresh flowers brightening every corner. Guests crowded around the newlyweds, showering them with petals and confetti.

Edison stood tall and proud, the flower on his chest especially eye-catching. Christine, in a white dress, nestled shyly by his side. Irina was beaming, unable to stop smiling as she clapped and cheered.

When our high-end military vehicle pulled up at the entrance, everyone turned to look.

"Wow! Which influential figure have we got here? That's a Regalton license plate."

Christine's face lit up with excitement as she hugged Edison's arm. "It looks like someone powerful from Regalton is here! Eddie, you really make me proud!"

Edison looked surprised and puzzled, but when he heard Christine's words, he just gave an awkward smile and didn't deny it.

Our guards respectfully opened the door and saluted.

As soon as Dad stepped out of the car, the guests all smiled and fawned over him, ushering the couple forward.

But Dad didn't even acknowledge them. Instead, he reached out and helped me out of the car.

The moment Christine caught sight of me, her face turned deathly pale.