Chapter 1

“Madam Jones, we’re honored to have you here. Why didn’t you give me a heads-up?

“My apologies for the poor hospitality. I’ll arrange the best hotel in the area right away to make it up to you!”

Knowing that Kelsey had arrived, the developer in charge of the construction site where I worked rushed over and kept fawning over her obsequiously.

Over the last few years, Weylon and Kelsey had taken over all my resources and become increasingly successful.

They had become a prominent and influential enterprise in the southeast region, and people fawned over them wherever they went.

Kelsey was polite, but her demeanor carried a prideful indifference. “Save the trouble. I’m here for Max. I’ll leave after I talk to him.”

The developer cast a puzzled glance at me. “Max Campbell?

“What could you possibly have to say to this ugly, crippled laborer? Did he offend you?

“Madam Jones, you just need to tell me, and I’ll properly handle him on your behalf.”

Kelsey glared at him. “Get lost!”

The developer dared not take offense. He even suspended the construction work to clear a quiet space for us.

Kelsey sent Josie away before she walked over to me alone.

“Max, if you come back and work for us, we can arrange plastic surgery for you and treat your disabled leg.

“Weylon is preparing to get the company publicly listed, and he can’t do it alone. You’re still capable, aren’t you?”

The fake smile on my face froze instantly.

I thought Kelsey had come to me out of guilt, but it turned out she was after what little value I had left.

Their hands were stained with the blood of the village chief, the villagers, and my blood. They wanted me back just to drain every last drop from me.

“Forget it. I can’t afford to take your money!” I spat coldly.

Then, I turned around and walked away.

Kelsey suddenly grabbed my arm. “Max, I-I really want to help you.

“As for what happened back then, we did you wrong, but I had no choice. Weylon acted rashly and did the wrong thing. If the villagers found out the truth, they would have beaten him to death.

“He’s my foster brother, but he’s the only heir in our family. He must not be harmed.

“After all, you were close with the villagers. I knew you wouldn’t have died…”

Her voice gradually faded into silence.

It was true that I had not been beaten to death. However, that was not because the villagers had been merciful. It was because I had gotten lucky and survived against all odds.

When I was barely hanging on in the ICU, Kelsey never came to see me.

She was too busy clearing Weylon of guilt and eliminating every piece of evidence and every loose end that might incriminate him.

In the end, she even used our own daughter as leverage to force me into taking the blame.

At this time, all I felt for her was sheer disgust. I raised my hand and wanted to push her away.

Before I could even touch her, Josie suddenly charged over and slammed into me. “Go away! You murderer! Don’t you touch my mother!”

Faced with the hatred in Josie’s eyes, I could not bear to stay a second longer. I just fled in disgrace.

Half an hour later, I calmed down and went back to work. Suddenly, the developer gathered a bunch of workers and surrounded me.

“Max Campbell, look at how crappy you look! Madam Jones graciously offers to take you along. How dare you refuse?

“Pack your things now and get lost. You’re fired!”