Chapter 2

I looked at the man I had called Dad since childhood, but there was no trace of familiarity left.

The urn in my arms also seemed to grow unbearably heavy.

It held all that remained of Mom in this world.

"What if she never comes out?"

I asked.

Dad did not even look up.

"Don’t imitate your mother’s pathetic tactics."

He pulled a gold-embossed envelope from his suit pocket.

"Since your mother refuses to admit her mistake, I’ve decided to give your recommendation letter for Westbridge College of Art to Winnie.

"Winnie suffered a lot as a child. She needs this opportunity to establish herself.

"You’re my daughter. Even without that recommendation letter, the entire Lawson family will support you in the future."

Evelyn bit her lip and pretended to refuse.

"Justin, this is far too valuable. Ms. York left it for Minnie. Winnie shouldn’t take it."

Dad’s tone left no room for argument.

"Ava is my legal wife. Isn’t everything she owns mine? Take it and give it to Winnie."

I stared at the recommendation letter and dug my nails deep into my palm.

Mom spent several sleepless nights painting despite her illness to beg an overseas professor for this place for me.

Yet Dad casually handed it to his first love’s daughter.

I did not throw a fit like I usually did. I simply nodded calmly.

"Fine."

Dad froze for a moment, seemingly caught off guard by my obedience.

He frowned, and a flicker of panic crossed his eyes.

"Minnie, I’m not playing favorites. Your mother already has the position of Mrs. Lawson.

" Evelyn once saved my life, and Winnie has grown up without a father. It’s only right for me to take extra care of them."

I closed my eyes and hid the scorn in them.

"So, you simply watched Mom die."

Dad’s expression darkened instantly.

"Minnie Lawson, try speaking to me in that sarcastic tone one more time! When your mother comes out, I’ll ask her exactly how she raised you!"

I let out a cold laugh.

"I already told you. Mom isn’t coming out."

Dad gave me a dark look before suddenly turning to the butler.

"Prepare the upstairs bedroom with the best natural light for Evelyn and Winnie."

My heart tightened.

It was Mom’s favorite room when she was alive.

When Dad built this villa, he had a sunroom specially designed for Mom so she could paint.

Whenever Dad stayed away for too long, she painted a portrait of him and hung it in the room.

Yet all these years, Dad had devoted himself entirely to Evelyn and her daughter. He had never once stepped inside.

The butler hesitated.

"Sir, Mrs. Lawson uses that room to store her paintings…"

"Throw them all away."

Dad’s tone left no room for argument.

"Since she doesn’t understand generosity, she deserves a little punishment."

A smile tugged at the corners of Evelyn’s lips, but she still shook her head with red-rimmed eyes.

"Justin, there’s no need. I can sleep in the staff quarters downstairs with Winnie. We’re used to living without much. We’ll manage."

Dad’s expression darkened completely.

" Evelyn, you’re too soft-hearted. That’s why she always bullies you."

He turned to me, his gaze icy.

"Go tell your mother that Evelyn and Winnie are moving in today. She can come downstairs and apologize once she realizes her mistake."

My heart turned completely cold.

I ignored all three of them and walked upstairs without looking back.

When I returned to my room, I pulled a large suitcase from beneath the bed and carefully placed Mom’s urn inside.

Then I pulled another recommendation letter from beneath my pillow.

Mom was the most gifted student at her art school. Her mentor urged her countless times to stay and pursue advanced studies in art.

Yet she chose to give it all up and return home for Dad.

I stared at the recommendation letter, my eyes growing hot.

Mom must have anticipated this day long ago. That was why she prepared a backup plan for me.

The paperwork to study abroad would take three days.

I pressed the recommendation letter against my chest and closed my eyes.

"Mom, in three days, I’ll take you away with me."