Chapter 2

None of Samson's assistants dared slack off once he gave the order. And just like that, a dozen people escorted Priscilla out of the hospital.

I was about to slip away when Samson's voice rang out, sharp with fury.

"Didn't they say my father was out of danger? Find out what's going on! I want every detail. And since Priscilla Jensen was the last one with him, dig up everything on her!"

Just like they said, Samson was impossible to cross. Priscilla had no idea what she was in for. There was no way she'd get what she wanted.

I had just unlocked my phone when a message from her came through.

She wrote, "If you say a word about this, you're dead. Once I marry into the Carroll family, you'll get your cut. Did you see how Samson looked at me? He's already starting to care."

Another text followed. "His parents are gone. From now on, I'll be the only family he has. And if his father wanted us to get married, he wouldn't dare refuse."

After hearing what Samson had said, all I wanted was to distance myself from her. However, I couldn't let her catch on.

So, I thought carefully before replying, "I didn't see a thing. But once you marry into that family, don't forget about me. Just get me a job that pays a few grand more."

Priscilla replied almost instantly with a condescending emoji. Then, she added, "That's all you want, huh? At least all my hard work over the past few days is finally paying off. I'm this close to living the good life as a rich man's wife."

I quickly shot back, "You really are the smart one."

I couldn't help but think about everything she had pulled off lately. She had quit a decent job just to return to nursing.

In the past, she'd complain nonstop about hospital work. She hated the sight of patients and couldn't stand anything even remotely dirty.

But recently, it was like she had transformed overnight. Suddenly, she was the perfect nurse, bringing bedpans and fetching water with a smile.

Priscilla was gentle and attentive. She practically lived at the hospital, constantly darting in and out of rooms. Before long, Albert had become completely dependent on her.

"Where's Pris?" he'd ask every few minutes. He even kicked out the bodyguards and caregivers, insisting that only Priscilla take care of him.

During that period, Samson came by a few times, and on each visit, he treated her with respect. Eventually, the way he looked at her softened, too.

By then, the entire Carroll family was utterly grateful to Priscilla, seeing her as a hero.

…

When I got home, my parents, Thomas Jensen and Fiona Lambert, had stayed at home.

The moment they saw me walk in alone, they stopped me at the door. As soon as I mentioned the Carrolls had taken Priscilla with them, they clapped their hands with glee.

"Oh, Tom. I can finally buy that jewelry set I've had my eye on—the one that costs over 100 thousand dollars!" my mom exclaimed. "I'd like to see if the neighbors will try and look down on us again now."

My dad beamed. "Ah, Fiona! I already put a deposit down on that Rolls-Royce. Once we're in-laws with that kind of money, no one's going to treat us like nobodies anymore!"

When I didn't react, my dad slapped me without hesitation.

"You're good for nothing," he spat. "At the end of the day, your sister's the one taking this family somewhere."

My mom couldn't stand the sight of me either and wasted no time adding fuel to the fire. "I always knew Priscilla would make something of herself, unlike this ungrateful brat."

Then, she ordered me, "Now get in the kitchen and cook something! You've been home long enough, and you haven't lifted a finger."

Resentment churned inside me as I headed to the kitchen. Behind me, my mom let out a satisfied sigh and remarked, "It's happening. Once he sees the will, he'll marry Priscilla."

Samson was the most devoted son of Jansbury's wealthiest man. Back when his father was alive, he wouldn't dare disobey a single word.

But now, Albert had passed away. Judging from Samson's reaction today, there was no way he'd blindly follow a will that came out of nowhere.

As I scrubbed a pan, I overheard my mom again.

"You're a genius," she told my dad. "Thank goodness you thought of putting that clause in the will. He can only inherit everything if he marries Priscilla. I'm sure that sealed the deal."

"Well, of course. I never make a move unless I'm sure it'll work. There's no way Samson would walk away from that inheritance. He'll marry Priscilla, even if it's just for the money."

A beat later, my mom squealed. "Look! A message from Priscilla!"

Then, she read it out loud. "Don't worry, Mom and Dad. Samson's treating me like a princess."

"Oh my goodness! We must be the luckiest family in town! We'd better say another prayer for her, just to be safe."

But all I could think was they'd better start praying Priscilla could make it out of this mess.