Chapter 5

That evening, Hazel came to me, looking as pitiful as she had the day she first showed up at my doorstep. "Max, are you mad at me? The shareholders have been pushing to sell their shares lately. You know, we sell health products, and your health hasn't been great.

"That's the only reason we didn't admit your identity. We were worried it might hurt the company's reputation. Just… stay at home and rest from now on. I'll take care of company affairs."

What a load of nonsense. So, the owner of a pharmaceutical company wasn't allowed to get sick, then?

I knew they were giving me harmful drugs, but I hadn't gathered the evidence, so I couldn't blow my cover just yet.

"I see… I guess I was being a little petty," I said, forcing a fake smile.

"Glad you understand. I'll have Richard bring your medicine over in a bit."

A few minutes later, Richard came in with the medicine. He looked devoted, wrapping his arms around me as if nothing had ever happened. "Honey, don't waste your energy on meaningless people. Here, take your meds. You'll have better sleep after that."

He didn't relax until he saw me finish it, then held me close as we lay down together. After a long while, he gently shook me. He made sure I was unconscious before he freed his hand to send a message.

At that moment, I quickly spat the medicine into a towel I had prepared in advance.

Richard had the habit of casting movies onto the TV screen. Right then, he was sending messages. I glanced over, and sure enough, Hazel's name was on the screen.

Hazel: "Is that bitch out yet? If she is, come over quickly."

Richard: "I was generous with the dose today, so she passed out quickly. Babe, why don't you come over instead? I think it'll be thrilling to do it beside her."

Hazel: "No, you come. By the way, we should speed up our plan. I'm thinking of Linda's suggestion. Maybe we can send that woman straight into a psychiatric hospital."

When Richard saw the message, he grabbed two condoms from the drawer and hurried out of the room. Watching their conversation, I trembled with rage.

The two people I loved and trusted the most were stabbing me in my back. Setting aside my hurt, I swiftly pulled out my phone and snapped photos of the chat cast on the screen.

When the door clicked, I lay back down. He rushed back in, saw that I was "asleep", and quickly turned off the screen. Then, he left again.

…

The next day, Hazel brought me the medicine. "Max, I've asked a doctor to come by and help with your treatment today. You should take your meds now."

It was the same drug that made my mind scatter. In my previous life, it was this very medicine that made me confess I had a mental disorder, giving her the excuse to send me to the psychiatric hospital.

"Okay," I said, then downed it all at once.

Soon, the doctor they arranged arrived. "From what I can tell, Ms. Moore does indeed have a serious mental disorder. I recommend hospitalization for observation."

He reported to Hazel. Regardless of whether I was actually ill, he would still say I was.

I sat on the couch with a blank expression and looked up at Richard. "Honey, am I really sick?"

He pretended to look sorrowful. "Honey, I hate to see you hospitalized too, but don't worry. I'll visit you often."

Hazel parroted, "Yeah, we will, Max. Just focus on getting better, and I'll hold down the fort here."

I turned to our actual nanny and asked, "Martha, do you really think I'm sick?"

Martha Brown glanced at Hazel, then nodded emphatically. "You've always been sick, haven't you? You fantasized being the lady of the house. Just a few days ago, you threatened to kill me."

Wonderful. Another ingrate.

With reddened eyes, Hazel came up and hugged me. "You must hang in there and take care of yourself, Max."

Suddenly, her tone shifted as she whispered in my ear, "Be a good girl and stay there until you recover, okay? I'll take care of your husband and son. Richard is… truly a sweetheart."

Soon, the car they arranged arrived. A few burly men stepped out. Hazel crossed her arms and glanced at me. "That's her. Take her away. And make sure you take good care of her for me."

Just as they were about to drag me off, another group of medical staff rushed in. "Stop right there! Show us your licenses!"