Chapter 4

My whole body trembled when I heard that. I sank my nails into my palms, feeling like I was back in those dark days all over again.

Back then, I'd had nightmares every single night. Heather stayed by my side, comforting me through each one.

She had been the light that illuminated my world. But now, the person who ripped open my old wounds and rubbed salt into them was the very person who had once promised to protect me for the rest of my life.

It felt like my chest had been torn wide open, every last inch of it burning with pain.

A calculating glint appeared in Jake's eyes. With a worried look, he tugged at Heather's sleeve.

"But wait—could that mental illness be hereditary? Heather, the company's at a critical stage with the IPO right now.

"We can't afford any problems. What if Dustin starts saying things he shouldn't in public? It could seriously affect the company.

"Maybe we should just put him in a psychiatric hospital and let him get treated there."

Heather gave him an approving look as she gently tousled his hair. "You have a point, Jake. I didn't expect someone your age to think things through so thoroughly."

Vicky proudly lifted her chin. "Of course! My son's a proper college student, unlike certain lowlifes!"

Heather nodded in satisfaction. She made Jake a solemn promise. "Alright. Once the company goes public, the vice president position is yours."

Jake's eyes lit up instantly. He planted a kiss on Heather's cheek and said excitedly, "Thank you, my dearest wife! I promise I won't let you down!"

Heather was clearly pleased. She pinched his cheek, her eyes full of affection.

I gave a bitter, self-mocking laugh. The position I had waited 15 years for was handed to him just like that.

Once Heather had finished coddling Jake, she turned toward me, her brows tightly furrowed. She coldly ordered the bodyguards behind her, "Take Dustin to the psychiatric hospital. He can do some serious reflecting there. Only let him out when he finally learns to behave!"

The bodyguards stepped forward at once. They roughly yanked me to my feet by the arms before dragging me off. Instead of struggling, I just let them drag me into the car.

Feeling completely numb on the inside, I sent a message to my stepsister. "Vanessa, come get me. I want to go home."

…

Three days later, Heather's assistant burst into her office in a panic, his voice trembling. "Ms. Reid, the psychiatric hospital just called!"

Heather was running her fingers over Jake's abs as she spoke languidly. "What, has Dustin finally come to his senses? Is he ready to admit he was wrong and beg for mercy?"

The assistant shook his head frantically before forcing the words out. "Ms. Reid, t-the psychiatric hospital was trashed, and Mr. Holman is gone!"