Chapter 3

The door opened a crack, and my heart pounded wildly. Strangely enough, I actually hoped they would discover me missing.

But Shelby hurried over and grabbed Samuel's arm.

Samuel looked up, confused. "What's wrong, Shelby? Aren't we going in?"

Shelby set the tray down on the floor by the door and said softly, "Better not. Nick's been in a bad mood lately. If he sees us together, he'll definitely throw another tantrum. I don't want his harsh words to ruin your mood.

"Just leave the food by the door. He'll come out and get it when he's hungry. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell are still waiting for us downstairs. We shouldn't keep them waiting too long."

Samuel blinked, then nodded. "Alright."

So he closed the door and went back downstairs with her.

I stared at that bowl of bland, soggy salad and let out a silent laugh. She was stopping Samuel from coming in just because she wanted to use me to gain favor in front of him. She really did scheme at every turn just for money. How did I never see through her when I was alive?

Laughter and chatter drifted up from downstairs. I stayed upstairs, crouched alone on the floor with that plate of bland leftovers, not wanting to go down and watch their happiness anymore.

…

Late that night, the villa was completely silent. I leaned against my bedroom door, drifting in and out of sleep.

All of a sudden, there was a faint click, and Samuel quietly slipped out of his room.

He walked to my door, picked up the tray, and dumped the food straight into the trash. His face twisted with malice.

"You worthless piece of trash! You've had it good for way too long! Do you really expect me to wait on you hand and foot now?"

As if that wasn't enough, he took out a key and locked my door from the outside.

"You're way too fat. You'd do well skipping a meal or two. In fact, it'd be best if you starved to death. At least I won't get sick looking at you!"

After locking my room door, he returned to his room, humming a tune as he went.

I hovered in the air, watching quietly. Honestly, there was no need for Samuel to put on such an elaborate show. I was already dead. Dead and gone.

I had cleared the way for everything he wanted. What more was he unhappy about?

…

The next morning, I was jolted awake by sunlight streaming in. I saw Mom sitting on the couch, holding a black card in her hand, her expression unreadable.

When she saw Samuel coming downstairs, she waved him over. "Sam, come here."

Samuel's eyes lit up when he saw the card. He walked over obediently and sat beside her. "What is it, Mom?"

"There are two million dollars on this card. Give it to Nick," Mom said, letting out a sigh. "I know he's been difficult lately, and he's always pulling a long face, but still… he did save you. Your dad and I don't want to owe him anything or have him think that we're playing favorites."

Samuel's gaze flickered. Then, he took the card with a smile. "You're so kind, Mom. If Nick knew you cared about him this much, he'd be really touched. I'll take it up to him right now."

With that, he turned and headed upstairs with the card. But when he reached my door, he stopped.

"Two million? For that pig? Everything the Caldwell family has is mine! He's just a fake! What right does he have to spend my money?"

Without the slightest hesitation, he slipped the black card into his pajama pocket. Then, he gritted his teeth, slammed his forearm against the wall, and pressed hard on the spot several times. In no time at all, a large, alarming bruise bloomed across his skin.

Samuel then slapped my door hard and collapsed to the ground with a groan. "Ah! Nick! Don't hit me! Ouch… it hurts! Dad! Mom! Help!"