They didn’t know that my return to the Anderson family was never about fighting Sophia for inheritance. I had already built a much better life outside.
The brooch I wore carried a tracking system, a gift from Michael Carter when I left.
Michael had told me, “If you ever find yourself in danger, just press this button, and I’ll come to you.”
Naively, I thought I’d be safe in my own family’s home.
Now, I knew how foolish I had been.
I turned toward Buddy, the rabid-looking dog, who bared his teeth at me. His mouth opened, revealing sharp fangs, his growls filling the cage with menace.
I shrank back, but there was nowhere to retreat—the cage walls pressed hard against my back.
Seeing my fear, Buddy snarled louder, his foul breath hitting my face.
Then, with a sudden leap, he lunged straight at me.
I had no way to escape.
I could only fight back with all my strength.
His teeth sank into my arm, the pain searing and unbearable.
Driven by desperation, I grabbed him and, ignoring the agony, wrapped my hands around his neck.
The dog whimpered and struggled, but I knew if I let go, he’d attack me again.
So I held on tighter, pressing down with all my strength.
Soon, Buddy loosened his bite, leaving deep, bone-piercing marks in my bleeding arm.
Still, I didn’t release him. My hands tightened mercilessly around his throat.
“Claire, stop it!”
A furious scream rang out, and the next second, I saw Sophia rushing toward me.
She kicked at the cage with her high heels, but the bars kept her out.
“Claire, if you kill Buddy, I’ll kill you!” she screamed in panic.
I ignored her, my grip only tightening.
Seeing that I wouldn’t stop, Sophia frantically searched for the cage key, shouting again and again, “Claire, I swear I’ll kill you!”
By then, Buddy had gone limp, his paws stiffening in death.
I knew—I had strangled him.
And I also knew what punishment awaited me now.
Sophia’s face twisted with fury, her voice shaking with rage. “Claire, if Buddy’s dead, I’ll make sure you pay with your life!”
I stared back at her coldly, unflinching, as she screamed to the servants behind her:
“Get in here! Drag her out!”
The Anderson servants rushed forward and opened the cage.
