I woke up again to find myself lying in my familiar bed, my lower back burning with pain.
Liam sat by the bed. Seeing me awake, a flicker of guilt crossed his eyes. He explained, “Clara, you’re awake? I was in such a rush that day. I’m sorry, don’t be angry with me…”
I closed my eyes, turning my head away, not wanting to give him even a glance.
What was there to explain? I knew the truth all too well: he simply didn’t trust me, didn’t love me.
Once upon a time, no matter where I was, no matter how far away I was, he would always find me immediately and protect me.
But now he’s changed.
His heart belongs only to the woman who drained the marrow from my five children.
During my recovery, Liam seemed to want to make amends, often staying by my side, but I remained silent.
Soon, Vanessa’s so-called banquet arrived, and Liam insisted I attend.
Liam hosted a grand banquet at the villa, with guests in droves; even his parents had come all the way from the old house.
Watching Liam's parents shower Vanessa with such warmth and care, I couldn't help but recall the first time Liam took me to meet his parents.
Back then, when Liam's parents learned I was an "orphan from the slums," their smiles vanished instantly, their attitude turning cold and indifferent, as if I were a complete stranger. The meal was incredibly oppressive.
The contrast now is stark and ironic.
At the banquet, Liam presented Vanessa with a set of priceless, rare pink diamond jewelry.
The gift Liam's parents gave him was a jade pendant of exceptional quality. Liam's mother, holding Vanessa's hand, said affectionately, "Vanessa, this is a family heirloom passed down from our Foster family to our daughter-in-law. Today, we're giving it to you."
Vanessa feigned surprise and declined, but Liam's mother glanced coldly at me standing in the corner, her voice just loud enough for everyone around to hear: "In our hearts, we've long considered you our own daughter-in-law. Some people are simply not good enough for our Liam."
Liam, noticing my dejected mood, leaned close to my ear and whispered comfortingly, "Clara, don't overthink it. My parents are old-fashioned; they don't know how good you are. You're the only one in my heart, really."
I sneered inwardly. Only me?
Then when he killed five of us children for Vanessa, didn't he think of "only me"?
I said nothing, only feeling the air in the room was suffocating.
Seeing my pale face, Liam asked softly, "Are you a little cold? I'll go upstairs and get you a shawl."
He had barely left when Vanessa suddenly exclaimed from the center of the banquet hall, "Ah! My jade pendant! The heirloom Aunt Liam just gave me is gone!"
The whole room erupted in commotion!
At that moment, one of Vanessa's best friends jumped out, pointing at me and shrilly, "I just saw Clara sneaking around Vanessa! She must have stolen it!"
Another chimed in, "Yes! We saw it too! She's definitely jealous that Vanessa is pregnant with Liam's child and is deliberately causing trouble!"
As she spoke, Vanessa's best friend, accompanied by several women, rushed forward, attempting to forcibly search me!
"What are you doing! Get away!"
I was terrified and furious, struggling desperately, but how could one person fight against several?
Under everyone's watchful eyes, my dress was roughly torn open; humiliation and anger made me tremble!
Sure enough, someone had "felt" the cold jade pendant from the lining of my underwear!
"She really stole it!" A gasp and scornful whispers erupted from the crowd.
Liam's parents, their faces ashen, demanded sharply, "Clara! We, the Foster family, have treated you well. Why did you steal?! Someone from such a poor background like you is bound to be dishonest!"
I clutched my torn clothes, my nails digging deep into my palms, but my voice remained unusually calm: "I didn't steal it."
"You're still trying to deny it!" Vanessa suddenly stepped forward, her eyes red-rimmed, her hand gently touching her lower abdomen. "Clara, I know you're upset, but this pendant means a lot to me. It's a token of Liam's mother's affection… Even if you hate me, you can't joke about a child like this."
Her words, seemingly gentle, actually confirmed my jealousy of her pregnancy and my deliberate sabotage.
I couldn't bear it any longer and instinctively took a step back, trying to avoid her insincere gaze.
Unexpectedly, Vanessa seemed to have been pushed by me, staggering backward and knocking over a stack of champagne glasses!
Crash—!
The sound of shattering glass and a woman's scream rang out simultaneously! Vanessa landed amidst the broken glass, her skirt instantly torn in several places, blood seeping from her exposed calf. She clutched her stomach and wailed, "My baby! Will my baby be alright?!"
"Vanessa!" Liam rushed downstairs with a shawl, his face changing drastically upon seeing the scene. He immediately rushed over, picked her up, and turned to glare at me, "Clara! What are you trying to do?!"
