At the age of twenty-eight, Samuel Westbrook became the uncrowned ruler of Harbor City.
He removed the final man who had tormented me.
He solely controlled Harbor City's 37 docks and 18 satellite casinos.
He gathered wealth daily, his power-wielding all his might.
That same year, I became pregnant with our longed-for child.
Our family and careers flourished.
But just as I was about to share the good news with Samuel,
I received a call from the casino in the middle of the night.
"Sister-in-law, can you come over?"
"There's a commotion here, saying the boss... The boss raped her while we were married."
I thought it was a provocation from an enemy, so I hurried over.
When I arrived, I saw only a frail young girl.
She wore the same wedding ring as mine.
But her face was filled with boldness I had never seen before.
When she saw me approaching, she provocatively stepped on my daughter's portrait. "Who told Samuel not to celebrate my birthday on time at twelve o'clock?"
"I'm going to make a scene, I'm going to!"
——
The pile of portraits was covered in footprints, and the offerings in front of the stage were scattered.
The once bustling casino was now silent.
Several senior managers dared not utter a word.
They all grovelled and coaxed this young woman.
"Who is she?"
The manager hesitated, hesitating for a long time before telling me.
The girl in front of me was Serena Rowe.
She was a university student from Harbor City, under twenty, and Samuel was very fond of her.
I was just wondering why he liked her, when someone pushed my shoulder away.
Looking up again, Samuel had already given me the answer with his actions.
He gently took off his coat and covered Serena Rowe with it, smiling fondly. "Little Ancestor, why are you here in such cold weather?"
"It's not that I don't want to be with you, it's just that today is a long anniversary..."
"Okay, okay, it's all my fault. If you're angry, hit me or scold me, just don't freeze yourself."
When I got the call, I was worried something might have happened to Samuel.
I came in a hurry, wearing only a single layer of clothing.
The evening breeze blew into my heart, chilling me to the bone.
I hesitated, then called out Samuel's name.
He was startled, realizing he'd bumped into me.
But he was only momentarily stunned.
Then, his calm smile returned.
"Sophia Nielson? Why are you here?"
"Did our little girl call you here? Don't pay attention to her. She's young and just likes to make trouble."
After saying that, he patted Serena Rowe's butt.
He chuckled softly, "Go back to your room and wait for me."
"You go home too. I'll be back tomorrow morning."
He was so calm, as if betrayal were a matter of course. Seeing I didn't move, Samuel stepped forward and brushed the snow off my shoulder.
"Be good, don't argue with that little girl."
The lights in the room flickered, and I vaguely remembered.
The year we were most in love, Samuel held me and swore to the light.
I will never let you down, even until we grow old together.
If you betray me, you will die a miserable death.
Pursing my lips, I grabbed a nearby vase and smashed it on Samuel's head.
Along with the blood came Serena Rowe's screams.
She threw herself into Samuel's arms like a frightened deer, timidly saying she was scared.
Samuel's head was still dripping with blood, but he held Serena Rowe tightly, not wanting her to see his miserable state.
His tone also took on a hint of discontent.
"Serena is timid and can't stand being scared."
"Go back first, don't make such a scene."
I threw the bloody vase shards at Samuel again.
