Under the entry, all the photos showed Selina’s performance art.
She placed the newly formed fetus on a plate, posing it in different ways, each paired with a lengthy explanation.
In the final picture, she even let a dog devour the fetus.
The comments were divided; some called it art, others said it violated human dignity.
The uproar grew worse. Clara shut off her phone, feeling completely drained.
Her own flesh and blood had become a piece of meat on a plate.
Closing her eyes in agony, Clara wished it was just a nightmare.
She wished she had never conceived this child.
Just then, the taxi stopped.
A group of men in black dragged Clara out, ignoring her struggles, blindfolding her, and forcing her inside.
Clara didn’t resist.
She would rather die now than keep living like this.
After an unknown time, the car halted, and Clara was pulled into a room.
The blindfold came off, a harsh spotlight hit her, and her vision went white.
Tears welled uncontrollably. The next moment, Simon’s voice reached her.
"Clara, it’s me."
Clara froze, eyes widening in disbelief.
Simon smothered his cigarette, his voice low and threatening.
"The novel New Life caused a massive uproar. People are attacking Selina online. She’s an artist; she can’t bear this stain."
His tone was chilling. "Go explain that the child was stillborn, and that you used Selina’s artist reputation to gain fame, so you gave it to her willingly."
Clara thought she had misheard. He kidnapped her just to clear Selina’s name.
"You’re delusional!"
Her voice shook as she slapped him hard. "You murderers deserve judgment. I’ll never take the blame for you."
The next second, the man gripped her chin firmly.
Pain shot through her bones. Clara endured it. "Simon, if you dare, kill me."
Simon released her, speaking coldly.
"If you refuse, then the orphanage doesn’t need to exist. The director cared for you like her own; will you just watch it disappear?"
Clara clutched his arm, lifting her head with effort, hatred burning. "Simon, are you mad? That’s where you grew up."
Simon’s gaze darkened, and he shut his eyes. "For Selina, I’d give up anything."
Give up anything?
Including her, including her child, even the orphanage.
She knew Simon never made empty threats.
Even if the director rejected her, she couldn’t let him destroy the orphanage.
Closing her eyes in despair, Clara whispered, "Fine, I’ll explain. Don’t touch the orphanage."
Once the camera pointed at her, the live stream started.
A metallic taste filled her mouth, and Clara forced herself to speak. "Regarding the ‘New Life’ exhibition..." Following Simon’s demands, she shouldered all the blame.
The live comments exploded instantly.
[I knew Selina was kind; how could she do something so vile? Turns out she was framed.]
[That was your own child! How could you be so heartless, you monster! You don’t deserve to be a mother!]
[Pretty face but rotten inside. No shame at all, just for fame!]
[Arrest her!] Watching the flood of insults, Clara’s eyes burned.
After finishing the last word, she rushed to the bathroom to vomit.
Disgusting, utterly disgusting.
She had helped the one who murdered her baby escape punishment.
Stumbling, she tried to flee, but bodyguards blocked her.
"Madam, Mr. Carter said you can’t leave until everything is settled."
He wouldn’t let her go until Selina was safe.
She let out a bitter smile and glanced at the clock.
The plane had already taken off; she missed her flight to Italy.
A sharp pain shot through her head. She forced a smile and walked back inside.
She knew Simon wouldn’t let her go easily. She only hoped her backup plan was already in motion.
