When I saw his reply, I finally broke down and covered my face as I burst into tears.
My mother had gone, I had lost the baby, my grandmother had passed away, my body was no longer fit for pregnancy, and the love I thought I had become the one who wounded me the most .
Other than Hugh, I had no one left. Only a pack of demons eyeing me hungrily.
After crying for an unknown length of time, I rose and walked to the bathroom. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I saw a pale face and swollen, reddened eyes. But I knew I couldn't break down yet!
I splashed cold water on my face again and again to clear my chaotic mind. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I swore word by word, “They will pay the price.”
In the days that followed, to avoid arousing their suspicion, I remained unnaturally calm—even obedient.
I tried on the elaborate gowns that Thomas demanded, and when Joan deliberately flaunted them, I managed a stiff, fake smile.
In private, however, I was in constant contact with Hugh, confirming and adjusting every detail of the celebration day plan.
Amidst the surging undercurrents, the day of the celebration finally arrived.
Early that morning, I gathered my documents and prepared to leave the villa as planned.
When I pushed open the bedroom door, I was momentarily blinded by the sight before me.
The villa interior had undergone a dramatic transformation. Joan's favorite pink flowers were adorned everywhere. It was clearly a meticulously prepared celebration.
Thomas was standing in the center of the living room, carefully putting a diamond necklace around Joan's neck.
“After today, everything will be fine,” his voice carried a tone of indulgence. “You'll no longer suffer from illness, and all obstacles within the Lawrence Family will be cleared. Joan, I will make you happy.”
I stood at the staircase entrance, silently watching these two murderers with clenched fists.
When Thomas noticed me, his brows furrowed. His tone carried his usual reproach and displeasure.
“What are you doing here? Don't try any tricks again. I warn you, Victoria, today you won't ...”
"Mr. Crawford, I need to take Victoria to take care of some business."
A deep, steady voice cut through his warning.
The villa's front door had opened unnoticed. Hugh stood at the entrance, his figure straight and imposing in a perfectly tailored dark suit.
He walked directly to me and took my slightly cold hand from nervousness into his own. His broad and warm palm radiated a reassuring strength.
“Victoria,” his voice was low but clear, “Let's go.”
Thomas’s face twisted into a grim expression. His eyes, which were boiling with rage and fear, fixed on my hand that was in Hugh's. “Since President Stone is looking for her, I’ll grant him the courtesy. But Victoria, don’t forget your promise. This afternoon, at the Lawrence Family celebration, I’ll be waiting for you. You can’t escape!”
His voice was full of warning, as if no matter whom I went with, I would ultimately return to the track he had laid out for me.
Without a glance at Thomas or Joan, I followed Hugh straight to the airport.
The car was very quiet, but I could feel Hugh's gaze on me with undisguised concern.
“Everything's arranged,” he said, breaking the silence. “The evidence chain is complete. Legal proceedings can begin at any moment. Once we land, you'll be safe.”
“Thank you.” I gazed out the window at the city where I'd lived for over twenty years—a place that held all my loves and hates, joys and sorrows—now fading into the distance.
Boarding. Takeoff.
As the plane surged into the sky, I closed my eyes.
Mother, Grandmother, my unborn child ...
Please watch … the show is finally about to begin.
