He'd said that since we were equals, going fifty-fifty was only fair—it would prevent money disputes down the road.
Now I understood. He'd only been protecting his assets from me.
That night, I pretended to fall asleep early.
Elijah tore through the apartment, hunting for that scratch-off ticket.
I'd anticipated his greed. The ticket was already hidden somewhere he'd never think to look.
When he came up empty, he retreated to the balcony and called Anita.
His voice drifted through the glass, fragmented but clear enough:
"That's right—fifty million! Once the money hits the account, I'll have Gideon extend Hayden's life! Fifty more years this time! And if that's not enough, we'll add more!"
"Nora? Who cares about her. Even if she recovers, she'll just be a sickly burden. Better she dies and reincarnates sooner—spare everyone the suffering!"
"If Cassandra hadn't been so easy to manipulate, you think I would've married her? Anita, you know the truth. You're the only one in my heart..."
I trembled beneath the covers. Even a tiger won't devour its own cubs. But Elijah? He was worse than an animal.
No matter. Judgment was coming for both of them.
On the day I claimed the prize, Elijah insisted on tagging along. He was more excited than I was.
When the winnings hit my account, his eyes practically glowed.
The lottery official smiled at me. "Ms. Salazar, would you be interested in making a donation? We partner with several charitable organizations—"
I didn't hesitate. "Five million. I want to establish the Butterfly Children Relief Fund."
Children like my daughter deserved a fighting chance.
Elijah's face went dark. "Are you insane? That's five million dollars!"
I didn't spare him a glance. "Five million it is. It's my money. I'll spend it however I want."
His jaw clenched so hard I could hear his teeth grind. But with reporters hovering nearby for interviews, he couldn't make a scene.
After the cameras left, Elijah offered to carry my bag—and slipped my bank card into his pocket when he thought I wasn't looking.
Moments later, his phone rang. He feigned urgency.
"Cassie, something came up at the office. I need to handle it—can't drive you home..."
I knew exactly where he was going. I played dumb.
"Sure. Be careful."
What Elijah didn't know? I'd already swapped that card with one of his own forgotten ones.
The two cards were nearly identical. Without close inspection, impossible to tell apart.
But his old card had been abandoned years ago. Not a cent left in it.
Let's see him extend his precious Anita's son's life with an empty account.
The moment his car pulled away, I activated the hidden camera I'd planted in his jacket.
He didn't go to the office. He drove straight to Anita's place.
Her son lay in bed, face ashen, breath barely stirring.
Gideon was already there, arranging strange ritual implements.
The instant Elijah walked in, Anita threw herself into his arms, eyes rimmed red.
"Eli, you're finally here!"
"Hayden's gotten worse. The doctors say he might only have days..."
"Don't panic. I brought the money, didn't I?"
Elijah pulled her close and produced the bank card with a flourish.
"This time, I'm buying Hayden fifty more years!"
Gideon took the card, examining it carefully. "You're certain the balance is sufficient? Fifty years requires an enormous price. If the funds fall short... there will be a backlash."
Elijah cut him off. "I'm certain! I watched forty-five million land in that account with my own eyes! Just start already!"
Gideon asked no more questions. He began preparing the ritual.
Seven oil lamps flickered to life around Hayden's bed. Ancient words spilled from Gideon's lips.
On my screen, Elijah watched the boy with desperate intensity.
Anita knelt beside the bed, clutching her son's hand, murmuring prayers under her breath.
As the ritual reached its peak, Gideon bellowed an incantation.
The burning talismans and incense ash suddenly surged toward Elijah.
He flinched but didn't dare move.
A moment later, an eerie white light rose from his body, drifting slowly toward Hayden on the bed.
Color flooded back into the boy's cheeks at a visible pace. His breathing steadied, grew stronger.
"It worked!" Anita sobbed with joy.
Elijah exhaled in relief, turning to her with a smile.
"See, Anita? I keep my promises. Hayden will grow up healthy now, and we can finally—"
The words died in his throat.
Anita's face had gone white with horror. Her hand trembled as she pointed at him.
"Elijah, you..."
"What? What's wrong with me?"
She scrambled across the floor, snatched up a mirror, and shoved it in front of his face.
Through the surveillance feed, I watched him see his reflection—and heard the inhuman scream that tore from his throat.
