Chapter 2

That night, I sold all of my property.

The seller told me that all the money would be transferred to my new account in three days.

Three days from now, I would leave Princeton with my child.

Early the next morning, Princeton looked upset and asked, "Why did you sell the large flat in the city center? Why do you need so much cash?"

I had already prepared my answer and replied calmly, "I've been learning about investments lately, and I need more money for that."

Princeton listened, nodded, and didn't ask further. He continued, "Estella, Leighton has been worried about the child these days and got sick from exhaustion. She said she wants to eat your cooking. Why don't you come with me today to see her—and show off your skills a little?"

I sneered in my heart. What is she actually worried about?

Henry had been sick for so long, and she hadn't gone to the hospital even once. Instead, she said she didn't feel well and clung to Princeton every day.

But I pushed down my feelings, thinking this was a good opportunity to investigate the real reason behind Henry's illness.

Half an hour later, Princeton's car drove into Leighton's villa.

As soon as he got out of the car, Leighton ran out of the house and said sweetly, "Princeton, I thought you wouldn't come today."

Seeing me, she pretended to be surprised. "Estella actually agreed to come take care of me. That's rare."

I kept a neutral expression and glanced at her calmly. "You are Princeton's sister-in-law, so of course I'm here to look after you."

I emphasized the word "sister-in-law," and the unwillingness in Leighton's eyes deepened.

She said, "You're really capable, unlike me. I rely on Princeton for everything."

She chatted and laughed with Princeton as they walked into the house.

As soon as we entered, she affectionately fed her unfinished orange to Princeton, pouting, "Princeton, this orange is so sour. I don't want it anymore. You eat it!"

Princeton naturally ate the rest of the orange she had left.

After all these years as a married couple, he never ate my leftovers.

Perhaps sensing my gaze, Princeton turned around and anxiously explained, "I just don't want to waste it. Don't read too much into it."

Why would I care? I gave up on him a long time ago.

Watching him nervously try to explain, I could only find it ridiculous.

He pretended to look after Leighton, flirting with her every day. Feeding her fruit was probably already him holding back.

Seeing the groceries in my hand finally reminded him to help.

"I didn't notice earlier. Did you get tired carrying those?"

When he got out of the car just now, he was so busy chatting with Leighton that he completely forgot there were more than ten pounds of ingredients in the trunk.

I said calmly, "It's fine. Everything's sorted. I'll check Henry's room, since he didn't bring enough clothes for his hospital stay."

Seeing my calm tone, Princeton breathed a sigh of relief and turned to keep Leighton company in the living room.

I went upstairs to the second floor, only to find that Henry's room was actually the storeroom at the end of the corridor.

The room was small and damp, with no windows. Inside was a 'bed' pieced together with cardboard, covered by a thin blanket that couldn't keep him warm.

I couldn't imagine how a four-year-old could live in such conditions.

This was the child I carried for ten months and gave birth to. Why would they treat him so cruelly?

"So this is where you are." Suddenly, Leighton's smug voice came from behind.

I turned around, not having had time to wipe the tears from my face.

Seeing me like this only excited her more.

Laughing, she said, "The room I prepared for the little brat isn't bad, is it?"

I could no longer contain my anger. I rushed over, grabbed her collar, and slammed her against the wall.

"Why did you do this?"

Leighton grinned maliciously, "You saw that email, right? I sent it."

"I'll tell you the truth—Henry's leukemia? That was my doing. I never fed him properly. He was so hungry that he'd eat anything, even the pills I slipped him. Keep at it long enough, and of course he got sick."

Leighton admitted to all these vile acts herself. Was she so fearless because Princeton was backing her?

That was the child I risked my life to bring into this world, yet she abused him like he was a stray animal.

Every time I thought about my child, whom I had missed day and night, being tortured by her for four years, it felt as if countless blades were cutting through my heart. The pain was almost suffocating.

The overwhelming grief instantly shattered my sanity. I wished I could tear her apart.