Chapter 2

My hand slipped under the pillow, fingers brushing against the satellite phone Ryan Blake had secretly given me last week.

"Press 1 if you're in danger," he'd said.

Now, I pressed 1.

Three seconds later, the phone vibrated. A message flashed on the screen: [Are you sure you want to be erased from this world?]

I summoned all my strength and replied: [Yes.]

Blinding sunlight slipped through the cracks in the curtains, landing right on my face. I opened my eyes, my throat feeling like someone had shoved a burning coal down it.

"You're awake?" The doctor in a white coat leaned in, examining my eyes.

I tried to speak, but all that came out was a raspy, broken sound.

"Don't rush." The doctor sighed. "Your vocal cords were badly burned by the hot liquid. It'll take a long time to heal."

He paused. "It might never heal completely."

I closed my eyes, and a tear slipped onto the pillow.

I wasn't crying over losing my voice. I was crying for my own foolishness.

"Ms. Clement, I understand how you feel..." The doctor kept talking, but I wasn't listening anymore.

Memories crashed over me like a tidal wave—the humiliation at my engagement party, the agony of scalding water burning down my throat, and the shameful word etched across my chest. And also, the conversation between Helen and Lucas.

My adoptive mother and my fiancé teamed up and destroyed me.

"Your family is outside," the nurse said softly. "Do you want them to come in?"

I nodded.

The door opened. Helen walked in, her high heels clicking on the floor, with Lucas following behind.

"Ellie, you really scared me." Helen threw herself at the bedside, squeezing out a few tears from her perfectly made-up face.

I watched her fake it, my eyes cold as ice.

"The doctor said you need to rest," she said, taking my hand. "I've already arranged for you to stay at Southhill Villa for a while after you're discharged."

Lucas stepped forward, pulling a key out of his pocket.

"This is one of the quietest properties I own," he said softly. "You'll like it."

I fixed my gaze on the gold-plated key.

A villa? That was all to make up for my voice, my dignity, and my entire life?

With all the strength I could muster, I knocked the key to the floor. The crisp sound of metal striking tile rang out in the room.

"Ellie!" Helen frowned, her tone sharp. "Don't be stubborn. Lucas really means well."

He meant well?

I glared at Lucas, refusing to look away. His eyes flickered for a second.

"I know you hate me," he said quietly. "But the real Lynn heiress is pregnant. I have to do right by her."

His words stabbed me right in the heart.

So that was how it was. It wasn't only about stopping me from claiming my true identity. They wanted to clear the way for that so-called true heiress and her baby.

"Just focus on recovering," Helen said, giving my hand a reassuring pat. "Don't worry about the company. I've already arranged for someone to take over your position."

My eyes widened in shock.

They were not only trying to destroy my body, but they were also robbing me of the career I'd poured my heart and soul into.

"Oh, and one more thing," Helen suddenly said before turning to leave. "I'll take care of things with your birth mother, Victoria Carter. You shouldn't see her anymore."

My nails dug into my palm. This was their real goal all along.

After they left, I struggled to reach under my pillow for my phone. The screen was shattered, but it still worked.

I opened my contacts and found a name I hadn't seen in ages. Ryan Blake, my childhood friend.

Now, he was the youngest commander in the Kingston Bay Special Security Unit.

The last time we met, he slipped me a note. [If you ever get into trouble, reach out to me.]

Back then, I laughed at him for always being on duty. Now, he might be my only lifeline.

My fingers trembled as I sent a text: [Help.]

Less than ten seconds after I hit send, my phone started ringing. I picked up, but I couldn't get a word out.

"Ellie?" Ryan's voice was deep and urgent. "Is that you?"

I tapped the phone twice. It was our secret signal from when we were kids.

"Don't be afraid. I'll be right there." Ryan's voice sharpened at once. "Whoever shows up, act like you're cooperating. Got it?"

I tapped the phone twice again. Then he hung up.

I set the phone down and looked out the window.

The sky over Kingston Bay was murky gray, as if it were shrouded in a grimy veil.

But I knew, above those clouds, the sun was still there.