Chapter 3
The Sutton family's annual party was underway, and the grand ballroom was alive with laughter and lively conversation.
Olivia slowly wheeled me into the room, dressed in an elegant, pure white gown.
Everyone gathered around, their compliments for Olivia coming one after another.
"Olivia is an angel. She's putting so much heart into caring for Emily," someone gushed.
"The Sutton family must be proud to have a daughter like you," another guest said.
Olivia lowered her gaze, voice choked with emotion. "It's my duty. Emily means the world to me."
As she spoke, she gently brushed my hair, her touch delicate as if handling a fragile doll.
"Ever since Emily's accident, I honestly haven't slept a single night without worrying," she added.
Tears streamed down her face.
"Sometimes, when I see Emily suffer, I just wish I could take all her pain for her," she whispered.
The guests were moved to tears by her words.
My dad stepped forward, emotion flooding his voice as he took Olivia's hand. "Olivia, thank you for taking care of her."
He turned to the guests and said loudly, "Everyone, I'm making an announcement.
"I'm handing over ten percent of Emily's shares to Olivia, as a thank you for her incredible care."
The crowd broke into even louder applause than before.
Olivia covered her mouth in shock, tears running freely as she choked out. "Dad, I don't need anything. All I want is for Emily to get better."
"You deserve it, sweetheart." My dad gave her a gentle pat on the shoulder, his expression full of pride.
Sitting in my wheelchair, I listened to all those words, bitterness boiling inside me like a wildfire.
Ten percent of the shares—billions of dollars—was handed to her on a silver platter. She just took it all.
The applause thundered on, and Olivia kept those tears flowing.
I slowly raised my hand, but no one noticed me.
My fingers grazed the edge of the tablecloth.
With a soft pull, the whole champagne tower toppled, and the sound of glasses shattering sliced right through all the party chatter.
Champagne splashed all over Olivia, instantly ruining her white dress.
All eyes turned to me, but I just stared blankly ahead, drool still running down my chin.
Olivia's face twisted in anger.
However, she quickly masked her irritation and managed a smile. "Emily didn't mean to do this. She just—"
"It's fine," the guests reassured her. "Olivia, you should go change your clothes."
"Poor Emily," someone murmured.
Olivia nodded, her anger quickly replaced by a look of hurt. "I'll go change and be right back to take care of Emily."
She wheeled me out of the room, leaving us alone in the hallway.
Olivia stopped, leaned close to my ear, her voice sharp and cold. "Emily, did you do that on purpose?"
I didn't show any reaction.
She straightened up and let out a mocking laugh. "So what if you did? Your little trick can't change anything.
"That ten percent of the shares is already mine, and soon enough, I'll have the rest, too."
Footsteps echoed from down the hallway, and Andrew came into view.
"Olivia, are you alright?" he asked with concern in his voice.
Olivia's expression shifted in a flash, her eyes quickly reddening as if tears could fall at any moment. "Andrew, I'm fine. I'm just a bit worried about Emily."
Andrew's gaze landed on me, and a chill ran down my spine.
There wasn't concern or even pity. It was the cold, calculating look of a predator sizing up its prey.
He stared at me for several seconds before finally looking away.
"Emily is not doing well. You need to keep a close eye on her," he said.
"I will," Olivia replied, nodding gently.
Andrew walked away, and Olivia wheeled me back to my bedroom.
After she left, I was alone, sitting in the quiet room.
I reached under my pillow and drew out a tiny phone I had stashed there, hidden away from prying eyes.
This was my only hope.
With shaking fingers, I punched in the number. It rang only three times before someone picked up.
"Mr. Miles, it's time for you to repay me," I said.
He was silent for a few seconds.
"Got it," he replied.