Chapter 3
I moved into Richard's villa.
That white mansion, sitting halfway up the mountain and overlooking the whole city, became both my prison and my battlefield.
My goal changed, from fighting for justice to seeking revenge.
I endured everything Richard put me through.
His orders, his possessiveness, him barging in late at night reeking of alcohol.
I was like an obedient dog at his side.
Whenever he worked on paperwork, I'd sit quietly nearby, watching. Whenever he made business calls, I'd perk up my ears, memorizing every name and project.
He smirked at me. "What, trying to steal my secrets?"
I lowered my head. "I just want to understand you a little more."
He seemed pleased with my answer.
A month later, Richard hosted a private dinner.
The long dining table was set for just four people.
Richard sat at the head of the table, and I was seated to his left.
Across from us were James and Emily.
Emily looked a lot better. Her cheeks had some color back, and the way she looked at me was full of triumphant pride and condescending pity, like she was flaunting her victory and acting as if she was doing me a favor.
James didn't spare me a single glance the whole time. He was all about Emily, serving her food and being gentle and attentive.
A servant brought over a piping hot pot of that famous seafood stew.
"Olivia, try some," Richard said, scooping a bowl for me.
I hadn't even reached out to take it yet.
Suddenly, Emily jumped to her feet, staggered, and slammed right into the corner of the table.
The whole table shook violently.
The steaming pot of seafood stew came crashing straight toward my face.
Emily shrieked, "I didn't mean to!"
I jerked back, dodging at the last second.
The scalding soup barely missed my nose, exploding against the wall behind me.
I didn't hesitate for a second, and slammed my foot into the chair Emily was sitting on.
Bang!
Emily went down with the chair, tumbling backward.
She didn't even have time to dodge. The rest of the boiling soup poured right over her.
"Ahhh!"
Her blood-curdling scream tore through the dining room.
She grabbed at her arms and legs, thrashing on the floor as angry blisters instantly bubbled up all over her skin.
"Emily!" James rushed over like a madman and pulled her into his arms.
Emily started convulsing in his arms, her lips turning purple, her breathing coming in short, desperate gasps.
"Call an ambulance, now!" James shouted, clutching her tightly as he spun around and roared at me, "Olivia! You vicious bitch! I'm going to kill you!"
He dropped Emily and, like a wild animal, lunged at me, his hands clamped around my throat.
He squeezed so hard I thought my neck would break.
I was gasping for air, my face turning purple as I struggled to breathe.
"Let go of her."
Richard's voice was icy, cutting through the chaos.
James didn't stop.
Richard snatched a knife from the table and held it to James's side.
"I said, let go of her," Richard ordered, his tone cold and commanding.
James froze, his grip loosening.
I dropped to the floor, gasping for air.
Richard pulled me up and held me close.
He stared at James, each word dripping with menace. "You really think you can touch what's mine?"