Chapter 5

I knew the Holmes family had deep roots in the business world, and Zachary was a genius when it came to making money.

He hadn't crushed Tyler because if he had, Tyler would never have gotten anywhere with his company.

In my previous life, Zachary had been abroad for years, and I only heard whispers of his return just before I died.

Shaking those thoughts away, I spoke in a calm tone. "How would you feel about taking 51% of LoveMia Group's shares?"

There was a three-second pause on the other end before Zachary's voice grew much more serious. "Are you and Tyler getting a divorce? Has he hurt you?"

I clenched my phone in my hand. "Zachary, I'll sell you 51% of the shares at 70% of the market price. If you can make Tyler pay, I'll throw in an extra discount."

As soon as I finished speaking, I heard Zachary chuckle darkly. "Helping you take down Tyler? I'm more than happy to."

I stayed in the hospital for three days, and Tyler never came to see me.

The only message I received was from Alice, a cruel, threatening text.

[Mia, since you're so stubborn, don't blame me if I get ruthless.]

Just thinking about how nuts and over the top Alice could get made my heart skip a beat.

Alice was just a mad dog you couldn't control.

I contacted my asset manager and started selling off everything I owned.

I also met with my lawyer to update my will.

If something happened to me, my assets would go to my parents. None of it would go to Tyler.

Once everything was set, I felt a strange sense of peace.

With only two days left before I was set to leave for my parents, I went shopping for them, buying all sorts of gifts, before heading home to pack.

I still had to pack ahead of time and deal with renting out the apartment I bought after the wedding.

But the moment I reached my building, a black car parked not far away flashed its headlights at me.

The light was so bright that I shut my eyes and turned my face away without thinking.

A heartbeat later, the engine roared.

The black car came barreling toward me like a wild horse, roaring as it charged straight at me.

I couldn't help but stare in terror, my eyes wide. "No—"

A sickening thud exploded through my body.

I was thrown into the air, then slammed down onto the pavement.

My body jerked uncontrollably as blood spilled from my mouth.

My lower belly seized up in agony, blood gushing out nonstop.

The car screeched to a halt.

Through the glare of the headlights, I saw Alice step out, heels clicking as she walked toward me. She looked down at me as if admiring a painting.

I stared her down, refusing to look away.

"Aren't you... aren't you afraid of... going to jail..." I choked out, my voice hoarse and weak.

Alice covered her mouth and let out a girlish giggle.

"Why would I be scared? Tyler's protecting me," she said smugly. "When you're gone, he can sign a forgiveness letter as your husband. I won't have to pay for anything."

"Mia, I never wanted to go against you, but you were blocking my way. The title of Mrs. Foster… it's my turn now."

Blood kept pooling beneath me. I kept my eyes on her.

Anger.

Despair.

Hate so sharp it burned.

I hated her. God, I hated her so much I wanted to tear her apart with my bare hands, but all the strength was leaving my body.

The pain hollowed me out until I could barely even turn my face away from her mockery.

I had finally gotten a second chance at life. I hadn't even seen my parents yet. I hadn't made Tyler and Alice pay for anything.

Was I really going to die like this?

My eyes fluttered shut, unwilling, furious, helpless. Right before everything went dark, I saw a shadow I knew all too well rushing toward me.

When I opened my eyes again, the first thing I smelled was that familiar hospital disinfectant.

For a moment I just stared at the ceiling, stunned, then relief washed over me.

I wasn't dead.

A familiar voice drifted over from beside me. I turned my head and found myself staring into Tyler's exhausted, bloodshot eyes.

"Mia, you're finally awake," he said, his voice thick with relief.

He looked like he'd stayed by my bed all night. When he saw me open my eyes, something deep and complicated flickered across his face.

I remembered the silhouette I'd seen before losing consciousness and realized he must've been the one who brought me in.

Tyler held my gaze for a long time before finally speaking, his voice hoarse. "You were pregnant. Why didn't you tell me?"

Tyler grew up an orphan. He had always dreamed of a home of his own, of a child who shared his blood.

We used to picture that future together, over and over.