Chapter 3

My phone buzzed again. It was an unknown number.

It read: [Ms. Hanley, it's been checked. Shirley has never been in any car accidents.]

I didn't drop the lawsuit, so the court hearing went ahead as scheduled.

But with that transfer agreement, Marcus made sure Shirley came out on top in court.

After the trial, Marcus deliberately blocked my way.

Noticing my indifferent expression, he asked cautiously, "Didn't I already ask you to drop the lawsuit? Are you still upset?

"I'm not showing favoritism. Shirley was my junior when I studied abroad in high school, and we were pretty close. I feel sorry for her seeing her like this now. That's why I did this.

"I saw a nice estate in Corian Bay. The environment and location are way better than your old mansion. I'll buy two houses for you and take you to check them out later. Consider it compensation. I already promised you, from now on..."

Marcus didn't get to finish his sentence.

Shirley, who wouldn't leave me alone, came over in her electric wheelchair and interrupted, "Nadia, I was just about to come find you.

"Marcus said he was worried people in our circle might give me a hard time now that I'm back. So he's throwing a party at the old mansion tomorrow, as a way to welcome me and show his support.

"Since you're moving out tomorrow anyway, why don't you come along?"

As soon as Shirley spoke up, Marcus was quick to chime in.

He said, "Yeah. Shirley's status is already pretty awkward. Having you there will help legitimize her."

I frowned, snarking, "Legitimize her? How, exactly?

"Look at her age and her family background. She was born while my parents were still married. If she's not an illegitimate child, then what is she?"

With that, I turned and walked away.

Shirley, sitting in her wheelchair, her face flushed with anger.

She swallowed the curses that almost slipped out, then turned her head and put on her best helpless act, looking at Marcus.

She asked, "Marcus, is Nadia still mad at me?

"It's all my fault. I should've just stayed abroad, useless and crippled, and died there, instead of coming back and annoying everyone here."

Marcus patted her shoulder, trying to comfort her.

He said, "Nadia has no reason to be upset. I've already done more than enough for her.

"Stop worrying about it. I'll help you tomorrow."

When Marcus said he'd "help" Shirley, what he really meant was he'd threaten anyone who dared to cross her.

While I was out back directing the movers, the party up front was buzzing. Marcus was weaving through the crowd with Shirley in her wheelchair, personally introducing her to everyone.

Even their evening attire was matching.

From afar, one would think they were the engaged ones.

I let out a bitter laugh and looked away. I never set foot in the back yard, just kept pushing the movers to finish up as quickly as possible.

Marcus must've snuck up behind me at some point.

His voice sounded annoyed.

He said, "Why didn't you answer any of my messages last night, even though I sent you a bunch? Shirley's already crippled. Isn't that bad enough? Do you really have to make things so hard for her in our circle?"

I wouldn't even spare him a glance.

Marcus moved closer and handed me his tablet.

On a live feed, a group of people were gathered around my mother's grave, holding shovels and picks. What they intended was obvious.

Marcus said, "Nadia, if you listened to me, I really didn't want to resort to this."

I stared at Marcus right in front of me.

My heart hurt so much it went numb.

They were actually digging up Mom's grave.

Marcus really outdid himself, coming up with something this twisted.

Only the person one loved most knew exactly where to stab one to make it hurt the most.

I was too disappointed to even get angry anymore. I just felt numb.

My heart felt completely empty inside.

I hated how helpless I was.

I said, "Mr. Culver, there's no need to make such a big deal out of this.

"I'll say whatever you want. Just let my mom rest in peace."

I handed the tablet back to Marcus.

But he suddenly grabbed my hand, stopping me in my tracks, and demanded, "Why aren't you wearing the engagement ring I gave you anymore?

"Forget it. Once this is all over, I'll get you an even nicer one."

Marcus answered his own question, shutting me down before I could even blurt out a breakup.

I gave a mocking smile, pulled my hand away, and headed toward the backyard.

I stepped up next to Shirley, grabbed the mic, and started saying all the right things.

I said, "Shirley is my real sister. Her mother wasn't a mistress. She was my father's second wife.

"I gave this old mansion to Shirley of my own free will, as a welcome-home gift from me to my little sister."

Marcus led the applause in the crowd, sealing the deal for Shirley. She finally had her footing in our circle.