Chapter 2

My nose stung with unshed tears, my heart a raw knot of pain.

Just two hours ago, they were laughing and talking. Now, they were five cold, lifeless bodies in the hospital, while their son was out having a good time, worse than an animal.

I held back my tears and texted the sales associate.

"I haven't been to the store recently to pick up anything. The bag must have been claimed by someone else. Please report it to the police immediately."

The doctor said the venomous snake that bit my in-laws' family was almost extinct in this country, which was why the hospital had no antidote.

It was too much of a coincidence.

A rare venomous snake appearing in my in-laws' tent.

And five people dying from it.

The police took the case seriously and acted quickly.

Soon, they found out someone had bought venomous snakes online in bulk and released them.

The suspects were Serena's parents.

The very people Liam had rushed to save were the ones who had destroyed his family.

I hoped he wouldn't look too pathetic when he finally learned the truth.

The police explained to me, "Ma'am, we've clarified the situation. But the two suspects are currently in the hospital, also being treated. We can't question them just yet."

I stared blankly. "They were also bitten by snakes, but the antidote has already been administered. They've recovered."

"It shouldn't stop you from questioning them. You can go right over."

The officer gave me another look, clearly puzzled how I knew this.

But seeing my crestfallen expression, he didn't ask further.

"Don't worry, the police will uncover the truth and ensure justice is served."

After the police left, I filed a lawsuit with the court on my phone.

A sudden call interrupted me.

Liam's voice was furious, "Chloe, are you deliberately causing trouble? I'm your husband; is it wrong for me to pick up a bag for you from the store?"

"And you're calling the police about this? Were you bitten by a venomous snake too? Is your brain messed up?"

His accusations and curses rained down on me like a barrage, completely oblivious to my raw agony in that moment.

I spoke coldly, "Something's not right because I never saw that bag. You said you picked it up for me, fine. So, I ask you, where is that bag now?"

Liam fell silent.

After a tense pause, his tone softened. "You and I share a bed, why are we being so particular? It's all shared marital property, isn't it?"

"Serena wanted a limited-edition bag, and this was the only one at the boutique. Today is her birthday, I just wanted to make her happy."

"It looked so perfect on her. Giving a rose leaves a lingering fragrance in your hand, so don't dwell on it."

He was utterly shameless.

I lashed out mercilessly, "How can you even say such things? Why don't you buy her something with your *own* money? You're worthless!"

Liam froze for a moment, his voice incredulous. "You, you actually said that to me?! Have you lost your mind?!"

In the past, I would have protected his ego and chosen my words carefully.

Now, I realized his thick skin was impervious to anything.

I didn't want to give him a chance to argue.

I quickly said, "If you're human at all, get to the hospital morgue immediately and see the stupid thing you've done!"

"They're already dead! My going there won't bring them back to life! Don't ruin this good day for me!" Liam roared, then added, "Don't cremate your parents' bodies yet; see if you can send them to my company to be cadavers for anatomical study."

"Serena's parents got into trouble; she's distraught. I'm going to comfort her first."

The phone clicked off. I smiled.

So he thought my entire family was dead.

I had originally planned to let his parents rest in peace quickly, but now I ordered five large industrial freezers.

Just as Liam wished, I had his entire family brought out of the morgue, along with the freezers, and a moving truck took them to his company.

After a frantic morning, I got home, intending to take a nap, when Liam burst in and slapped me across the face.

"Serena is practically hysterical! Her parents just came out of the ER, and you're suing them? Do you have no humanity?!"