Chapter 2

Julian was my adoptive parents' biological son. Before I was reunited with my birth family, he had cherished and spoiled me for over a decade. He even plastered his room with my photos without my knowledge, harboring secret feelings for me.

"Your boss is Julian?" I blurted out.

"Well, well, you've done your homework. This whole casino is the boss's private business. Not many people know that."

My heart steadied. I shouted at them, "Julian is my brother! We're on the same side! Let me go now, and I can explain this misunderstanding to him!"

The leader exchanged glances with his men, their faces twisted in mockery. Then, he kicked me hard.

"How dare a piece of trash like you pretend to be the young miss! You don't know your place. The young miss is the boss's weak spot. You know what happened to the last person who tried to use her name? It'd scare you to death!"

"Jay, bring me my club. I'm going to teach this audacious woman a lesson for the boss!"

The kick left me dizzy, but I persisted through the pain: "I am your young miss! If you don't believe me, call Julian here to see for himself!"

Just then, the leader's phone rang. The caller was Julian.

I broke free from the thugs' grip and lunged for the leader's phone. "Give it to me! Let me talk to Julian. He'll recognize my voice!"

The leader slapped me hard and pointed at me, ordering me to shut up. His men pinned me down again. He gave them a look, then answered the phone obsequiously as he walked out.

"Hello, boss. I was just dealing with a deadbeat gambler. What can I do for you?"

I tried to shout, but only got half a syllable out before a rag was stuffed in my mouth.

"We told you to shut up, you stubborn bitch!"

Someone shoved me to the ground, and the others started kicking and punching me. I curled up in a fetal position, nearly passing out from the pain. The gag in my mouth prevented me from even crying out.

Julian had always pampered me since childhood. He'd worry for days over a tiny scratch on my hand. His indulgence had made me proud and willful. Even after I returned to my birth family, I never suffered any hardships due to my personality.

I wondered how Julian would react if he saw me in this pitiful state.

Just as I was about to lose consciousness, the leader returned with his phone, looking anxious.

"Stop! Stop right now!"