Chapter 2

My agreement was so quick that my father’s carefully prepared words got stuck in his throat, almost choking him.

His face lit up with delight as he immediately told the nanny to pull off my designer bracelet and replace it with a wrinkled old hoodie.

I stood still, letting them do as they pleased.

“Don’t blame your dad for being heartless.”

My father let out a long breath. “Your sister got into trouble with that gang of troublemakers a while back. She broke the leg of the son of the CEO’s rival.”

“After your surgery, you’ll go to the police station and turn yourself in. It’ll save the police from coming here to find you.”

My heart felt like it was being impaled by an ice pick. I clenched my fists, biting back tears, my voice hoarse:

“Dad, am I really your biological daughter?”

My father flinched. “What foolishness are you talking about, child?”

“Of course you’re my daughter, but your sister grew up without a mother’s guidance. She’s a bit wild, and she’s already pitiful enough.”

Brandon walked over too, reaching out to guide me to the basement for the plastic surgeon to start.

“It’s hard to get bail from the police station, but I’ll visit you often.”

“Once your sister establishes herself with the CEO, she’ll find a way to get you out and be her assistant.”

“Even with a criminal record, I’ll still marry you. Your sister will take care of you, and things will get better.”

A shot of anesthetic went in, and my vision blurred.

When I woke up, the mirror showed a face wrapped in bandages.

Brandon shouted to someone outside, “This is the one who assaulted him. Send her to the police station immediately!”

He leaned in and whispered, “Act convincingly. Don’t let anyone see through it.”

Two bodyguards came to drag me out. I took a deep breath and yelled:

“I’ll walk myself!”

My father and Brandon exchanged a knowing look, a hint of complicity on their faces.

They let go of me. My father, with feigned concern, touched my still swollen and painful face. “Good girl, I’ve wronged you.”

Brandon pulled a small bag from his pocket.

Inside were a few small bills, some antiseptic wipes, a trashy magazine…

All essentials for the detention center.

He pressed the bag into my hand. “I specifically went and asked around near the detention center for these. They’re all for you.”

I fought back tears, walking towards the door without a word.

“My sweet girl!”

A frantic voice called from behind me. Grandma Grace ran over, breathless, and grabbed my arm.

“My sweet girl, I heard the CEO wants you to be the General Manager of the new company?”

“That’s wonderful! Our family will finally be able to hold our heads high!”

She took off her gold bracelet and put it on my wrist. “You’ve suffered so much these past years. Good times are finally coming.”

I couldn't hold back anymore. Tears streamed down, splashing onto Grandma’s hand.

Grandma panicked, quickly letting go of me. “What’s wrong?”

My father’s eyes darted away.

Brandon kept checking his watch, glancing frequently towards the door.

He urged, “Don’t waste time. If we don’t go now, the police will get suspicious.”

Grandma looked bewildered. “What police?”

My father remained silent, only waving his hand for the bodyguards to take me out.