Chapter 3

"Alexander!"

Chloe shouted coldly, her voice so loud it completely drowned out mine.

She grabbed my arm and yanked me outside, closing the door partway so the people inside couldn't hear us.

"Terry's parents came today. To put their minds at ease, I told them this house was bought by Terry with his own money."

"Watch what you say. Don't let it slip!"

I forcefully shook off her arm.

"When did my house become his?"

"Yesterday you clearly said he'd only stay one night, but now look—the whole family's moved in!"

"And the house he was living in before..."

Before I could finish, a domineering voice interrupted.

"Chloe, who's this? You know him?"

It was Terry's mother.

She leaned against the door, eyes narrowed, looking me up and down.

Chloe pulled me behind her, her hand viciously pinching the flesh on my arm. I couldn't help but hiss in pain.

"This is my husband, Alexander."

"He heard you were coming today and came specially to see you."

I started to say something but Chloe immediately covered my mouth.

Terry's mother looked at my empty hands with complete disdain on her face.

"Coming without bringing anything, empty-handed. No manners."

"Chloe, I'm not criticizing you, but if you'd chosen our Terry back then, you'd be living in a big house by now."

I struggled hard to break free from Chloe's grip and immediately shouted.

"This is MY house. All of you get out now!"

"What!"

Terry's mother's eyes widened instantly.

"Pfft!"

She spat viciously at me and pushed hard on my chest.

"Did you fall and hit your head walking around without watching? What kind of poor wretch is so eager to claim a house?"

"Terry said this is the house he worked hard to buy. You think I'm stupid?"

"Right, Chloe?"

Chloe stood behind her and glared at me angrily, her tone full of disappointment.

"Alexander, stop making a scene. No matter how much you want a house, you can't steal someone else's."

"Go home. Stop embarrassing yourself here!"

Chloe's protective words slapped me in the face like repeated blows.

"Mom, Chloe, come eat."

Terry suddenly appeared at the door.

Wearing my pajamas, holding a spatula, he looked exactly like the master of the house.

Seeing me, his face didn't even flash a hint of guilt.

"Alexander, you're here too. Perfect. Come in and eat with us."

I laughed coldly, thinking Terry's face was thicker than a city wall.

Knowing it was useless to argue with these people, I took out my phone.

Just as I pressed 9-1, my phone was slapped away by a strong force.

The screen landed face-down and bounced a few times, instantly covered with spider-web cracks, though the screen was still lit.

I bent down to pick it up, but Chloe stepped hard on the back of my hand and ground her foot.

Glass shards embedded into my palm, and a sharp pain instantly shot through me.

"Ah!"

I cried out in pain, veins bulging on my neck.