But at the end of his life, Jason discovered the greatest villain of all—was his own father.
When I reached the lodge, I saw crowds gathered at the entrance, arms full of flower baskets and banners supporting Chloe Miller.
It was almost festive.
The largest, most eye-catching banner had a bold signature: Daniel Brooks.
“Owner Chloe stands tall against online abuse—evil people will get what they deserve!”
The sight stabbed at my heart.
Daniel, as you wished—your son has been taken by heaven.
Inside, I heard sobbing. Chloe’s delicate voice drifted out:
“Daniel, it’s so kind of you to come all the way here. I can’t even bear to look at my phone anymore—the app keeps showing me Emma’s post…”
“I know I didn’t do anything wrong, but I’m so scared people will still curse me…”
Daniel, who should have been working at the company, replied with a voice as cold as frost:
“Don’t be afraid. I already told her to delete it. If she refuses, I’ll see how long she can keep up her little act in the hospital.”
His words froze my heart over with ice.
“Daniel, hearing you say that makes me feel so much better,” Chloe whispered.
Daniel’s eyes softened, his hands tenderly covering her belly.
“Take care of yourself. You finally have a baby—don’t let the stress harm it.”
At that moment, my chest felt like it was crushed by thunder.
My son was dead, yet the woman who killed him carried a child!
I stumbled inside, pale as a corpse.
When Daniel saw my disheveled appearance, his expression immediately shifted.
“Done with your little show? Chloe has endured so much abuse because of you. Hurry up and apologize to her!”
I ignored him, walking straight past and heading for the room.
“Stop pretending to be coy! Did you delete that post or not?”
Seeing me unresponsive, his face darkened as he rushed after me.
But when I entered the room, I froze. It was completely empty—our luggage had vanished.
My heart clenched. I turned, wanting to ask Chloe where our things had gone.
Daniel grabbed my wrist in a crushing grip, fury blazing in his eyes.
“Did you not understand me? I told you to apologize to Chloe!”
In that instant, the numb stillness inside me shattered into an eruption of rage.
Jason had called out to him, and he hadn’t cared.
Jason had died waiting for him, and he remained unmoved.
When I returned covered in mud and rain, he sneered at me.