At the sight of me, my father's expression softened, and he reached for my hands.

"Clara, my child, you—"

"What do you want?"

"Ckara, my child, your father loves you a lot. You'll keep your father safe when you need to, won't you?"

I pulled my hands free,"If you have nothing to say, Mr. Walter, I'll take my leave."

"No, no, Clara, my child... your husband... ah..."

For the first time, I saw a flicker of fear in my father's eyes. But I hardened my heart, knowing his ruthless and cruel nature.

"I won't say this again: if you don't have anything to say, I'll take my leave now. I'm not interested in this drama today.”

I turned to leave, but my legs were suddenly held. My father fell to their knees

"Clara, we know we've wronged you," my father pleaded, "but you must keep your father safe. Your husband has hacked into our company's network system. We don't know what he wants, but he's secretly bought all our shares. We'll go bankrupt."

I scoffed."What nonsense are you spouting? You're tired of taunting me, and now you're going after my husband?"

"No, no, my child. Your husband is powerful, and he wants to come after me."

"Clara, my child, don't you understand? Your father—"

I cut off my stepmother as she tried to intervene."This has nothing to do with me. Don't call me your child. I'm leaving now."

I saw my father and stepmother exchange a nervous glance, but I wasn't interested in their drama. I tried to shake them off, but they held tight.

"Let go of me!" I yelled, struggling to break free.

"Clara, my dear! Clara, my child!" my father and stepmother exclaimed in unison, their grip on my arms tightening as I struggled to break free.

Suddenly, a foot connected with my legs, sending me stumbling. I tried to regain my balance, but a push from behind sent me crashing to the ground. My stomach throbbed in agony as I cried out.

The wind was knocked out of me, and my vision blurred. Through tears of pain, I saw a satisfied smile spreading across my step-sister's face, while my stepmother's expression feigned concern.

As I struggled to stand, a warm sensation trickled down in between my legs. I looked down, horrified, as a pool of blood formed on the floor.

"My baby!!!"

★★★