Julian, my brother, spat on the ground near me. “What a joke. Does the Sanders family have a daughter who cleans toilets?”
“She’s just a conniving tramp trying to worm her way into our family for money. We’ve seen plenty like her before.”
“We pitied her and treated her kindly, and now she’s clinging to us.”
The manager nodded and bowed. “Of course, of course.”
His gaze toward me turned venomous again. “So, you’re after money, huh? Trying to scam Mr. and Mrs. Sanders? You’ve lost your mind!”
“Kneel down and apologize to them immediately!” the manager hissed.
I pulled off my rubber gloves and threw them to the ground. “I quit.”
The manager froze for a moment before sneering coldly. “Fine, quit if you want. But you won’t get a single penny of your wages.”
I nodded silently and turned to leave.
But Rianne’s soft voice stopped me. “Wait.”
The manager quickly stepped in front of me to block my way.
Rianne said, “Sis, you just insulted our parents. Shouldn’t you apologize before leaving?”
I let out a cold laugh and tried to walk away. But my mother turned to the manager and said, “I don’t want to dirty my hands. Teach her a lesson for me—I'll give you a thousand dollars for every slap.”
Without hesitation, the manager grabbed me by the neck and started slapping me hard across the face.
“One... two... three... four...” he counted excitedly, his voice full of glee.
The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth.
For the past year, I had worked tirelessly, juggling three jobs every day. I lived on nothing but pickled vegetables and steamed buns, saving every penny to send to the so-called kidnappers. All I wanted was for them to treat my parents well and stop hurting them.
But now, seeing my parents, they casually threw away tens of thousands just to have someone slap me.
The jewelry store was filled with people, all watching me with gloating expressions.
I could hear their whispers.
“Who is she? Why is she being beaten?”
“Apparently, she tried to scam Mr. and Mrs. Sanders, claiming to be their long-lost daughter. Pathetic, right? She must be desperate for money.”
“Look at her. She does have a conniving face. Serves her right.”
I closed my eyes in despair.
No wonder they never brought me to public events after they found me.
No wonder they restricted my movements, forbidding me from leaving the house.