Chapter 8
“Of course, right this way, Mr. David,” Matthew said eagerly, leading him into a private room. “Please, this way.” As soon as David left, Samantha and Elizabeth dropped their pretense. “Well, well, Mrs. Ellison,” Elizabeth said sarcastically. “Feeling high and mighty, huh? Feeling important now? Or have you forgotten how miserable you looked back at the orphanage?” Samantha snorted. “If Mr. David had come to his senses sooner, you wouldn’t have stood a chance. This marriage was never meant for you. You just lucked out.” “And it won’t last long either,” Elizabeth sneered. “A man like Mr. David wouldn’t keep someone like you around; you are a disgraceful woman. It’ll be over soon. Hahaha!” Caroline remained composed, ignoring their insults, her expression steady. There was only one thought that occupied her mind… Who had been with me that night?
“Isn’t that entirely your doing?” Caroline’s voice was sharp. “I don’t see why you’re so pleased with yourselves. Do you really think David would spare you if he knew his bride was drugged and taken away before even arriving at the Ellison residence? The worst thing that happens to me is a divorce,” she continued. “And since I was a victim, I could easily walk away with a massive settlement and live comfortably for the rest of my life. But do you think he’ll let you off easily?” The mother and daughter were frozen, unable to respond. Samantha eventually snapped, “How ungrateful! You’re unbelievable! We raised you, gave you everything, and this is how you repay us?” “I’m not here to make a scene,” Caroline replied firmly. “I just need an answer.” Her voice dropped to a deliberate tone. “Who had been with me that night?” The man she remembered wasn’t the disgusting, overweight tycoon she had feared. Instead, he was strong, with a well-built physique. Samantha replied, “I don’t know. He was extremely secretive, never revealing his face or identity.” “And you think I’ll believe that?” “What reason would I have to lie to you?” Samantha shot back. “It was an underground deal. Buyers like that don’t reveal themselves.” Elizabeth suddenly blurted out, “Besides, the buyer didn’t even show up.” Before she could finish, Samantha quickly grabbed her arm, cutting her off. “Didn’t show up?” Caroline instantly picked up on the crucial detail. What was happening? A man had clearly entered my room! There was no mistake! “He didn’t make it in time,” Samantha clarified. “He was late and only showed up in the middle of the night.” Yes, the man had indeed arrived much later. Caroline wondered if she would ever find out the identity of the man. Samantha warned her, “Listen, Caroline, this is a secret you must never let out. If you do, it’s over for all of us!” David’s reputation for ruthlessness was known throughout the city. Those who opposed him never survived. Caroline smirked. “And what if I choose to reveal everything? You had the guts to do it but not to own up to it.” “Caroline!” Elizabeth exploded in anger, pushing her. “Don’t forget who raised you! Being Mrs. Ellison doesn’t make you better than anyone else. You’ll always be nothing but an unworthy orphan! You’ll always be just a lowly adopted girl!” Caroline had spent her life enduring Elizabeth’s bullying, unable to fight back or speak up. Everyone would always side with Elizabeth. In the past, Caroline had no choice but to endure it silently. But she wasn’t that person anymore! She wasn’t weak anymore! She grabbed Elizabeth’s wrist and twisted it firmly. “Ah!” Elizabeth shrieked. “How dare you… You actually dared to fight back?” “I…” “She dares,” David’s voice echoed suddenly. “Because she is Mrs. Ellison. My wife.”