Chapter 4

The instant intense heat struck, I could no longer stand. My whole body trembling, I collapsed onto the scorching metal floor.

The moment my feet left the ground, one foot had a layer of skin and flesh torn off by the metal plate, while the other had a layer of scab ripped away.

As my body hit the floor, a "sizzle" sounded where my skin touched the metal plate. The contact area instantly swelled and oozed blood, as if being pan-fried.

Piercing, bone-deep pain shot through my entire body. Blood kept seeping out from various places.

To protect the baby in my belly, I ignored the pain and struggled to adjust my position to lie on my back.

Every movement tore away the layer of skin and flesh pressed against the scalding metal.

By the time I'd adjusted my position, there was hardly any intact flesh left on my body.

And the baby in my belly had also gone completely still.

The people outside who'd been jeering and laughing gradually fell silent as they watched the bloody scene inside.

Feeling my child's life slipping away, I screamed with all my strength. "Sebastian! My baby is dead—you killed him with your own hands! When I get out, I'll have Marcus kill all of you. You all deserve to die!"

Sebastian's expression changed drastically.

In the sudden silence, he walked to the small window, seemingly wanting to check on my condition.

When he saw me covered in blood without a single patch of healthy skin, his pupils contracted sharply.

He was about to order someone to get the key when Sophie suddenly stepped forward and grabbed his hand.

"Ma'am, how can you say such things? You know how much Marcus made Sebastian suffer, how much he was held back. Now he's long dead, yet you still use him to pressure Sebastian. Aren't you just stabbing him in the heart?"

She turned to look at Sebastian, her voice gentle.

"Sebastian, I know about all the grievances you suffered back then. Don't be sad. I'll always stand by your side. As for her, you should still let her out. She's speaking recklessly—she can even say things like killing us. Who knows what she might do if this continues, just like that Marcus of hers..."

Sophie's words stirred up Sebastian's humiliating memories. He flew into a rage, slamming his fist against the metal wall.

"Go raise the temperature another 9°F. Let's see just how stubborn she can be!"

Seeing Sebastian's anger, no one behind him dared persuade him further. They obediently went to raise the temperature by 9°F.

Instantly, piercing burning heat struck from below. My entire body felt like it was being grilled on a hot plate.

My internal organs felt like they were being cooked through by the penetrating heat.

I couldn't hold on any longer and collapsed onto my side.

The moment my belly touched the metal plate, a gush of fresh blood poured from my lower abdomen.

The blood flowed along the metal plate and out through the door crack. Even outside, it still steamed with heat.

Realizing my child had completely left me, I screamed like I was coughing blood.

Many people outside cried out, "Someone's going to die!"

Sebastian had been furious, but hearing this cry, he turned back and was also frightened by the seeping blood.

He frantically grabbed the person next to him and roared, "The key! Go get the key!"

Sophie volunteered eagerly. "Sebastian, I know where the key is. I'll get it!"

As she left, she glanced at me through the small window.

That look contained undisguised malicious glee and triumph.