Chapter 3

I believed Elena understood my character.

But she said, "People change. You no longer have the backbone you once had. When told to kneel, you just kneel."

I was so angry I wanted to laugh.

Did she really think I'd changed, or was she simply believing her first love Marcus's words?

Within a few breaths, my clothes were stripped off, my skeletal frame exposed to everyone's view.

"Hahaha, this is hilarious. Look at him—skinny as a monkey and ugly too."

"So disgusting. So revolting."

"How did someone like this ever qualify to be Mr. Blackwood's stand-in? I really don't know what Miss Winters was thinking."

Mocking laughter continued.

Elena's face showed her discomfort. She frowned even more deeply, looking at me with disappointment and disgust.

After all, back then I'd worked out every day, extremely disciplined! Elena used to touch my eight-pack abs every day.

When she was unhappy, she'd rest against my chest muscles to relax.

She said I was so masculine.

She said no matter what, she wouldn't allow anyone to hurt me or slander me.

Compared to this moment, how ironic.

Marcus took my phone and used facial recognition to unlock it, then rummaged through it carelessly.

"Oh?"

"You actually borrowed a million dollars from loan sharks? Looks like you're desperate for money. That's another reason to steal the ring."

"Besides revenge against me, you could also sell it for money, right?"

Marcus displayed the loan message for everyone at the scene to see.

This prompted another round of mockery.

Elena's eyes filled with more disappointment. She shook her head and sighed, "I actually still held onto a shred of hope, thinking that under your care, our daughter might still be alive."

"How foolish of me."

"Someone as depraved as you—how could you care whether our daughter lives or dies?"

Seeing her act this way.

I couldn't help but say, "Then let me ask you—when our daughter was first diagnosed, where were you?"

"Shut up! Say another word and I'll knock your teeth out!"

Marcus glared at me, then turned to comfort Elena. "Honey, don't be sad. As long as we keep trying IVF, we'll definitely have our own child."

Elena didn't respond, just looked at me with complex emotions, as if recalling scenes from eight years ago.

But I only wanted to say two words: karma!

Eight years ago.

Piper was seriously ill and hospitalized, and Marcus was returning to the country. So Elena devoted all her attention to Marcus, personally arranging welcome banquets and various events.

I hoped she'd use her resources to find a heart donor for Piper and complete the surgery before Marcus returned.

But I called her a hundred times. She only answered once, dropping three words: "Stop bothering me!"

That's when I finally made up my mind to run away with Piper.

"Anyway, I didn't steal the wedding ring. If you don't believe me, let's call the police."

I gritted my teeth.

"Call the police? Absolutely not!"

Marcus's expression turned cold. "Why would I need the police for such a small matter? I'd lose face. If you don't hand over the wedding ring today, you're not leaving. I'll cripple one of your hands first for fun."

He pulled out a knife and aimed it at my right hand.

"Marcus!"

Elena frowned. "That's enough. Don't go too far. It won't look good if word gets out."

Marcus shrugged reluctantly and put away the knife.

"Someone! Tie him to that pillar!"

At his command.

The manager personally dragged me toward a pillar.

"You have no solid evidence, and no right to restrict my freedom."

"Let me go!"

I struggled desperately, but I was outnumbered and couldn't break free. I could only look at Elena again. "For the sake of our past relationship."

"Help me this once. Trust me just this once, okay?"

"There's only half an hour left. If I can't get there in time, you'll definitely regret it!"