Chapter 5

My phone vibrated frantically in my pocket. It was a FaceTime request from Brenda.

I immediately answered.

On the screen, Brenda wore a luxurious haute couture gown I'd never seen before, dripping with jewels.

Her face showed no trace of illness; in fact, thanks to good care, she was radiant.

"Evelyn, why haven't you transferred this month's twenty thousand dollars for the nursing home yet?"

I looked at her hypocritical face, not even having the energy to humor her.

"No money."

She raised her voice.

"No money? I don't care what you do, you must transfer the money to me by tonight! I need it urgently here!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she impatiently hung up the video call.

I expressionlessly opened SnapChat. Ten minutes ago, she had sent me a voice message.

"Evelyn, I just had a kidney transplant, and my body's having a strong rejection reaction. The doctor said I need to buy a special foreign medicine; it's very expensive, fifty thousand dollars. Go get a loan online and transfer it to me right away!"

This entire family of vicious bloodsuckers!

I trembled with rage but didn't reply.

Soon, a second voice message popped up.

I opened it, and it was Brenda's malicious cursing.

"You ungrateful wretch! I spoiled you for nothing! My son marrying you was the worst luck imaginable! You won't even give me fifty thousand dollars, you just want me to die! You ungrateful wretch, karma will get you!"

Just then, Scarlett returned, lifting her skirt, her face with freshly applied, elegant makeup, smiling brightly.

As she stood next to me, her phone rang.

I clearly heard Marcus's voice from the other end of the line.

"Sweetheart, Brenda, to celebrate our anniversary, said she's giving you a house in an excellent school zone as a gift! The transfer contract has already been signed!"

It felt like something exploded in my brain.

That house in the school district was supposed to be the only financial security my parents left for my five-year-old son, Leo!

Brenda had always held onto the property deed, claiming she was keeping it safe so I wouldn't lose it.

I had asked her for it countless times, but she always made excuses.

I never imagined she would take my son's house and give it to his mistress!

Scarlett quickly thanked her.

"Thank you, Brenda! You really dote on me."

Brenda's haughty and smug voice clearly came through the phone.

"You deserve all of this! Our Thorne family daughter-in-law deserves the best! Alright, I'm not saying anything more, we're coming up in the elevator now!"

The call ended, and Scarlett reached out, just about to take the cat back.

From her peripheral vision, she caught Marcus, Brenda, and Arthur stepping out of the elevator, and she immediately went to greet them with joy.

I still held the cat wearing my mother's relic.

I looked in their direction and whispered softly, in a voice only I could hear.

"Your wedding anniversary? I'm definitely giving you a big gift."

Marcus, in a perfectly tailored haute couture suit, escorted an equally radiant Scarlett towards the stage.

All the lights in the hall began to focus on them.

I walked onto the stage from the other side, still holding the cat.

Just as Marcus picked up the microphone, ready to begin his heartfelt confession,

I snatched the microphone from the host and calmly spoke.

"Marcus, how is Brenda enjoying my kidney?"