Chapter 3

The transfer to the psychiatric hospital went smoothly.

I chose Blackwood Mental Health Facility for Victoria – the most secure center in the city.

And I specifically upgraded her to the VIP package: 24-hour surveillance, double-layered security doors, and tranquilizer shots twice a day.

As I finished signing, ready to leave, Brandon Miller rushed over.

He grabbed my arm, his face a mix of anxiety and disbelief. “Julian, I heard about the accident,”

“But I never thought it would be this serious! How could you send Victoria to a place like this?”

I gently pulled my arm free, subtly stepping back to create distance between us.

“I had no choice. The doctor said she has strong violent tendencies. It’s too dangerous to keep her at home.”

I sighed, then my tone shifted, and I looked at him curiously. “But how did you find out I was here? I don’t think I had time to notify anyone.”

Brandon’s face stiffened slightly, then he explained, “I… I was worried about Victoria, so I called all her old friends. That’s how I found out.”

What a perfect excuse.

“Oh, I see.” I nodded, a grateful smile on my face.

“That was very thoughtful of you. Speaking of which, I was just about to look for an expert to consult. Didn’t you say you had a friend who’s a psychiatrist?”

Brandon’s eyes lit up. He quickly said, “Yes, yes! I have a friend who’s an authority in the field! Julian, don’t worry, I’ll make sure he uses the best possible treatment plan for Victoria!”

“That’s fantastic!” I feigned delight, and right there, in front of Dr. Evans, the facility’s lead physician, I peppered him with questions:

“Mr. Miller, you’re truly so kind. Could you tell me which hospital your expert friend works at?”

“And could I perhaps see his medical license and professional qualifications? After all, with Victoria’s condition, I wouldn’t dare trust just any quack without proper credentials.”

Brandon’s face instantly turned beet red, and he stammered for a long time, unable to get a single word out.

I didn’t give him a chance to breathe. I immediately turned, apologizing to Dr. Evans. “Dr. Evans, I’m so sorry. My friend here is just a little too enthusiastic.”

“From now on, Victoria’s condition is entirely in your capable hands.”

“Also, to avoid any unnecessary trouble, from now on, besides myself, anyone claiming to be her friend, relative, or an expert coming to visit, please make sure to verify their identity with me first.”

“We wouldn’t want any medical mishaps, would we? We’d all be in deep trouble.”

Dr. Evans nodded gravely. “Mr. Wallace, rest assured, we have strict visitation policies. There will be no mistakes.”

Brandon stood aside, his face pale, looking like he’d been choked.

His plan to collude from the inside was thoroughly blocked by me from the very first step.

Back home, I dug out all of Victoria’s bank cards and dialed the bank’s customer service.

“Hello, I’d like to report all bank cards under my name and my wife Victoria Wallace’s name as lost. Yes, all of them. Immediately. Right now.”

“Reason? Oh, my wife is mentally unstable. I suspect she’s given her cards and PINs to outsiders. For the security of our funds, please freeze all accounts immediately.”

In my last life, they spent money like water, living lavishly with the funds from these very cards.

This time, I’d like to see how well you two can live it up without my money.

Sure enough, within three days, that despicable pair was driven to desperate measures.

The miniature listening device I’d planted in Brandon’s car relayed their furious conversation.

I leisurely steeped my tea, listening in.

“…That b*tch! Julian Wallace, that scumbag!”

Brandon’s voice was sharp and shrill. “He shut down all the cards! I tried to withdraw cash, and it said the account was frozen!”

From the other end of the line, Victoria’s voice came through, seething with suppressed rage, tinged with a hint of undetectable panic.

“Brandon, we can’t wait any longer!”

“If we wait any longer, those nurses and doctors will truly drive me insane here! They give me shots every day!”

“What do we do then? We have no money now, and we can’t even see you! All those shady friends are starting to avoid me!”

Brandon’s voice began to crack with tears.

“I understand, Victoria. Just wait. I’ll find a way to get you out first. We’ll settle the score with that bastard Julian later!”