Chapter 3

I rushed over and snatched the phone away.

In a livestream, a man was holding forth:

"Everyone, support Clara! Let's see what the mom who raised such a slut looks like!"

"Maybe the daughter learned it from the mother? You all say I'm so manly—what if she takes a liking to me!"

"Actually, never mind. She's been played into the hospital—bit too dirty for me!"

As he spoke, he turned the camera toward my mom lying pale in her hospital bed.

The man threw a handful of photos onto her, his voice dripping with malice.

"Do you know your daughter's selling herself out there?"

"Did you introduce her clients? Why don't you two offer a package deal—sell yourselves together. Business might be even better!"

My mom lunged at him angrily, like a furious lioness:

"Get out! My daughter would never do such things! If you keep slandering her, I'm calling the police!"

Her emotions grew more and more agitated, yet her face grew paler.

Suddenly, she clutched her chest and collapsed onto the hospital bed!

The man panicked and left without pressing the call button for help.

My hands trembled as I dialed the hospital, trying to call a doctor for my mom.

But when the call connected, I couldn't say a single word!

I could only listen as the nurse on the other end said "Hello?" twice before hanging up.

I looked pleadingly at my classmates—people I'd spent day and night with—but they all avoided my gaze, looking toward Clara instead.

Thick despair consumed me.

Clara laughed lightly:

"Lyra, don't worry. I've always thought you were so free without a father—one less person controlling you."

"Maybe you'll be completely free soon. Unlike me—my parents make me call them every day to check in. Later I'll just have to go home and inherit the family business. No autonomy at all."

The surrounding students began flattering Clara.

"That's not no freedom. That kind of life—I'd literally get on my knees to accept it."

Clara looked at me provocatively amid the crowd's adulation.

I ignored her, just kept messaging and calling my mom's attending physician.

I don't know how much time passed before the doctor finally answered.

Knowing I couldn't speak, he reassured me while checking his messages.

His voice grew serious. Soon, my mom was rushed to the operating room.

My taut nerves finally relaxed slightly. My back was already soaked with cold sweat.

Clara walked up to me, her gaze challenging:

"Lyra, I've discovered being mute is actually really nice. You're always so quiet, giving people a sense of emotional stability."

"I just got the scholarship, so I'm treating the whole class to afternoon tea. I'm so envious that your money can go toward saving your mom—so meaningful!"

"Unlike me—I have no worries at all. My money can only be used for enjoyment."

With bloodshot eyes, I shoved her hand away and rushed toward the hospital.

When I arrived at the hospital, the surgery was still ongoing.

I don't know how long passed before the operating room doors opened!

I rushed forward urgently, looking at the doctor.

The doctor shook his head heavily.

"Your mother's body was already weak, and we got to her too late this time."

"We did our best. She's now in a vegetative state. With good care, she might wake up—it's just that the costs will be quite high."

The doctor looked at me with difficulty, taking in my clothes washed so many times they'd faded to white.

I staggered, my eyes erupting with bone-deep hatred.

Clara must pay the price!

Since she loves speaking in reverse so much, I'll make it come true for her.