Chapter 2My Family Thought My Daughter Was Dead, So They Tried to Kill Me

It was early winter, and I was wearing only light clothes when my husband and son threw me out to the doghouse.

Watching Serena's familiar put-on act, I couldn't help but let out a self-deprecating laugh.

Years ago, Vivian had threatened Robert with his shares in the company to make him break up with Serena.

Turns out he only pretended to agree, still seeing her behind Vivian's back all this time!

"Robert, how dare you lie to Vivian? Aren't you afraid she'll come back and take everything from you?!"

The group on the steps peered down at me.

A few seconds later, a harsh burst of laughter erupted.

"Vivian has been blown to smithereens. She's still dreaming; it's laughable."

Brandon's face was full of disgust:

"Mom, look at you, a senile old fool. Only Vivian ever treated you like a treasure, but now she's dead, and your lifeline is gone. From now on, you'll have to live off our scraps. Just thinking about it gives me a thrill!"

Robert wrapped an arm around Serena, patting Brandon's shoulder with satisfaction:

"The entire Harper Group will be ours, mine and my son's. Once we get Vivian's inheritance from you, the Harper Group will become the Hayes Group. Then you can go join your dear daughter!"

Robert's words sent a surge of excitement through them all.

I didn't know if I was cold from the outside or if my heart was colder than ice.

I clenched my fists, trembling uncontrollably.

For so many years, their act had been so convincing.

Robert had always been attentive, thoughtful, and polite. When Vivian caught him cheating years ago, he knelt, begging for my forgiveness, vowing never to repeat his mistake.

He even accepted Vivian changing her surname to mine without a word of complaint.

Brandon was always dutiful, showing Vivian, his older sister, the utmost respect.

Now, the news of Vivian's plane crash had barely reached us, and their true colors were completely revealed!

Robert scoffed, pointing at the doghouse. "You don't deserve to live in such a nice villa anymore. You'll stay in the doghouse. By day, you'll be our maid; by night, our watchdog."

I snapped, "You wouldn't dare! Vivian bought this villa for me, and it's in my name."

I started to walk up, but Robert raised his hand and shoved me.

I tumbled down the steps, my old back injury flaring with excruciating pain.

Serena let out a delicate, mocking laugh, her eyes full of scorn.

"Eleanor, you're too old for this. Don't forget, tomorrow morning I want a custom-blended green tea smoothie. Make sure it's ready."

With that, she casually linked arms with Robert:

"It's freezing, Robert, Brandon. Let's go inside."

The large door slammed shut in front of me.

I endured the sharp pain and crawled into the doghouse for warmth. My phone and bank cards weren't with me.

Robert had bribed the house security guards at some point.

I couldn't even get out of the yard.

This wasn't the time for anger. They still didn't know Vivian never boarded that plane.

I had to hold on until she returned!

Then we'd see if they could still wipe that smug grin off their faces.