Chapter 3A Prison of the Heart, A Captive of Pity

I didn’t withdraw the lawsuit, so the court hearing proceeded as scheduled.

But with the signed transfer agreement, Zach effortlessly won the case for Amber.

As the court adjourned, he cut me off before I could leave.

Seeing my cold expression, he asked tentatively, “I told you to withdraw the suit. Are you still angry?”

“It’s not that I’m taking her side. Amber was a junior of mine back in high school abroad. We were close. Seeing her like this now… I just pity her. That’s why I…”

“I saw a new development over at Seaside Point. The environment and location are much better than the old estate. I’ll buy you two villas there as compensation. I’ll take you to see them. And I already promised you, from now on…”

Zach’s words were cut short.

The ever-present Amber rolled up in her electric wheelchair, interrupting. “Jenna! I was just about to look for you!”

“Zach said he was worried people in our circle might bully me since I’ve just returned. He’s throwing a party at the estate tomorrow night, a housewarming to show everyone I have his support.”

“Since you’ll be moving out tomorrow anyway, why don’t you join us?”

The moment Amber spoke, Zach eagerly chimed in, “Yes, exactly. Amber’s status is… awkward. With you there, it will help legitimize her.”

I frowned, a bitter laugh escaping my lips. “Legitimize her? How?”

“Her age and her parentage are facts. A child born during my parents’ marriage is the child of a mistress. What other name is there for it?”

With that, I turned and walked away.

Behind me, Amber’s face flushed red with anger. She choked back a curse, turning a wounded, helpless face to Zach.

“Zach… is Jenna still mad at me?”

“It’s all my fault. I should have just stayed overseas, a useless cripple, and died. I shouldn’t have come back here to be a burden to everyone.”

Zach patted her shoulder reassuringly. “What right does she have to be angry? I’ve more than compensated her for her troubles.”

“Don’t overthink it. I’ll take care of everything for you tomorrow.”

What Zach meant by “take care of everything” was, of course, a threat.

The next day, while I was in the backyard directing movers, the party in the front yard was in full swing. Zach pushed Amber’s wheelchair through the crowd, patiently introducing her to his influential friends. They even wore matching outfits in a complementary color scheme.

From a distance, you’d think they were the engaged couple.

I let out a hollow laugh and looked away, focusing on getting the movers finished as quickly as possible, refusing to set foot in the main house.

I didn't realize Zach had approached me from behind until his voice, sharp with displeasure, cut through the air.

“I sent you dozens of messages last night. Why didn’t you reply to a single one? She’s already lost her legs, for God’s sake. Are you really so cruel that you want to make it impossible for her to live in this city?”

When I refused to even look at him, he stepped in front of me, holding out a tablet.

On the screen was a live feed. A group of men with shovels and pickaxes were surrounding my mother’s grave. Their intentions were chillingly clear.

“Jenna, if you would just be a little more cooperative, I wouldn’t have to resort to this.”

I looked at the man before me, my heart so broken it was simply numb.

Desecrating a grave.

He had really outdone himself this time.

It’s always the one you love the most who knows exactly where to stick the knife.

I couldn’t even summon the energy to be angry anymore. The disappointment was absolute, a vast emptiness hollowing me out. More than that, I hated my own powerlessness.

“There’s no need for such a dramatic display, Mr. Song.”

“It’s just a few words. Don’t disturb my mother’s rest.”

I handed the tablet back to him.

He grabbed my wrist, his grip like iron. “Where’s the engagement ring I gave you?” he demanded.