Chapter 3

Lily's POV

I turned to run, but then I saw my dog thrown in with me.

It was a Labrador that had been by my side since I was nine years old-fourteen years now.

He was my closest friend and family!

I never imagined Harrison would use even my dog to force me to apologize.

I held Max tightly, trying to find some sense of security from him.

Just then, I heard a strange noise. Suddenly, the python cage at the front burst open, and a massive python charged toward me at terrifying speed!

Trembling, I pulled out my phone and called Harrison.

"Harrison, the snake got out! Let me out, please!"

On the other end, Harrison fell silent for a moment. Before he could speak, Vivian's voice came through:

"I heard those cages were locked tight. Without keys, the snakes can't possibly get out."

Harrison laughed coldly.

"Lily, you'd even lie like this just to avoid taking responsibility?"

His words poured over me like ice water, chilling me to the bone.

The next second, I heard a fierce bark!

Max rushed forward to protect me and was instantly caught by the python around his neck, whimpering in pain.

"Max!"

I screamed and tried to rush forward, but countless cage doors sprang open simultaneously. Snakes poured out like a flood.

Max struggled, using his last bit of strength to shield me, like a true warrior!

I collapsed to my knees in despair, watching Max lose his life before my eyes, completely helpless.

"Harrison, I was wrong! I know I was wrong! Please let me out!"

Desperation made me abandon all pride.

Before I finished speaking, a venomous snake bit into my leg.

Excruciating pain hit me. I slowly collapsed.

Before losing consciousness, I vaguely saw the door kicked open. Harrison rushed in like a madman and held me tightly.

"Lily, I'm sorry!"

I wanted to laugh, but as I laughed, tears fell.

When I woke again, the sharp smell of disinfectant told me I was in the hospital.

I was about to sit up when Harrison walked in with Vivian.

Seeing I was awake, Harrison quickly came forward to support me.

"Lily, you're finally awake. The snake house incident was an accident. The security system suddenly malfunctioned. I've already dealt with the guards."

I laughed coldly.

"One word, 'accident,' and I lose my family?"

Thinking of Max's death, my chest tightened, like something was crushing me from the inside.

Vivian stepped forward carrying a thermos.

"This is all my fault. I made soup especially to apologize."

I pushed the container away.

"I don't need it."

Vivian immediately looked at Harrison with wounded eyes.

"Did I make something she doesn't like? Tell me what she likes, and I'll remake it."

Harrison ladled out a bowl of soup, his gaze pressuring me.

"Vivian got up before dawn to make this soup for you. She even burned her hand."

I was about to refuse when he swept me with a cold glance.

"Lily, have you forgotten about the snake house?"

My hand froze. I looked at him in disbelief.

"Are you threatening me?"

Harrison shoved the bowl into my hands.

"Lily, be good. I'm just teaching you to be obedient."

Not wanting more trouble, I reluctantly took the bowl. But the moment the soup touched my lips, a fishy smell made me want to vomit!

Just then, Harrison's phone rang.

"I have a conference call."

The moment he left, Vivian dropped her pitiful act and looked at me mockingly.

"I heard your beloved dog died protecting you?"

I watched her warily.

"What do you want?"

Vivian smiled lightly, pointing at the soup bowl in my hands.

"How does it taste? Eating soup made from your own dog."