Chapter 3

I didn't drop the charges, so the hearing proceeded as scheduled.

With that signed transfer deed in hand, Serena easily won the case for Austin.

When the hearing ended, Serena intercepted me in the hallway.

Seeing my stone-cold face, she probed cautiously:

"Didn't I tell you to drop the suit? Are you still sulking?"

"I'm not playing favorites. Austin was my underclassman back when I was in boarding school abroad. We were very close. Seeing him like this breaks my heart. That's the only reason..."

"I saw a new luxury development by the coast. The location and view are much better than that old manor. I'll buy two penthouses for you. I'll take you to see them soon. Think of it as compensation. I promised you, in the future—"

Before she could finish, Austin's voice chimed in like an inescapable curse as he rolled up in his electric wheelchair.

"Liam, I was just looking for you!"

"Serena said she was worried people in high society would look down on me since I just got back. So she organized a housewarming party at the manor tomorrow to introduce me to everyone."

"Since you're moving your things out tomorrow, why not join us?"

Serena jumped in immediately to back him up:

"He's right. Austin's background is a little sensitive. Having you there will legitimize his place in the family."

I frowned, laughing coldly:

"Legitimize him? How?"

"The timeline is clear. He was born while my parents were legally married. What else could he be other than the spawn of a mistress?"

With that, I turned and walked away.

Austin's face flushed crimson with rage.

He swallowed his curse words, turning toward Serena with a pitiful, helpless look.

"Serena, is Liam still mad at me?"

"It's all my fault. I should have just stayed overseas as a useless cripple and died there. I shouldn't have come back to ruin everyone's mood."

Serena patted his shoulder soothingly:

"What right does he have to be angry? The compensation I gave him is more than enough."

"Stop overthinking. I'll handle things for you tomorrow."

Her idea of "handling things" was another threat.

The next day, while I was directing movers in the back courtyard, the party in the front gardens was in full swing. Serena pushed Austin's wheelchair through the crowd, patiently introducing him to the city's elite.

Their designer outfits were even coordinated in matching colors.

From a distance, anyone would think they were the real fiancé and fiancée.

I let out a bitter chuckle and looked away. I stayed entirely in the back, making sure the movers worked as quickly as possible.

I didn't notice Serena walking up behind me until she spoke, her voice laced with irritation:

"I sent you so many texts last night. Why didn't you reply to a single one? He lost the use of his legs; he's already suffered enough. Do you really have to drive him out of high society entirely?"

Seeing that I wouldn't even look at her, she stepped in front of me and thrust an iPad into my hands.

The live security feed showed a group of men with pickaxes and shovels surrounding my mother's grave. Their intentions were painfully obvious.

"Liam, if you'd just cooperate, I wouldn't have to resort to this."

I stared at Serena.

A numb, hollow pain washed over me.

Desecrating my mother's grave.

To think Serena could actually stoop this low.

It was true what they said: only the person you love the most knows exactly where to plunge the knife to hurt you best.

I didn't even have the energy to get angry anymore. Disappointment had drained me completely.

My heart went hollow.

All I felt was hatred for my own powerlessness.

"There's no need to make such a scene, Ms. Sterling."

"It's just a few words. Don't disturb my mother's rest."

I handed the tablet back to her.

Suddenly, she grabbed my wrist and demanded:

"Where is your engagement ring? Why aren't you wearing it?"