Chapter 2

My daughter trembled in my arms. Her tiny body was as light as a feather.

She looked up at me with tear-filled eyes, her voice cracking.

"Ma'am, please, just run!"

Those words pierced my heart like a dagger.

I tightened my grip, pulling her frail body close, trying to pour all the years of lost maternal love into this single hug.

I leaned down and looked her in the eyes, speaking with absolute clarity.

"Lily, I'm not just some lady."

"I'm your mommy."

"I'm your real mommy!"

Lily froze.

She stared at me, trying to figure out if I was lying.

A few seconds later, tears welled up in her big eyes and spilled over.

"Mommy?"

Her little hands gripped my coat tightly.

"Then why did you abandon me? Where have you been all these years?"

Her question felt like a knife twisting in my chest. I could only shake my head frantically.

"No, Lily! Mommy never wanted to leave you! I've been looking for you every single day!"

She didn't believe me. Crying, she suddenly pulled up her tattered sleeve.

Her thin arm was covered in bruises—purples, blues, yellows. New wounds were layered over old scars. There wasn't a single inch of healthy skin.

"Then look at this!"

"Daddy beats me, and she beats me too!"

"If you're really my mommy, why didn't you come save me?!"

Her raw, agonizing scream shattered the silence of the room.

The parents and teachers watching were visibly shaken.

"Oh my god, that's horrific!"

"Look at Chloe. She’s dripping in designer clothes, carrying a Chanel bag, but her daughter... she looks like she digs through trash."

"Her clothes are faded and worn out, and look at those shoes—there's a hole in them! This is sick!"

The whispering made Chloe’s face turn instantly pale.

My tears flowed uncontrollably.

"I'm so sorry, Lily. Mommy was useless."

"I'm sorry I couldn't protect you."

Four years ago, my toxic ex-mother-in-law, Evelyn, snatched three-year-old Lily from my arms.

"You couldn't even give my son a male heir to inherit our estate, and now you want to keep our family's bloodline? In your dreams!"

"Let me tell you, Clara, you will never see this child again!"

I still remembered her cold grip, Lily’s terrifying screams, and how I knelt on the floor begging until the heavy oak door slammed in my face.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm.

"Lily, listen to me. Years ago, your grandmother—Brandon’s mother—forcibly dragged you away! She said I couldn't give them a son and didn't deserve to raise you!"

"I've been looking for you for four years! I almost went crazy!"

I pointed at Chloe’s bodyguards and screamed at the crowd.

"Please! Someone call 911!"

A young female teacher couldn't stand it anymore. Trembling, she pulled out her phone.

"Hello, police—"

Before she could finish, a dark figure lunged forward.

*Smack!* Chloe’s bodyguard slapped the phone right out of her hand, sending it shattering across the floor.

The bodyguard glared at her menacingly. "Mind your own business if you know what's good for you."

The teacher turned pale and backed away in terror.

Chloe crossed her arms, a cold smirk playing on her lips as she stepped forward.

"Miss Avery, my husband was just about to donate half a million dollars to this school for a new gym."

Her tone was dripping with arrogance.

"If you make that call, you can kiss that donation goodbye."

The principal's face instantly changed.

She rushed over, squeezing out a fake smile for Chloe while pulling Miss Avery back.

"Mrs. Vance, please don't be angry! Avery is young and foolish!"

The principal turned and barked at the crowd, "What are you all staring at? This is a private family matter! Everyone, clear out!"

My last shred of hope was crushed again.

My heart sank to my stomach.

I struggled with all my might, trying to reach into my pocket for my phone.

The two bodyguards pinned my arms like iron clamps, but I managed to slip my fingers onto the edge of my device.

Suddenly, Chloe darted forward and snatched the phone from my hand!

A triumphant, nasty smirk spread across her face.

"What's wrong, Clara? Trying to call Brandon to save you?"

"Keep dreaming!"

"He loves me now! He threw you out like trash years ago!"

Looking at her twisted face, I spat at her feet.

"Gross."

"Do you think everyone likes recycling trash like you do?"

"A scumbag like him? I wouldn't even touch him with a ten-foot pole!"

My words caught her off guard. She clearly didn't expect me to fight back.

Ignoring her, I turned my gaze back to my sweet daughter.

"Lily, don't be afraid."

"Mommy is taking you home today. No one can stop me!"

My determination seemed to give her a spark of hope.

She clutched my coat tighter and whispered, "Are you... are you really my mommy?"

"Yes!"

I answered without a second of hesitation.

Seeing Lily's defenses crumble, Chloe completely lost her mind.

Her face contorted in rage as she lunged forward, grabbing Lily by her collar.

"Lily Vance! Snap out of it!"

"I don't care who gave birth to you. Legally, you are my daughter!"

She glared at Lily with venomous eyes.

"And let me remind you of the only reason you even exist,"

"You live to keep your brother alive!"