Chapter 3

I was woken by a basin of cold water thrown over me.

Austin Lambert grabbed my hair and hauled me up.

He threw a rough cloth garment in my face.

"Put it on! There's a big event at the village entrance today."

He grinned.

"Boss Henson dropped a whopping fifty million dollars to build a school! To win Camille over, he even named it the Camille-Grace Hope School. And it's going out on a nationwide livestream!"

"You keep your head down and go haul water and bricks over there. If you pull any stunts and embarrass me, I'll skin you alive when I get back tonight!"

I pulled the clothes on.

Limping, I was led toward the village entrance by the hemp rope in his hand.

The village entrance was covered with red carpet, cameras set up all around.

I stood in a corner hauling a case of bottled water.

Far off, on the makeshift host's platform.

Russ Henson wore his rosewood prayer beads, and Camille Roman stood beside him, smiling.

A reporter aimed a camera at them.

"Mr. Henson, you've funded poor mountain regions for five years running, and this time you've generously donated tens of millions to build a school. May I ask what inspired you?"

A reporter in the front row asked loudly.

Russ looked at Camille as he answered.

"Because I met a kind girl. Camille grew up in the barren mountains, yet she's kept the purest of hearts. I hope more good children like her can walk out of the mountains and change their fate."

Camille lowered her head and leaned against Russ's shoulder.

Applause broke out across the venue.

I carried the case past the steps, my body trembling.

Camille caught sight of me, the corner of her mouth curving up.

She bent down to smooth her skirt and stuck out her foot. My view was blocked, and I couldn't dodge in time.

I fell on the steps.

The case of water broke open, water spilling all over the ground and splashing onto Camille's skirt.

The crowd fell into chaos, and the reporter's camera swung toward me.

"Where's security?! Where did this beggar come from?!"

Austin ran out and kicked me in the back.

"I'm so sorry, so sorry, Boss Henson! This crazy woman from the village is blind! I'll drag her away right now!"

I lay on the ground, spat out bloody water, and lifted my head to meet Russ's gaze.

He lowered his eyes, his fingertips slowly rolling the prayer beads.

"Everyone has their own fate. Since she strayed from her own path, she deserves to kneel in the mud for the rest of her life."

Russ spoke into the microphone, his voice carrying across the whole venue.

Camille took hold of his arm.

"Russ, let it go. She's rather pitiful too. Maybe living in these mountains was too much for her and it drove her mad."

"Camille, you're just too kind."

Russ patted the back of her hand and turned to look at me.

"For a murderer this vicious to the bone, there's no need for any sympathy at all."

He turned to face the camera and announced his decision.