Chapter 4

"Whether I play Mrs. Franklin or not is none of an ex-con's business."

On the other end of the line, Louise sneered and hung up.

In the afternoon, I received a frantic call from the nursing home where my mother was staying.

The head nurse sounded extremely anxious.

"Miss Sinclair, your mother's account is overdrawn."

"And the administration just received an order. Your mother must vacate her private ICU suite tomorrow morning."

I took a deep breath, forcing down the burning rage in my chest.

"I understand. I’m on my way."

The nursing home was owned by Franklin Enterprises.

Back then, to make sure I took the fall quietly, Cameron had promised to provide my mother with the best medical care.

Now, he was using my mother's life to threaten me.

When I arrived at the nursing home, Cameron was sitting on a bench outside my mother’s ward.

He sat with his legs crossed, playing with a custom lighter, his expression completely detached.

He didn't even look up when I walked over.

"Changed your mind?"

I stood before him, looking down at his face.

"Cameron, leave my family out of this. Don't you think this is incredibly low?"

He snapped the lighter shut, stood up, and stepped into my space, using his height to intimidate me.

"Low? Natasha, I’m only taking back what I paid for."

"Since you refuse to be obedient, you have to face the consequences."

Just then, Louise walked down the corridor.

She affectionately wrapped her arm around Cameron's, her eyes landing on the sapphire necklace around my neck. Her eyes lit up instantly.

"Oh Cameron, that necklace is so beautiful. I love it."

She pouted like a spoiled child, tugging at his arm.

Cameron glanced at me, his tone casual, as if discussing a piece of garbage.

"It's just a knockoff anyway. Since Louise likes it, give it to her. I'll transfer a hundred thousand dollars to your account."

I instinctively covered the necklace and took a step back.

"It's mine. It's not for sale."

Louise pouted, acting hurt.

"Natasha, don't be so stingy."

"I'll give you two hundred thousand. That's enough to pay for your mother's medical bills for months."

Seeing me refuse, Cameron’s face darkened instantly.

"Natasha, don't make me repeat myself."

"Your mother's ICU room, her imported medication... everything depends on my mood."

"Take the necklace off and give it to Louise."

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a deadly threat.

Staring at the two of them, I felt my blood run cold.

I clenched my teeth, my trembling hands slowly reaching behind my neck to unclasp the necklace.

A triumphant gleam flashed in Louise’s eyes, and she reached out to grab it.

But the moment her fingertips touched the chain, she gasped and let go.

The priceless sapphire necklace fell onto the hard marble floor.

It didn't shatter, but it made a heavy, dull sound.

Louise covered her mouth, putting on an innocent act.

"Oops, my hand slipped."

She looked down at the necklace, her eyes filled with malicious joy.

"Since it's on the floor, I might as well step on it. You won't mind, will you, Natasha?"

With that, she raised her sharp stiletto heel, aiming straight for the sapphire.

"Don't you dare!" I screamed.

Just as her heel was about to crush it, a cold, commanding voice echoed from the end of the hallway.

"Step on it? Go ahead and try."