Chapter 5

Two days later, Vivian barged in with two maids.

In her hand was an old phone containing all the photos and videos of my child.

"Serena, you hid this quite well."

She waved the phone screen. That smile made all the blood in my body run cold.

I shot to my feet.

"Give it back!"

"Give it back?" She smashed the phone on the floor.

"This kind of unlucky thing doesn't deserve to stay in the estate."

The screen shattered. I lunged forward but was pinned down by the maids.

Vivian stepped on it, grinding her high heel into it.

"Improper things should be completely deleted."

Right in front of me, she pulled out the SIM card and threw both card and phone into the fireplace.

The only proof in this world that my child had existed was gone.

"Claire!"

I broke free from the maids and lunged at her, but she kicked me in the chest. I fell hard to the floor.

"What are you doing, Serena?" She looked down at me.

"It's just an unborn baby. The person's gone---why keep mementos? Aren't you afraid of bad luck?"

She turned to leave, then looked back with a smile.

"Oh, by the way, Ethan said this side building will have electronic locks installed."

"Serena, stay put and don't embarrass yourself by going out."

I lay on the floor, watching the last bit of firelight in the fireplace.

Ashes floated up, settling everywhere.

From that day on, I became quiet. I didn't step out of the building once.

Ethan came to see me a few times, standing at the door, watching from afar.

"Good that you've come around. Stay here obediently from now on. I won't mistreat you."

I lowered my eyes without responding.

He thought I'd resigned myself to fate, not knowing I was just waiting.

As year-end approached, the company grew busier. The subordinates were cheerful.

"Ethan is so happy. Since old Mr. Hayes had his incident, he hasn't been invited to the board's annual gala."

"This time the board must be remembering our Ethan again."

That evening, Ethan came.

"Feeling better?"

"Mm."

He was silent for a moment, then stepped closer.

"There's the board's annual gala at year-end. Given your current situation, bringing you would embarrass me. You don't need to come."

I nodded.

He seemed relieved, taking another step forward.

He raised his hand as if to touch my face, but it fell empty.

He stiffened for a moment. After a long while, he sighed.

"It's good you understand... Serena, I won't mistreat you."

Won't mistreat me?

I concealed the coldness in my eyes.

But my baby can never come back.

On the day of the gala, I changed into the suit my mother left me.

Step by step, I walked down the stairs to the estate entrance.

A black car was already waiting. Ethan was helping Vivian into it.

She wore a haute couture evening gown, covered in jewelry, smiling proudly.

Seeing me, her smile froze, then she shrieked.

"What is Serena doing out here in this freezing weather?"

Ethan turned around, anger rising in his eyes.

"What are you doing? I told you yesterday---do you want to embarrass me in front of the board? Get back inside!"

Vivian sneered.

"Serena heard him. Ethan said you don't need to come, to avoid being laughed at."

I stood still.

Ethan stepped forward, about to scold again.

A black business van pulled up from the corner. Someone got out holding a phone.

A businesslike voice cut through the morning silence.

"Ms. Mitchell, Mr. Miller said to ask you to proceed immediately to headquarters for the annual gala."

Ethan's hand froze in midair. Vivian's smile gradually disappeared.

I stood at the bottom of the steps, morning light falling on my shoulders.

Ethan slowly turned to look at me. In his eyes was shock, and a trace of undisguised fear.

He was afraid of me meeting Mr. Miller.

After all, Mr. Miller was his biggest investor. One word could decide how long he'd keep his CEO position.