A Queen Among Wolves

“It’s Christly vengeance,” Neil said, his voice smooth as he held the car door. “Blood shall answer blood.”

He handed me the tablet. The screen glowed, showing a lavish party already in progress. “The Miller family hosts a birthday banquet today,” he explained. “They’re crowning Linda May as queen of Hampton Bay.”

The name felt like acid on my tongue. Linda. The maid. The woman who had been my shadow for two decades, only to reveal herself as the snake that poisoned my entire life.

“This crown,” Neil continued, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror, “belongs to you.” He scrolled. “Reportedly, the Miller family prepared three gifts for your release. Care to guess?”

I leaned back against the plush leather. The comfort felt alien after five years of a stone cot. “Nothing good, I bet.”

“First,” he said, “a razor. To shave your head and force you into monastic life. Five years of penance for the crime you didn’t commit.”

I traced the phoenix pin on my chest. “Go on.”

“Second, a ten-thousand-word confession. They expect you to memorize it and recite it flawlessly on stage tonight, proving your ‘virtue’ and ‘rehabilitation.’”

“And the third?” I asked, my voice dangerously quiet.

“Lastly, a contract for Star Manor. The sole property you left for your biological daughter, Zoe. They want you to sign it over to Linda.”

“They dare steal it,” I whispered. The rage was a cold, solid thing inside me. Not hot, not blinding, but a precise, sharp weapon. That villa was the only thing I had managed to protect for Zoe, the only child of my blood.

“What a pack of ungrateful wolves,” Neil mused.

“So,” I said, looking at the glittering building approaching. “My arrival is just that woman’s spectacle.”

“Well, then,” I straightened my crimson dress. “If they prepared three gifts, I’ll return three surprises. Let’s go. It’s time to greet my arranged husband.”

As we pulled up, I saw them. My daughter, Zoe, and her husband, Hudson. They were arguing with a security guard.

“Excuse me!” Zoe was saying, her voice strained. “An inmate named Evelyn was released today. Where is she?”

“She’s already left,” the guard said dismissively.

“Gone?” Zoe’s face crumpled. “Hudson, do you think something happened to Mom? She’s been in prison for five years. She never wanted to see me.”

My heart ached. I had refused her visits. I couldn’t let her see me in that place, broken and gray.

“It’s okay,” Hudson said, pulling her close. “She probably felt guilty toward you. That’s why she avoided you. Today’s the Miller family’s birthday banquet. She must be there. Damn Miller family… they made my mother suffer for five years.”

“Honey,” Zoe wept, “you must get justice for us.”

“Don’t worry,” he promised her. “A minor family like the Millers is nothing to me.”

I stayed in the shadows of the car, letting them go inside first. My fight was not theirs. Not yet.

---

I walked through the grand entrance alone. The whispers started instantly.

“Today’s a big day for the Miller family.” “Indeed. The Miller daughters are so accomplished.” “Their matriarch has become the queen of Hampton Bay. Impressive.”

I moved through the crowd, a ghost in a blood-red dress. I found her custom gown, the one she’d had made for her “coronation,” and I had put it on. It fit perfectly. I walked directly to the center of the room, where my husband, Steven Miller, was fawning over Linda May.

“Who is that woman?” someone muttered. “Why is she wearing the matriarch’s gown?”

Linda saw me first. Her face went white. Then, her two eldest daughters, Hannah and Jenna—the girls I had raised—gasped.

“Who let you wear this outfit?” Hannah shrieked.

I smiled. “What’s wrong? Does my outfit offend your eyes?”

Steven Miller, my husband of twenty-eight years, finally turned. He was adjusting Linda’s earring, his fingers lingering on her neck. He looked ridiculous.

“Darling,” Linda simpered, grabbing his arm. “Darling, look. How do you like my new custom dress?”

A woman next to them tsked. “Sir, this gown must be very expensive. The matriarch doesn’t control the finances now. Dressing this lavishly seems… at your age. Dressing like this is absolutely inappropriate.”

“Take it off,” Steven hissed at me.

“It looks better on you,” Linda said to him, oblivious to me. “There are people around.”

“It’s fine,” he murmured, kissing her cheek. “Naughty. Naughty. So annoying.”

“Evelyn!” Jenna, my lawyer step-daughter, snapped. “Stop being so shameless. You know today’s Linda’s birthday banquet. Must you steal the spotlight? Go home and change clothes.”

I turned to the crowd, raising my voice. “Everyone, don’t you wonder who I really am?”

“Mr. Miller,” an old business partner asked, “who is she really? Could she be your secret mistress?”

I laughed. “I’m Evelyn Miller,” I announced, my voice carrying across the stunned silence. “Lawfully married to Steven Miller. The rightful matriarch of the Miller family.”

“What?” “Then the one enshrined…?” “Her?” I jerked my chin toward Linda. “She’s just the housemaid.”

A collective gasp swept the room. “Good heavens. She’s the Miller family’s maid!”

“Evelyn!” Linda screamed, her face purple with rage. “Are you humiliating me on purpose?”

“Humiliating you?” I took a step toward her. “You dare throw grand parties for a maid, but you can’t face reality? Our family is atoning for your sins.”

“You’re the Miller family stain!” Jenna yelled. “Stain, understand?”

“Could she be the one?” someone whispered. “When the news broke, we only heard someone from the Millers was jailed. Never imagined it was their matriarch.”

“Now you’re satisfied,” Steven growled, his face dark. “Now everyone knows the Millers have a convicted criminal. Utter humiliation.”

“As expected,” Linda sneered, recovering her composure. “My pride matters more than my life. It’s insignificant.”

“It’s just serving time,” I said with a shrug. “Not even a death sentence. Stop being dramatic.”

“Enough!” Steven shouted. “I see her little scheme. Throwing tantrums to get our attention, wanting us to give her a chance to fit in.” He nodded to Linda, who smiled triumphantly.

“I’ve prepared three gifts for you, Evelyn,” Linda said, her voice dripping with false sympathy. “Agree and accept them, and I’ll grant you this chance.”

“Coincidentally,” I said, “I have three surprises ready for you, too.”

Linda ignored me. “The first one.” A servant brought a microphone and a thick stack of papers. “I commissioned a ten-thousand-word apology letter. You’ll kneel and recite it, at full volume. This is your atonement for past crimes.”

The crowd murmured. “Reciting 10,000 words? That’s ruthless.”

“Still want me to start now?” I asked, feigning confusion. “Are you sure about this timing? Steven,” I said to my husband, “Linda’s birthday matters, doesn’t it?”

“Fine,” he snapped. “Recite it at home then. Second gift!”

A servant brought a silver tray. On it was an electric razor. “Shave your head bald,” Linda commanded. “Immediately. And become a nun. Five years of monastic life before returning. Atone for my suffering. Rehabilitate yourself.”

“Public confession. Shaved head,” someone muttered. “This Linda… she’s just a maid. A lowly servant deserving such sacrifice?”

“And the third,” Linda said, her eyes glittering with victory. “Third. Give your villa, Star Manor, to me as compensation. Only then will we forgive you.”

That’s the only thing I gave my daughter. I remembered the day I signed it over to Zoe, years before the frame-up.

“Evelyn,” Steven had said, “my daughters are spoiled. Marry me if you wish. But send your daughter away.”

“Steven, we’re a blended family. Your daughters matter. Mine do too. She’s my flesh and blood.”

“Mom,” little Zoe had said, pulling on my sleeve. “I’ll go. We saved your life. I don’t blame you. When I grow up, I’ll protect you properly.”

I had failed her. I failed her so badly.

“Zoe, I failed you. I’m despicable. I’ll transfer the properties to you. Grow up well and in my old age, I’ll atone properly.”

These three “gifts” weren’t gifts. They were three daggers, aimed straight at my heart.

“All three of you never cease to amaze,” I said, my voice cold. “Too bad. I’ll do none of these.”

“Defying me?” Steven roared. “I give you 100,000 monthly and you refuse these tasks for Linda’s birthday? Ungrateful!”

“100,000?” I laughed. A real, sharp laugh. “I get a hundred bucks a month. What did you say?”

The room went silent.

“Impossible!” he sputtered.

“I promised you three surprises,” I said, turning to the crowd. “Here’s the first one.” I pointed to Linda. “Ask her. Ask her what my real monthly allowance is.”

“Linda?” Steven looked confused.

“My monthly allowance. You still haven’t given it to me.”

Linda paled. “Look here. Take it.” She fumbled in her purse and threw a single 100-dollar bill at my feet. “The family head says that’s all we’re giving.”

“One hundred dollar monthly allowance,” I said to the shocked guests. “This is ridiculous. Is this how the Miller family matriarch lives? The Miller family is worth billions, yet their matriarch lives like this.”

“This is unbelievable.” “Doesn’t anyone think this maid is overstepping her bounds?”

“How could this happen?” Steven looked panicked. “Steven, you let Linda manage her funds?” Jenna asked.

“I… I’ve been swamped with work. Let Linda handle it. Where’s the finance manager? Come here!”

A terrified man in a suit scurried forward. “Mr. Miller, you explain this.”

“I… I trust Linda,” the manager stammered. “She wouldn’t do that.”

“Mr. Miller,” the manager said, his voice trembling, “Linda May receives 1.1 million dollars monthly. One million as salary… and 100,000 dollars was the matriarch’s allowance.”

“A maid gets 1 million a month and steals 100,000 from the matriarch!” “What can 100 dollars even cover? Living on bread and pickles daily.”

“Enough!” Linda shrieked, desperate. “Even if that’s true, it doesn’t excuse you hitting someone with a car! No wonder your jealousy and resentment drove you to this! That’s why you did it! How vicious!”

“If I hit someone,” I said, turning to Steven’s brother, my second brother-in-law. “Years ago, I personally gave you the surveillance footage. Who cut the brake lines? You know perfectly well.”

“What are you implying?” he stammered.

“You didn’t know?” I said to Steven. “I gave her that footage. If she presented it as evidence for me, I’d have been acquitted. But your precious daughter,” I looked at Jenna, “testified against me.”

“Jenna, is this true?” Steven whispered.

“Steven, leave me alone! Don’t punish the children!” Linda suddenly cried, throwing herself to the ground. “Madam, all these years I was wrong. I overstepped my position. Punish me! But spare the family head and the children! About the allowance… it’s my fault! I thought as matriarch, living in a mansion, enjoying luxurious feasts… I kept the money instead. If you want it, I’ll give it back now!”

“Living in a mansion? Luxurious feasts?” I sneered. “When have I ever had that? Take it back. I won’t touch your dirty money.”

“Mom, it hurts!” Jenna suddenly cried out, rushing to Linda’s side. “Are you hurt? Did you fall hard?”

“Evelyn!” Hannah yelled. “You knew Linda is disabled! Why’d you shove so hard?”

“Miss Miller, you’re making things up,” I said, not moving a muscle. “I never even touched her. She threw herself down. Your whole family keeps framing me. Is this your new hobby?”

“You… dozens of witnesses saw everything! Am I blind? Or are you three blind?” Jenna shot back.

“Exactly,” a voice from the crowd said. “No contact at all. She clearly faked that fall. We all saw it.”

“Enough!” Linda sobbed. “It’s my fault. This is all on me. My useless leg is causing trouble. I’m burdening everyone. All of you, stop talking!”

“Linda,” Jenna said, her voice full of fake sympathy, “do you realize how hard we worked for Linda’s gift? We donated half the Miller fortune to Crimson Phoenix Group just for this inauguration chance.”

“Evelyn,” Hannah added, “must you argue with a disabled person? Linda’s inauguration is starting. Your little stunt ruins her reputation.”

“Disabled?” I said. I walked over to where Linda was cowering on the floor. “You’re insulting actual disabled people.”

“You… What are you doing?” she shrieked as I grabbed the lapel of her dress.

“She’s not disabled,” I announced to the room. “She’s faking it. Here’s my second gift for you all.” With one hard yank, I pulled her to her feet. She stood there, perfectly balanced, her “useless” legs strong beneath her.

“Linda… how’s your leg?” Steven stammered, his eyes wide.

“Why don’t I know?” Jenna said, confused.

“If I say she was always pretending,” I said, “you won’t believe it, will you?”

“Linda’s leg… it’s… it’s ready, isn’t it?” Lily, the youngest, finally spoke.

“I… I wanted to surprise everyone.”

“That’s good,” Hannah recovered quickly. “It’s all destroyed by you. Right. That is… your heart is dark. Only then can I think Linda’s legs are installed.”

“Nausea,” I muttered. “You guys are really sophistry.”

I looked at the three girls I had raised. “Hannah Miller. Jenna Miller. Lily Miller. I am your mother. She’s just a nanny. Why do you protect her in everything? I’m here today for one purpose. I just want to know. She’s a nanny. Why can the Miller family love and protect her… and I deserve to fall into hell?”

“Evelyn, what the hell do you want?” Steven growled. “Since I’m out of prison… just be your mother. I still love you. Listen to me. Let’s go.”

“You are less hypocritical,” Jenna sneered.

“I… Evelyn… voluntary renunciation of the identity of the mother,” I stammered, the pain finally hitting me.

“You…”

“This husband,” I looked at Steven, “I don’t want him anymore. This mother… I also inappropriate.”

“Evelyn Miller! You can think about it!”

“Growing rubbish… still need to think?” I pulled the heavy emblem of the Miller family matriarch from my pocket. “This is the emblem of your Miller family. I haven’t used it once. Now, give it back to you.” I threw it at his feet.

“And this.” I pulled out our marriage certificate. “Twenty-eight years. Green silk becomes white hair. I will feed my youth to the dog.” I tore it in half. “Now, also give it back to you.”

“Evelyn! Do you have to get everyone off the stage?”

“Mom,” Hannah said, her voice cold. “You have raised us for more than twenty years. We’ve been very patient with you. Don’t be shameless.”

“What if I said… I had to have a result.”

“See, Steven, forget it,” Linda said, stepping forward. “It’s all my fault. I’m just a nanny. I don’t deserve the queen’s crown. I’ll walk. I’ll walk. It’s her who should go.”

“Now things… there’s no need to hide,” Steven said, pulling Linda back. He looked at me, his eyes dead. “Since you don’t want to face… want answers. Evelyn Miller, this is the answer. Do you understand? Linda… is actually my three daughters’ biological mother.”

The world stopped. Biological… mother. My twenty years. My twenty years of raising them, holding them, loving them… It was all a lie. I was just the unpaid nanny.

“This answer,” I said, my voice shaking, “are you satisfied?”

“Satisfied,” Steven said. “Satisfied.”

“Steven Miller!” a woman in the crowd shouted. “Didn’t you say your ex-wife died? I married you. Take care of your little one. Take these kids. Raising adults. They become the Miller family. Your ex-wife is back. You tell me. Then what am I?”

“Matriarch,” Steven said, turning to Linda, “it’s all my fault. All these years… you worked hard to help me. Taking care of children for twenty years. They also raised them. So excellent. I am grateful to you.”

“Mom, we’re your own,” Jenna said, hugging Linda. “After all, she’s the outsider.”

“I forbid you say so to yourself!” Linda cried.

“It is! We have her. I’ve done my best. Keep it from her. Is to make her feel… her in the heart. All right. Now, not even the family has to do. You better get out of here!”

“Don’t say that,” Steven said, putting an arm around me. A cold, dismissive touch. “Evelyn is so old. She goes out. What can you… I’m afraid. Even feed myself. It’s all a problem. Or… you come back to the Miller family. Be a nanny.”

Be. A. Nanny.

“Kill the heart,” I whispered. “Nanny superior. Master mother. Change. Nanny. Kill.”

“Thank you very much for coming,” the emcee said, trying to regain control. “The queen of Hampton Bay is a symbol of honor. Represents wisdom. Tough. Is the entire Hampton Bay women. An example of learning. Now it begins.”

“Wait a minute,” Linda whispered to Steven. “I’ll clean you up again.”

They were going to crown her. Right in front of me.

“Next. Please call the queen. Debut.”

“Evelyn,” Linda whispered as she passed me, “What do you take to argue with? Everything you have is mine… and I will get more.”

“Mom, don’t hurry up to the seat. Dad is still waiting for you. Wearing a laurel. Quick.”

“Mom Laurel, it’s mine,” Linda giggled.

“You,” I said, grabbing her arm.

“What are you going to do?”

“Is your own. Don’t be in the position of the mother of the house. Now it’s a fart. Sit up. Want to be rich? Why did you go early? Get down here and make a mistake. Honestly, welcome Linda, my Miller family. Give you a chance to change your ways. Admit your mistake.”

“It’s not me who should be mistaken,” I said. “But you. You. And you.”

“Mad woman!” Steven yelled. “Family law of the Miller family. You are afraid to forget it.”

“Forget? I will not forget to die.”

“Linda works hard,” Steven announced. “In order not to hurt your face. Be willing to be a nanny. And she’s so good. Now… you are no longer worthy of the Miller family.”

“That’s just right,” I said. “I didn’t say that earlier. The mother of the Miller family. I don’t want to be. Come on, Steven Miller. I’ve been with you Miller family. Out of relationship.”

“You were born to the Miller family,” he declared. “Death is also a ghost of the Miller family.”

“I… in the end… still looking forward to what? It’s pathetic. As expected, no one wants to be alone.”

“Who said no one wanted her?”

A new voice cut through the hall. Clear, strong, and furious. The crowd parted. My daughter, Zoe, walked through. Beside her, her husband, Hudson.

“You don’t want me,” Zoe said, her eyes blazing as she looked at the Miller family.

“And where did you come from, Medley?”

“I’m a lawyer!” Jenna snapped. “Believe it or not, I’m suing you!”

“How do you hit people?” Hudson said, calmly stepping in front of Jenna.

“Do you dare to hit me?” Jenna shrieked. “Jiao, husband, smelly woman. You’re crazy.”

“Say,” Hudson said, his voice dropping to a dangerous level, “who’s a stinky woman?”

“I said, who is a stinky woman?”

“I… I am,” Jenna stammered, terrified.

“It’s good to know,” Hudson said. “Roll.”

“Mom.” Zoe ran to me, her eyes full of tears.

“Zoe. I thought I… I never… I can’t see you anymore.”

“Zoe, it’s mom. I’m sorry. Mother is ashamed of you.”

Zoe dropped to her knees in front of me. “Mom, I want to give you three kowtows.” She touched her head to the floor.

“One kowtow. You gave birth to me. I want to thank you for your birth.” She bowed again.

“Two kowtows. You introduced me. Know my husband. This is the grace of marriage.” She bowed a third time.

“Three kowtows. You taught me the truth of being a man. This is the grace of moral education. I don’t care about them. How can I recognize my mother everywhere outside… in my here? I only recognize you as a mother.”

“Who recognizes mom everywhere?” Hannah sneered.

Zoe stood up, her face a mask of fury. “This tone. My daughter went out for you today. My mom worked for your Miller family selflessly. She toiled like a slave for over twenty years. Not only are you ungrateful, but you framed her and sent her to prison for five years! Now, you’ve brought her here to humiliate her, to shame her, to slander her. Tell me, don’t you deserve a beating?”

The crowd erupted. “I’ve cared for the Miller family for twenty-plus years, and someone stole my reward. Who would put up with that?”

“The thing is, they even sent her to prison. No gratitude, just evil deeds. It’s disgusting.” “The queen title ghost, a little cutie. We don’t accept it. No way!”

“Enough!” Jenna shouted. “My mom entered the Miller family. As a nanny, she worked her way up. Yet Evelyn abused her position as the mistress. Repeatedly beat and verbally abused my mom. Who’s disgusting? It’s obvious.”

“Really?” Zoe shot back. “You’re all so busy. Always out of sight. Did you see it yourselves or just hear about it?”

“My mom told me herself,” Hannah said. “Why would she lie?”

“So, you didn’t see it yourself?” Zoe said. “Then why do you accuse a woman who raised you? You call her mom. Linda May gave birth but didn’t raise you. What kind of mother is that? She was out enjoying herself. Who did your laundry and cooked for you? Who raised you? Who? Answer me!”

Hannah was silent.

“It was you, Evelyn,” she finally whispered.

“Even a dog knows gratitude after twenty years,” Zoe said, her voice breaking. “You’re worse than dogs.”

“All right,” Steven said, stepping in. “We did neglect her feelings. Since Evelyn married into the Miller family… all these years, she’s worked hard. In my daughter’s hearts, Evelyn has always been our family. She insisted on causing trouble. What could we do?”

“Causing trouble?” Zoe was incredulous. “I ask you, when has she ever caused trouble? Was it when you punished her with family law and beat her black and blue? Did she cause trouble then? Or when she only had 100 dollars a month for living expenses and she had to eat moldy bread because she was starving? Did she cause trouble then? Or maybe… when she was sent to prison by her own daughter and spent five years in prison, did she cause trouble then?”

Zoe pointed at Jenna. “No, she didn’t. She accepted it. Because she knew that way, her daughter could become famous. Jenna, am I right or am I wrong?”

Jenna couldn’t look at her.

“Five years,” Zoe said, tears streaming down her face. “Try being locked up for five years. All of you know her suffering, but everyone tells her to be kind. Why? How sad. What a pity. It’s laughable. She’s causing trouble. I think she should have done this sooner.”

“Zoe,” I said, “don’t waste your breath on them.”

“I’m not causing trouble,” Zoe said. “This position was always mine.”

“Well, aren’t you a sharp-tongued girl,” Steven said. “Evelyn, as long as you break off your relationship with her, I’ll waive those three conditions. When we get home, I’ll make it up to you. Okay.”

He wanted me to cut ties with my own daughter. My only daughter.

“You’ve got it all planned out, haven’t you?” Zoe sneered. “Two moms. Does that mean Steven Miller gets two wives? Then let me ask you, who’s the first wife and who’s the second?”

“That’s going too far!” Hannah yelled. “We’ve already lowered ourselves enough. What more do you want? If you leave the Miller family, your life of luxury is over. You’ll be at the very bottom of society.”

“Luxury?” Zoe laughed. “What does that have to do with my mom? Did you provide that for her? Today is Linda May’s birthday. Then let me ask you, what date is my mom’s birthday?”

Silence.

“What day and month is it?” Zoe pressed.

“What number was it again… Oh, I remember. May 8th,” Jenna said.

Zoe’s face was stone. “What are you laughing at?”

“May 8th,” Zoe said, “is your pet dog’s birthday.”

“I… I remembered it wrong,” Jenna stammered.

“So, what date is your birthday then?” Hannah snapped. “It’s always you celebrating our birthdays… we can’t remember everything. Besides, every year we ask if you want to celebrate, and you always say no. Now you’re blaming us.”

“My mom’s birthday,” Zoe said, her voice shaking with rage, “is also today.”

More silence.

“So,” Zoe continued, “did you prepare any gifts for her?”

“I… I prepared a downtown villa,” Hannah said quickly. “This is what I prepared. A top-of-the-line Ferrari,” Jenna added. “An artist luxury necklace,” Lily whispered.

“Are you sure?” Zoe asked. “These are for my mom.”

“It’s Linda May’s birthday,” Hannah said. “You’re giving her so many gifts, but my mom gets nothing. You’re such close family.”

“You can’t say that… this…” Linda said. “Oh dear, didn’t Evelyn just get out of prison. Besides, I’m the queen of laurels. This sort of thing would never be for her. How about… I make it up to big sister? Steven, we have another car. The one I’ve been driving for five years… an old Chevy. Why don’t I give it to Big sister?”

“Okay,” Steven said. “As long as you admit your mistake and take off the Queen of Laurel’s crown, I’ll give it to you. Let you show off a bit.”

“You’re giving Linda May gifts worth millions… and I get an old Chevy,” I said.

“Stop being so sarcastic,” Jenna said. “You must be Zoe, aren’t you his daughter, too? Then let me ask you, what gifts did you prepare for her? Probably just a necklace from a street store. Maybe earrings from the dollar store.”

“Of course, I have a gift prepared,” Zoe said, smiling for the first time. “Since you don’t care for her… someone will bring the gift.”

On cue, the main doors opened. “A triple birthday gift wishing you good fortune, happiness, and health!” a man in livery announced. “A custom Rolls-Royce!” “Ten kilograms of pure gold!” “And the Sky Dome Manor!”

The gifts were rolled in, shining under the lights. The crowd went wild. “Oh my god. So extravagant.” “This Evelyn’s daughter. What’s her background?”

“Mom,” Zoe said, taking my hand. “This is just a small part of the gift I prepared for you. I have more gifts to give you later. Also, if I had known you had suffered so much, I should have brought you home sooner.”

“It’s not your fault,” I told her, my heart full. “It’s my own blindness and ignorance. But now I’m awake. And I won’t raise kids for others. This child… it’s always better to have your own. Others can’t be raised properly.”

“Okay, stop acting,” Hannah snapped. “Should I give you two an Oscar award? Zoe, you were originally from the bottom. How could you possibly hook… some rich guy?”

“So, you’re saying all these things are fake, too?” Zoe said. “Mom, didn’t I say I had more gifts for you? You came in covered in dirt, and I want you to leave clean. Money is just an external thing. Innocence is the most important. The best gift for my mom is innocence. I’ve already called the police. The wrongful case from five years ago should be settled.”

The doors opened again, this time revealing two uniformed police officers.

“Who called the police?” Steven panicked.

“We received a report,” the officer said, “and are now reinvestigating a traffic accident from five years ago. Please cooperate. Miss Evelyn, five years ago, you drove your car into Miss Linda, causing paralysis in both legs. Is this true?”

“Evelyn, you better watch your mouth,” Steven hissed.

“It’s true,” I said.

“Glad you know what’s good for you,” Jenna smirked.

“But,” I continued, “it’s because someone cut the brake lines, causing the brakes to fail.”

“Evelyn, do you have any evidence?” Jenna scoffed. “If she had evidence, she would have handed it over five years ago.”

“Five years ago? You did destroy the video evidence,” I said. “But don’t forget, there were also witnesses.”

“Officer,” Lily, my youngest, my baby, stepped forward. “I am a witness.”

My heart stopped. Lily. “Lily,” I whispered.

“Auntie,” she said, not looking at me. “Even you call her auntie.”

Flashback: “One stroke, one press. And this character, it reads friend. When Lily grows up, be a good person.” “Mom, you’re the only one who loves me. When Lily grows up, I’ll take care of you.”

“Auntie,” Lily said to the officer, her voice clear and cold, “stop playing the family card. This is a society of law. That day, she drove me to school. On the way, I saw Aunt Linda… who was still our nanny. She floored the gas pedal. Her eyes were full of jealousy. She kept saying she’d kill Aunt Linda. Am I right, Auntie?”

“Lily!” Zoe screamed. “You’re crazy! How did my mom treat you? I remember so well. Anything delicious… she gave it all to you. Of the two sisters, she felt deepest for you. You’re breaking her heart!”

“Third sister,” I said, my voice dead. “Are you sure I said that? The reason I didn’t attend the trial… is because if I testified, you wouldn’t just serve five years. It would be ten.”

“I should thank you then,” I said flatly.

“Auntie. Jealousy has changed you.”

“Stop it!” Steven shouted. “The truth is the truth!”

“The truth is that Lily is lying,” I said. “Lily, I’ll give you one last chance. What really happened that day? Tell the police the truth.”

“What do you want me to say?” she whispered, tears in her eyes, but she held her ground.

“Fine. Very good.” I reached into my purse. “I said before I’d give you three surprises. The first two surprises you’ve already experienced. The last surprise… is coming soon.”

I pulled out a small USB drive. “Heaven is watching. The video on this drive proves my innocence.”

“This is impossible!” Linda shrieked. “That video is gone!”

“Who said it’s from the car?” I smiled. “This video shows who cut the brake lines. Linda May. Dare to watch it?”

“This… this is impossible,” she stammered. “She’s bluffing! Yes, that’s it.”

“Take care of it,” I told the officer, handing him the drive. He plugged it into a laptop, and the feed appeared on the main projector screen.

The video was grainy, from a neighbor’s security camera. It showed the driveway. It showed a woman, in the dead of night, hunched over the front wheel of my car.

“Wait,” Steven’s brother said. “Never mind. I cut the brake lines.”

“You did?” I asked.

“Yes. If… if someone has to step up to quell my sister’s resentment, then let it be. My sister spent five years in jail. She must be bitter. So let me take the fall.”

“Evelyn,” Steven said, “look at this. Linda is doing this much. Are you even human?”

“Mom asked her to investigate. She orchestrated everything back then,” Jenna whispered.

“What? You think we all owe you something?” Hannah said. “Monk, don’t throw mud on yourself,” I said to my brother-in-law. “What we did, we did. What we didn’t, we didn’t.”

“Investigate!” Linda suddenly screamed. “Investigate! Find out the truth! I hope you won’t cry!”

“Can’t you see?” I said. “Who is that in the video? Zoom in. See clearly who it is.”

“I see it!” Hannah yelled. “Evelyn! It’s definitely Evelyn! Auntie, isn’t that your dress?”

“What? What do you have to say?” Steven advanced on me.

“The dress?” I said. “Don’t you know that my clothes… are all worn by a nanny?”

“Auntie,” Lily said, “even now you have no remorse. I’m so disappointed in you.”

“First, see clearly who’s in the video,” I said. “Then talk to me about disappointment.”

The officer zoomed in. The woman’s face was clear in the grainy light. It wasn’t me. It was Linda.

“What?” Hannah choked. “It’s Linda… You. How is that possible?”

“Mom!” Jenna grabbed Linda’s arm. “You’re the victim back then! You cried and begged me to defend you! How could you? Mom, you staged it all… and pretended to be disabled!”

“No!” Linda shrieked, falling to the floor. “Don’t! Steven, I don’t want to go to jail! I’m the queen of Hampton Bay! Steven, save me!”

“Auntie,” Lily said, her face pale, “today… we did frame you. But today is the Hampton Bay Queen ceremony. Aunt Linda is about to become the most powerful woman in Hampton Bay. You’re the most useless one in the family. What’s wrong with you suffering a little? Why reveal the truth?”

“Because I’m not her mother,” I said, the words tearing out of me. “I’ve raised you three for twenty years. Twenty years! So you frame me. I accept it. You counter-sue me. I accept it. You play deaf and mute. I still accept it. But who is she? What is she worth? As expected… in your eyes, blood is more important than nurture. Willing to sacrifice anyone for her.”

“The evidence is conclusive,” the officer said, snapping handcuffs on Linda. “Linda May, you’re suspected of frame-up. We’re formally arresting you.”

“No! Please! Honey! I did it for the family! I did it for this family!”

“Wait a minute!” Jenna shouted. “Captain Lewis! Evelyn is the victim here. We are willing to do anything to get the victim’s forgiveness.”

“Yes,” Hannah pleaded, “as long as mom doesn’t go to jail, we’ll do anything. We’re willing to reconcile.”

“Honey! Steven!” Linda screamed as she was dragged away.

Steven turned to her, his face grim. “Linda, you really went too far this time. Stay in jail for now and reflect on your actions. When you get out, we’ll love you again.”

“Honey! Jenna! Lily! Don’t go!”

“Miss Evelyn,” the officer said to me, “the choice is yours.”

“Okay,” I said. “You guys go back first. I’ll decide later whether or not to sue her.”

“Oh no,” Jenna said, “it’s them. Those few, they should be guilty of harboring, too.”

“Based on the current evidence,” the officer said, looking at Steven and his daughters, “these people are indeed suspected of harboring. Once confirmed, they will all be punished. Let’s go.”

As the police left, Steven dropped to his knees in front of me. “Evelyn, I was wrong. I’ve wronged you. Punish me however you want, but leave the children alone. Don’t take it out on them.”

“Do you think if you kneel… act to play the victim, I’ll forgive you?”

“No… no… that’s not what I meant.”

“Do you also think… if you put on this act… and if I don’t back down, all these guests will think I’m being unreasonable, then gang up on me?”

“So… what are you saying?”

“Exactly what I mean,” I said.

“Evelyn,” Jenna said, also kneeling. “I was wrong. I deserve this. I’ll take the punishment. If torturing me makes you feel better, go ahead and do it.”

“Gladly,” I said, kicking her shoulder.

“You’re going too far, woman!” she yelped.

“You’re the one who said to let me torture you,” I said. “Well? Satisfied? Feeling good? Kneel.”

“What?” Steven stood up. “You dare make me kneel?”

“Captain Lewis…” I mused.

“Fine. You’ve got nerve,” Steven growled. He pulled out a checkbook. “This is a five-million-dollar check. For the sake of our marriage, drop the lawsuit and we’re even.”

“Five million?” I laughed. “My monthly allowance is just 100 bucks. How many lifetimes to earn five million? Exactly. Money solves everything. I’m already humbling myself. Let’s skip the kneeling act.”

“You… five million… to buy your meal,” I said, “Evelyn, stop joking.”

“Do you think I came here to play games with you?”

“Mom,” Hannah said, kneeling with Jenna. “If you’re doing this because you resent us and got my mom jailed… then today we three sisters will apologize to you and beg for mercy.”

Even Lily knelt.

“How flexible you are,” I said. “Back then, no one begged for my mercy. Fine. Show me your sincerity. If I’m satisfied… we can negotiate. Kneel down.”

“She raised you for twenty years,” Zoe said to the sisters, “yet you got her imprisoned. Are you even human?”

“I’m the head of this family,” Steven said. “Why should I kneel?”

“You juniors should kneel and apologize for appearance’s sake,” Zoe’s husband, Hudson, said.

“Years of marriage mean nothing to you. You heartless jerk. You’re the one who should be kneeling,” I said to Steven.

“Why did you crawl back?” he snarled. “Our decent home is now in shambles because of you. Kneel down now and apologize to Evelyn!”

“Have you all gone mad?” Linda’s brother yelled.

“Silence!” Steven snapped. “Can’t you see what’s urgent? Just go through the motions for now.”

Steven knelt. The entire Miller family was kneeling before me.

“Auntie, see,” Jenna said, “is our sincerity sufficient?”

“Satisfied?” I said. “Not a chance.”

“You… Evelyn! You’re playing us!”

“What if I am?” I said. “Your family deceived me for eighteen years. One payback… spare.”

“Dad,” Jenna said, “I told you she wouldn’t easily forgive us.”

“Fine, Evelyn,” Steven said, standing up. His face was twisted in a cruel smile. “Since you reject decency entirely, I’ll oblige. You know why I said you’ll always be bound to the Miller family, alive or dead? Because slaving for us is your duty.” He pulled a folded, yellowed document from his breast pocket. “Let all see this woman’s true wretchedness. This is…”

“What’s this?” “Proof of our love. Sign it. Let me read.”

He unfolded it. It wasn’t a marriage certificate.

“Marriage agreement,” a guest read over his shoulder. “See for yourselves. You made me sign an… indentured servitude contract?”

It was true. Twenty-eight years ago, desperate and alone, I had signed my life away. I wasn’t his wife. I was his property.

“Black on white, crystal clear,” Steven gloated. “Out of past affection, I tolerate it repeatedly. You spurn mercy, yet block Linda’s ascension. Evelyn, let me make this clear. You’ll never break free from the Miller family. You’re nothing but a lap dog… groveling at our feet for eternity.”

“So,” Linda said, reappearing from a side room, no longer in custody. “This is your backup plan. All these years… I was never the legitimate lady of the house.”

“Splendid,” I said. “This works perfectly.”

“Evelyn sold herself out and remains clueless.” “So… she was just a glorified nanny.”

“What’s wrong?” Linda sneered, walking up to me. “Can’t beat me, can you? An adopted mutt will never outshine my bloodline. Does that sting? Shut your mouth. Here’s another truth bomb. Steven Miller’s ‘rescue’ of you… was my scheme all along. You’re just my fallback option. A modern woman like me won’t play housewife. Your perfect marriage… just me keeping a maid around as my personal servant.”

She laughed. A high, mocking sound. I snapped. I grabbed her by the throat.

“Linda May, if you’re tired of living, just say the word. I’d be happy to end you right now.”

“Husband!” she choked. “Save me! This ex-con is trying to kill me!”

“Violence solves nothing,” Steven said, pulling me off her.

“Heartless, you say?” I said, straightening my dress. “Fine, then. I’ll drop the lawsuit. Withdraw all charges.”

“Finally came to your senses,” Steven smirked. “Pathetic. Should have used the contract earlier.”

“Oh, I’m clear now,” I said. “Crystal clear. Putting you scum in jail isn’t enough. Not nearly enough. I’ll crush you completely. Using my status. I’ll grind you into permanent regret and shame. This suffering will be a thousand times worse than any prison.”

“Your status?” Linda laughed. “Exactly. My status then. The Miller family traded half its fortune for… why should it be yours? What do you have? A street vendor daughter? And these counterfeits?” She kicked the gold Zoe had given me. “Disdainful laugh… pathetic offerings. The Apex Corporation heir… arrives shortly, appointed by Blood Phoenix Consortium. If you want to die, stay right there.”

“Young Master Hudson,” Steven said, bowing to my son-in-law. “Rumor says Hua Corp joined Blood Phoenix. Alliance with them means the Miller family ascends to greatness. This is our golden chance…”

“Why are you laughing?” Jenna asked Hudson.

“I laugh at your ignorance,” he replied.

“CEO Hua has arrived!” the emcee announced.

“Looks like it’s a good day,” Hudson said loudly. “So lively. Still sitting tight, huh? What a showoff.”

“Strange. Why is mom so calm?” Zoe whispered. “Could it be… she knows her son-in-law is the young master of the Apex group?”

“That can’t be.”

“Young master,” Steven said, “our witness, you’re too late. You can’t just watch and let the queen of Hampton Bay be bullied.”

“Yeah, you must vindicate the queen.”

“Vindicate,” Hudson said. “Not bad. Vindicate.” He walked over to Zoe.

“Zoe, husband, smelly woman. You’re crazy.”

“Ah,” Hudson said. “Say that again. I dare you.”

“President Hua, you… oops. President Hua… misunderstanding. It’s a misunderstanding.”

“This queen of Hampton Bay banquet,” Steven said, “is a once-in-a-century event. Unexpectedly, this Zoe brought her mother to make trouble. And this Evelyn… impersonating the queen, causing this real queen,” he pointed to Linda, “to suffer a lot. You must stand up.”

“Wait,” Hudson said. “Real queen? You?”

“Yes. Did I say something wrong?” Linda simpered.

“Wife?” Hudson looked at Zoe. “This old woman reeking of stench… so debased… she dares to wear the queen’s crown.”

“What?” Linda gasped.

“As for the queen of Hampton Bay,” Hudson announced, “there is only one. That is… Evelyn Miller.”

My name. He said my name.

“Evelyn is the queen of Hampton Bay?” “No. No. She’s the queen. Then what am I?” Linda shrieked. “Husband, you promised!”

“Get out,” Hudson said to her. “Even now, you still don’t understand. It was supposed to be yours, but not anymore.”

“No, it’s mine! It must be mine!”

“President Hua, there must be some mistake,” Steven pleaded.

“A mistake? So what? Is it you who’s not convinced? Or the Miller family?”

“I’m not convinced,” Linda yelled.

“Not convinced? Suck it up.”

Hudson walked to me and bowed deeply. “Son-in-law greets the mother-in-law. Welcome the Blood Phoenix back to her place.” Behind him, a dozen men in black suits appeared and bowed in unison.

“Welcome the Blood Phoenix home!” “Welcome the Blood Phoenix!”

This… this wasn’t a friendly gathering.

“Now that it’s settled,” I said, “let’s go.”

“Oh, right,” Hudson said. “I forgot to tell the Miller family. The lawsuit is withdrawn. It’s the most regrettable decision you’ll ever make. Get up.”

“Dad, what are we going to do?” Jenna whispered as I walked out. “Half of the family fortune is gone… and all the credit went to Evelyn. We’re in big trouble.”

“What are you waiting for? Go after her! The queen of Hampton Bay must be a Miller! Hurry!”

---

I went to the villa Zoe had given me. The Sky Dome Manor… no, Riviera Estate. The Miller family had given it to Steven. Neil met me there.

“How is it going?”

“Half of the Miller family’s assets have been tallied,” he said. “It also includes the villa you gave to Steven Miller. What should we do with it?”

“I’ll stay there tonight,” I said. “Have someone clean it up. I don’t want to see any traces of the Miller family.”

“Understood.”

“Mom,” Zoe said, “what’s the plan now?”

“Change clothes. Go back to the Millers… and take back what’s ours.”

“Mom, this is your car. Get in.”

As we pulled out, a car screeched around the corner and slammed into our new Rolls-Royce. It was the Miller family.

“I want to see who dares to hit my car!” Hannah yelled, getting out. “It really is you guys. You followed us here. Evelyn, you’re really persistent… knowing we’re going home. You eagerly followed us. Do you think if you pretend to be the queen of Hampton Bay, our whole family has to cuddle you?”

“Pretend,” I said.

“Mom,” Lily said, “I admit in the banquet hall earlier, I was wrong. But now everyone’s angry. It’s not a good time for you to go back. How about this? Near the university city. I’ll rent you a small apartment. What do you think?”

“Little girl,” I said, “who are you? Do I know you?”

“Mom, you’ve been exposed now,” Hannah laughed. “Aunt Evelyn, don’t think you can get ahead by marrying. Well, if we make one to the Blood Phoenix group, then even Master Hua can’t protect you, right?”

“I really don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said. “You guys should just mind your own business. Here. Rear end. Your fault. I’ll call the police.”

“Enough!” Steven shouted. “You’re addicted to calling the police. As expected, you snagged a rich husband, but you’re still poor at heart. You just want money, right? Name your price.”

“This car is worth 10 million,” I said. “Repairs will be at least 1 million. Pay up.”

“One million?” Jenna scoffed. “This beat-up car is worth 10 million? I bet you rented it from somewhere to scam us. Evelyn, I’m telling you, don’t even think about getting a cent from me today.”

“Fine,” Steven said. “That’s how it should be. Let her know that playing these games will backfire.”

“You… Evelyn… what are you doing?” Steven asked as I got a tire iron from my trunk.

“Can’t afford to pay, right? Then I’ll smash it. I’ll vent my anger.” I brought the iron down on their headlight. CRASH.

“Don’t smash it!” Jenna screamed. “Dad, I bought this car for 600,000!” CRASH. “Stop this! Crazy woman!”

“Evelyn, stop acting crazy!” Steven yelled. “Hannah loves this car. If you dare smash it, Hannah will never forgive you.”

“Haha,” I laughed, smashing the windshield. “Do I need your forgiveness? Ah, pay your debts. This car of yours, brand new, is only 600,000. If I smash it to pieces… you’ll still owe me 400,000.”

“So what now, Mom?” Zoe asked. “That’s assault. Settle this privately. Pay 100,000.”

“Oh, or exactly 400,000,” I said. “That Hannah Miller as the eldest sister is the loudest. That’s right. Raised you for over 20 years. Collect some interest. Isn’t too much to ask, right? Then we’ll start with you.”

“Ah, Dad!” Hannah yelped.

“Okay, I’ll pay,” Steven sighed, transferring the money. “Smells like money. Thank you, CEO Miller. Excuse me.”

---

We drove to the Riviera Estate villa. It was magnificent. Neil had already had it cleaned and filled with gifts. “Ancient Jade and Longevity gift are ready.” “Patek Philippe watch is here.” “Coral treasure tree has arrived.” “Authentic Mona Lisa smile painting is secured.”

These were gifts from the Blood Phoenix Consortium, to welcome me.

“Madam,” a guard said, “this person was lurking outside. We suspect she’s a thief.” They dragged in Linda.

“Evelyn. So, it’s you,” she spat.

“This is my home,” I said. “You’re the thief. This villa rightfully belongs to my mother. Who’s the real thief? It’s obvious, isn’t it?”

“Throw her out,” I told the guards. “Get this eyesore out of here.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You! Wait!”

Just then, the Miller family car pulled up. “What’s going on here?” Steven demanded.

“She’s a thief who broke into the villa,” the housekeeper said, pointing at Linda. “The housekeeper ordered us to sack her and throw her out.”

“Could it be… second sister?” Lily asked. “Is that aunt Evelyn?” Hannah said.

They thought I was Linda. They thought Linda was me.

“Didn’t you hear the guards?” Jenna said. “She’s a thief… daring to steal from the Miller family villa. She needs to be taught a lesson, right, father?”

“Indeed,” Steven said, glaring at the woman he thought was me. “She deserves proper discipline. She even tried to hit me earlier.”

“Evelyn!” Linda screamed. “Did you think I wouldn’t recognize you?”

“Wait, don’t forget me,” Steven said to Linda (thinking she was me). “I’ve endured enough humiliation today. Even petty thieves dare provoke the Miller family. Why are you standing there? Bring the disciplinary whip.”

“Second sister,” Lily whispered, “you’re a lawyer. How can you do this? You know very well who’s in there.”

“Silence,” Jenna snapped. “I know nothing. I only seek justice for my mother.”

“Evelyn,” Steven sneered at Linda. “Never expected karma to strike so fast. Now you’re at my mercy. Father, as head of the family, you should deliver justice.”

Zoe and I watched from the upstairs window.

“I never imagined the entire Miller family harbors such deep hatred for you,” Zoe said.

“Let’s watch their show unfold,” I replied. “Their cruelty towards me will mirror what they do to her. This is Linda May’s retribution.”

CRACK. Steven whipped Linda across the back. “Where’s your arrogance now? Cat got your tongue? I warned you. You’d pay the price.” CRACK.

“Enough,” Jenna finally said. “That’s enough lashes. More could kill her.”

“Finally vented my anger,” Steven panted. “Throw Evelyn out. Three days kneeling before re-entry.”

The guards put Linda in a burlap sack and threw her onto the lawn.

“Were you calling for me?” I asked, walking out onto the porch.

They froze. “You… How are you here?” Steven stammered.

“I’m not here. Where else could I be? Don’t tell me you thought I was the one in that sack.”

“Then who’s in the sack?” Jenna whispered.

A muffled scream came from the sack. “You heartless jerks! How dare you hit me! Are you trying to kill me! Linda! What are you doing here?”

They stared in horror as Linda crawled out, her back bleeding. “Why are you all standing around? Help me up this instant! Quick, take her to the bedroom for treatment.”

“Evelyn,” Steven growled, “get your ass to the living room. I’ll deal with you later.”

“Enough,” Jenna said. “Evelyn did this on purpose. I won’t let her get away with this.”

They stormed into my living room, Linda included.

“This room looks different from before,” Steven noted, seeing the priceless gifts. “You had it redecorated, didn’t you? This is way too extravagant.”

“This wasn’t my doing,” Linda said.

“I know,” Steven said. “Evelyn did this. We left her waiting in the living room, and she’s scared of losing us. That’s why she set all this up. Still playing tough, but secretly trying to please us with all these gifts. Pathetic attempt to win us over.”

“Slap our faces, then offer dates,” Jenna sneered. “Steven, don’t let her off easy.”

“Come on, Linda,” Steven said. “Pick whatever you like as my birthday gift to you. The rest of you, too. Take what you want.”

“This emerald necklace is perfect for someone of my status,” Linda cooed.

“Dad, since she’s being cooperative, maybe give her another chance to return to the Miller family,” Lily suggested.

“Little sister, what’s wrong with you?” Hannah snapped. “Why keep defending that woman? Don’t call her mom. Call her aunt Evelyn.”

“Here’s the deal,” Steven announced. “Unless every property under Zoe’s name is transferred to Jenna. Evelyn wants nothing but our family dog. I’m not bragging, but she’d give me her daughter’s fortune or even her own life without hesitation.”

“This must be the priciest gift,” Jenna said, pointing to the canvas covered by a red cloth. She ripped it off. “Just some foreign painting. Not impressive at all. The golden emeralds are more valuable.”

“Mom, you should keep quiet now,” Zoe said, stepping forward.

“What? Do you actually know about this painting?”

“Valuable? This is called the Mona Lisa’s Smile. The authentic piece is in an overseas museum. It’s beyond monetary value. We’ve all been deceived by her.”

“Are you saying this painting is fake?” Jenna laughed. “How absurd. The craftsmanship is crude. Clearly a counterfeit. She dared to trick us with fakes! If this Mona Lisa’s Smile is fake, then these items must also be replicas.”

Just then, Steven’s phone rang. “Hello, Hannah. What did you say? The Miller family’s partnership with Blood Phoenix Consortium’s board was terminated? All right, understood.” He hung up, a vicious smile spreading across his face.

“Blood Phoenix Consortium knows why Evelyn lied about her identity. Though her family is finished, these counterfeits were just Evelyn Miller’s ploy to stay in our household. Her main backer has fallen. She wants our protection? In her dreams! Why are you still standing there? Smash all these fakes! They’re an eyesore! Destroy everything! And that so-called smile… Burn it too!”

“Yes, Dad! Burn it!” Jenna grabbed a lighter.

“Stop!” Zoe screamed.

“What are you doing?” “What do you think you’re doing?” Hannah sneered. “These were gifts from Blood Phoenix Consortium. Do you know what you’re burning? That’s a genuine Da Vinci. Mona Lisa’s Smile!”

“Still acting, sis? Genuine, please.”

“Don’t any of you dare!” Zoe cried.

“Zoe, come here,” I said, pulling her back. “Let them burn it. They’ll be the ones losing everything. Not us. It’s on them. Fine. You’ll regret this soon.”

“We haven’t verified the facts yet,” Linda whispered. “What if this backfires?”

“Nonsense!” Steven roared, and Jenna lit the corner of the canvas.

The priceless masterpiece caught fire. “You’ve really messed up big time,” Zoe said. “This is an authentic masterpiece. It’s the only one in the world.”

“Enough!” Jenna snapped. “Stop pretending. It’s a fake. I’m a certified lawyer. My sister’s a top university student. How dare you suggest our judgment is worse than yours?”

“And another thing,” Steven added, “this is Miller family property. You’re trespassing. Where’s security? Get them here now!”

“Don’t make it hard on them,” I said as the guards hesitated. “It’s not that they can’t, it’s that they’re not allowed. I’m not the one trespassing. It’s you.”

“Us?”

“You’re trespassing and damaging Riviera Estate property. A gift for me. That’s just adding to your crimes. Jenna, aren’t you a top lawyer? Then you tell me… how many years in prison your family’s looking at.”

“Are you out of your mind?” Steven bellowed. “Take a good look! This is Riviera Estate! It’s my home! See this? The owner is me, Steven Miller!”

“Why don’t I check before you speak?” I replied.

“I know what you want,” he sneered. “You want to return to the Miller family, but you’re too proud. I’ll give you one last chance. Kneel down, kowtow, and apologize to my family. Five years. After five years, you can come back to the Miller family as a servant. We’ll still take you in. You have five seconds. Five… four…”

“Sorry,” I interrupted. “You don’t get the chance. These people are trespassing. What are you waiting for? Get them.”

The guards moved. “Okay, don’t come any closer!” Jenna shrieked. “My husband’s on his way!”

“Boy, Hudson can’t even protect himself,” Steven scoffed. “He can’t worry about you.”

“In prison for five years,” I said, “I only learned one thing. An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth. Get out.”

“You… What do you want?” Jenna stammered. “Do you think I’m the same as five years ago? That weak, easily bullied woman?”

“Spending five years in prison has made you so vicious,” Steven said. “This is a society of law.”

“Don’t talk to me about law. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have gone in. Now you’re lecturing me about law.”

“Okay, don’t be impulsive,” Jenna said. “We sent you in so you could reform properly, not so you could do evil.”

“Reform. Zoe, show them what I learned in prison.”

Zoe pulled up a photo on her phone. It was my back, taken this morning. A grotesque canvas of scars, bruises, and cigarette burns.

“How were you changed?” Hannah whispered, horrified. “How could this happen? No wonder you’re so bitter… they beat you up this badly inside.”

“Linda May,” Zoe said, “the people you hired didn’t kill my mom. Are you disappointed?”

“Linda, did you really hire people to bully Evelyn?” Steven asked, shocked.

“I… I told you… let her reflect in prison. That’s all. Why would you… I didn’t! She slandered me!”

“What happened before was our fault,” Steven said, changing tactics. “What do you want? Just say it. But the Riviera Estate, you can’t have it.”

“Okay,” Jenna said. “In the Miller family, every holiday, there are always special programs… I say, why not have the matriarch go first?”

I remembered. Flashback: “Come on, Mom. Giddy up. Ride the big horse. Hurry.” “I say this matriarch doesn’t seem like a horse, more like a dog.”

“Speak,” I said. “What do you want me to perform?”

“Evelyn, you… what are you going to do?”

“Since Steven Miller is standing up for you,” I said to Jenna, “then I’ll grant him that. I’ll see how much you two really love each other.”

“Okay, Evelyn,” Steven said, “as long as I can satisfy you, I’ll do anything.”

“This is just the first show,” I said, picking up a heavy porcelain vase that hadn’t been smashed. “It’s called ‘Everything Ruined.’”

“Evelyn Miller! You’re serious! You’re insane!” Jenna screamed as I smashed it at Steven’s feet.

“Why are you dodging? You said you’d sacrifice yourself to prove how much you love me.”

“You’re trying to cut off my lineage!” he yelled as I smashed another. “Evelyn, you’re too cruel! What do you really want?”

“I want all the effort of the past twenty years. Return to me. Can you afford that?”

“Evelyn, this is wrong of you!” Hannah shouted. “You partnered with the Apex family and stole my queen title. You think Blood Phoenix Group is a joke? Blood Phoenix Group has dismissed the Hua family. You’re next! Soon, Blood Phoenix Group board member will arrive.”

“Dismissed the Hua family?” Zoe whispered to me. “Mom, what’s going on?”

“Don’t worry,” I said. “I authorized it. But when the time comes, the Hua family will thank you.”

“Blood Phoenix Group board member… Director D is here!” a guard announced. A large, terrifying man with a shaved head and a long scar down his face walked in. This was Daniel. The Dragon of Hampton Bay.

“Huh? How did this happen?” Daniel bellowed. “Who? Who did this? You’re a director of Blood Phoenix Corp. I’m asking… who smashed it!”

“I did,” Jenna said smugly. “But… no butts. You can’t just hit people.”

“Hit people?” Daniel roared. “I’d like to tear you trash to pieces! Rip you to shreds!”

“What? You want some, too?” Jenna said, not recognizing him. “I get it. You’re her hired help, right? You’re trying to get our attention. This face. I smashed it. What are you going to do about it? Hit me if you dare.”

“So, you want some, too, bastard?” Daniel slapped her so hard she flew across the room. “Bastard! Do you know what you’re doing? Can you handle the consequences?”

“Consequences? I’ll tell you what. I am the consequence. What do you take Blood Phoenix for? The name of Blood Phoenix cannot be tarnished. The three directors, each of us, crawled out of piles of corpses. Each of us can shake Hampton Bay.”

“Someone tell everyone… surround their house. Without my order, don’t let anyone out.”

“Yes, sir!”

“What do you mean… trying to scare me? Bastard. Picking a fight in the wrong place. Do you know who I am?” Steven said.

“I don’t care who you are. If you offend Daniel, you’ll wish you were dead.”

“What? You… You’re Daniel? You… You’re a Blood Phoenix director… rose from the streets by killing… Hampton Bay’s last big boss.”

“That’s right,” Daniel snarled. “It’s me. In prison, I reformed. Blood Phoenix Corp. gave me a second life. I, Daniel, vow to work for Blood Phoenix for life. And now… you smashed the gift I gave to the queen. Tell me, do you deserve to die?”

“President Daniel! Don’t be rash!” Steven fell to his knees. “We did this for a reason. We didn’t know these were your gifts to the queen. I apologize! Blame her! It’s Evelyn Miller! She broke into our villa and hit people. Took over our home. Blame her!”

“Right! Yes! This is our home! Even if you’re a director, you need to be reasonable. These gifts, we thought they were fakes. So, she’s the real culprit.”

“You said this is your villa,” Daniel said. “You said she’s the one to blame.”

“Yeah. This is Evelyn Miller’s villa, a gift for our family. We’ve lived here for years.”

“Lived here for years, so it’s yours now,” Daniel said. “So, this air I’ve breathed for decades, is that mine, too?”

“You can’t say that, director. Do… Open your eyes and see whose name is on this villa. Whose name is it?”

Daniel snapped his fingers. A guard brought the property deed. “Evelyn Miller.”

“This… This can’t be happening,” Jenna whispered. “Zoe, did you buy the house and transfer it?”

“Even now, you still don’t get it,” I said. “You’re a bunch of idiots. See clearly now. This villa… who is the real owner? Who is the interloper?”

“The owner of Riviera Estate is Evelyn,” Daniel announced. “You broke into Mrs. Evelyn’s house and damaged the gifts I gave her. That’s breaking and entering. Even if I beat you all to death, it’d be self-defense. Any more questions? If not, I’m going to start fighting.”

“Wait!” Linda screamed. “Director Daniel! I think you know who I am, right? The Blood Phoenix group’s queen title was given to me. I think there must be some sort of misunderstanding. Give me some face, please.”

“Give you face?” Daniel laughed. “Who do you think you are? Are you kidding me?”

“I am the queen of Hampton Bay!”

“Queen of Hampton Bay? You?” He slapped her. “You take a look in the mirror… you don’t fit the part. Bastard.”

“You slapped me twice! I’m reporting you to the group!”

“Good,” Daniel said. “Go ahead and complain. But you’re wrong about one thing.” He slapped her again. “It wasn’t two slaps. It was three slaps.”

“Okay! Okay! We give in!” Steven screamed. “We’ll pay! We’ll pay!”

“Honey, shut up!” Linda hissed. “Director Daniel. We’ll pay. But I have a condition. If we pay, can you tell me… who the real queen of Hampton Bay is? We can’t pay without knowing why.”

“Fine,” Daniel said. “I’ll tell you. Let’s see. How much is all this worth? This Hampton Pearl is worth a fortune. You pay. This Imperial porcelain vase… 5 million. You pay for that, too. Just the valuable stuff is over 20 million. And this… Mona Lisa’s Smile. The Blood Phoenix Group… specially brought it back. The annual rent is over 10 million. You burned it. You pay. Are you going to pay with your life?”

“I told you not to be impulsive,” Steven whispered to Jenna. “If we sold the Miller family, we still couldn’t pay.”

“Okay. Can’t pay? Then you don’t need to know who the real queen of Hampton Bay is.”

“Wait!” Hannah suddenly shouted, pointing at me. “Evelyn… had enough watching. If you don’t do something, the entire Miller family is finished. Okay, Mom. You’re my real mom now. To get our family’s attention, you’ll really do anything. Scheming.”

“So,” Jenna caught on, “so you backed us into a corner, intervening at the crucial moment, making us grateful, then you can win the genuine hearts of the Miller family. We’ve seen through your plan.”

“Evelyn Miller,” Steven said, “hurry and explain to director Daniel and transfer the villa to my name. Or don’t enter the Miller family’s door. The three daughters won’t call you mom. I don’t have a wife like you.”

“Steven Miller,” I said, “can’t you look in a mirror and see yourself? What makes you think I still care… or care about them? In my eyes now, you’re not even worth a dog.”

“You… fine. Evelyn,” he said, his eyes glinting. “Haven’t you always wanted a child of our own? As long as you take the blame, I promise you… I’ll give you one. With the Miller family seed. It’s your honor in this life.”

He actually thought…

“Did you hear that?” he asked his daughters. “Can’t help yourself. Can’t stop laughing. I knew she’d agree.”

“Steven Miller,” I said, “even the marriage certificate is fake… and you want me to have your child. Steven, where does your confidence come from? You old piece of jerky. I feel disgusted just looking at you.”

“Evelyn,” Hannah said, “if you continue like this, you’ll really lose us.”

“Losing you all… only taking and never giving back… is luck. The greatest luck of my life. Stop talking and pay up. Get out of the villa. Me and the Miller family… from now on… are cut off.”

“Pay up! Get out!” Daniel roared.

“Director Daniel… we don’t have that much money.”

“Okay. Then take all the Miller family’s cash flow and transfer it to the Blood Phoenix group’s account.”

“Director Daniel,” Steven said, handing over a card, “this card has 700 million. It belongs to the Miller family. All the cash flow.”

“Okay,” Daniel said, taking it. “Get out.”

They were thrown out. Bankrupt.

“Director Daniel,” Steven said from the lawn, “now we can finally say… the queen of Hampton Bay. Who is she?”

“Okay,” Daniel said. “Telling you won’t hurt. The queen of Hampton Bay… is the new chairwoman of Blood Phoenix Group. A woman who spent five years in prison. A woman who inherited Blood Phoenix’s will. A woman who sacrificed for her family but was hurt beyond repair. A woman whose peak began upon release. A woman who returned as a queen.”

“Spent time in prison… sacrificed for family… returned as a queen…” Jenna muttered, staring at me.

“What are you thinking about?” Hannah snapped. “How could she be the new chairwoman? Let’s go.”

---

They retreated to the only place they had left. The crumbling old family house they hadn’t lived in for decades. The place I had been forced to live in.

“Dad, how long has it been since anyone lived here?” Jenna coughed. “How can we live here? It’s like a dog house.”

“All right. No one is allowed to stay at a hotel. We’re staying in the old house… so you can experience what it means to appreciate the past.”

“Third sister,” Hannah asked, “why have you been so absent-minded today?”

“Nothing,” Lily said. “I was just thinking… have we been wrong all along? After all, auntie hasn’t done anything to us. But we…”

“What are you talking about? Aren’t we doing this for the family?”

“Come and look at this,” Lily said, pulling an old blanket from a cot. “How could someone have lived here? Aren’t these… auntie’s bedding?”

“Mom,” Jenna said to Linda, “didn’t you say she lived in the villa all along? When did she move back to this broken house?”

“I… I didn’t I tell you all about it? Besides, you all agreed.”

“Honey, I think I’m sick,” Linda coughed. “Will you take me to the hospital?”

“Madam,” the old housekeeper said, “the mistress is ill. Hope it’s not contagious… You should stay somewhere else. When you’re better, you can come back.”

“You call this a dog house,” Jenna said, “you won’t live here, but you let her.”

Lily found my old camcorder. “Mom… she used it to record us growing up.” She pressed play. My voice filled the dusty room.

“Lily, it’s okay. You didn’t do well this time, but there’s always next time. Mom will always be with you… studying together.”

“I don’t need that! Get out! Now the whole school knows I’m dating. Everyone’s laughing at me! I don’t want to live anymore!” The next clip.

“Hannah tried to kill herself today. She jumped into the lake. After taking her to the hospital, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It’s my fault. As her mother, I didn’t do well enough. From today on, I’ll be with her every step of the way.” The next clip.

“Lily, the college entrance exam is coming. My trial is also coming up. I don’t know if I’ll be acquitted, but I want to tell you, eldest, second, youngest… mom will always love you.” Lily was sobbing.

“Mom… I just remembered now. You’ve always been so good to me.” Another clip.

“Today is the second big law exam. From today on, I’ll pray for her every day. From the bottom of the mountain, I’ll kneel all the way to the top. I wanted to take her to the exam, but she saw my bloody knees… and she was disgusted. But I don’t blame her. A mother, if you expect something in return, how is that different from a transaction?”

“I… I really didn’t know it would be like this,” Jenna whispered, tears streaming down her face.

“So touched by a tape?” Linda sneered. “What? Decent family records. Everything on video. It’s obviously fake. Staged.”

“Easy for you to say,” Jenna shot back. “I just want to ask you one thing. When auntie took care of us growing up… where were you?”

“Don’t forget,” Hannah said, her face hard, “she’s the one who took care of us, but she’s also the one who brought the Miller family to ruin. Even if we owe her… it’s all been repaid.”

“Steven,” Hannah said, “you’re back. What’s the situation?”

“Tomorrow is the day of the Blood Phoenix Group chairman’s inauguration ceremony. I bet the entire Miller corporation to get an admission ticket. As long as we… at the ceremony… expose what Evelyn has done. I believe the Blood Phoenix Consortium will give us an explanation.”

“Well done,” Steven said. “I almost felt sorry for Evelyn. It’s too late for her now.”

“By the way, Dad,” Lily said, “that day… I saw Daniel kneeling to Auntie. He also mentioned something about Blood Phoenix.”

“Even now, you’re still covering for her!” Hannah snapped. “She’s not the auntie she used to be.”

“But… the most important thing now is how we can… expose what Evelyn has done.”

“You think I’ve been wasting my time all these years?” Linda said. “Leave it. But this job requires money.”

“I’m still in school. There’s only 10,000,” Lily said. “I have 200,000,” Jenna said. “I have 800,000,” Hannah said.

“Mom, this is all the money the Miller family has,” Steven said.

“Don’t worry,” Linda smiled. “Leave it. No problem.”

---

That night, Linda met a man named Lenny. “Lenny, you have to help me. In this card, there’s 200,000. After it’s done, all the money is yours. But this person is a bit strong. You need to bring more people.”

“Are you trying to brush me off?”

“How about this? My third daughter is in her prime. After it’s done, I’ll let you play with her for a week.”

“Linda May, you’re really ruthless. Okay, deal.”

The kidnappers broke into my villa. I was waiting.

“No need to trouble yourself,” I said from the top of the stairs. “I’m here.”

“Yan. That’s right. Someone offered 200,000 to kidnap you.”

“200,000. This person doesn’t know me well. Enough talk. Go.”

They charged. They were amateurs. Neil and my guards dispatched them in seconds.

“You… your Blood Phoenix,” Lenny stammered.

“Let me guess. Linda May sent you, right?”

“Yes! It’s her! Great Blood Phoenix! Spare my life! I’ll tell you everything! She told me to kidnap you at tomorrow’s Blood Phoenix group succession ceremony. She wants to expose you.”

“Looks like the Miller family still hasn’t learned its lesson,” I said. “Oh, right. I know everything about her. She sleeps around…”

“Don’t worry,” I said. “I won’t kill you. I need you to do something for me.”

“W… what thing?” “Go with the flow.”

---

The next day. The Blood Phoenix Group Inauguration Ceremony. I was dragged onto the stage by Lenny’s men, just as Linda had planned. The room was filled with reporters.

“Evelyn,” Linda sneered. “Didn’t expect this, huh?”

“I didn’t expect… I didn’t expect you all to be so despicable, so foolish. I want to see how you plan to destroy yourselves.”

“Destroy ourselves? You’re the one destroying yourself. Our Miller family was doing fine. And so was my mom. The queen of Hampton Bay was set in stone. All because of you, the ex-con.”

“Evelyn,” Jenna said, “you know very well that the child is mine. Why did you steal my husband? Steal my child?”

“Stealing your husband and child. Was I blind?”

“Stop acting,” Linda yelled to the reporters. “You’re just a morally corrupt piece of trash! I think if your actions were all exposed, even if someone backs you up, the Blood Phoenix group can’t be impartial, right?”

“What do you want?” I asked.

“In front of the media, kneel down and admit what you’ve done. Let me become again the darling of the Blood Phoenix group. Let my Miller family recover its former glory.”

“Now that things are like this,” I said, “do you think there’s any chance of forgiveness?”

“Evelyn,” Lily said, “we’ve seen the videos from the old house. We’re thinking of our past relationship. I was giving you a chance to confess.”

“Confess… because you care about me,” I said. “Because you care… you got people to tie me up and bring me here. Because you care… you got so many reporters to expose me. A good exposure, huh? Then I’ll expose you, too.”

“Expose us? We’ve done nothing wrong.”

“Hannah Miller,” I said to the eldest daughter. “For the last five years, you’ve been evading taxes. Half of the money you transferred to Linda May’s account. The other half… you transferred to your own name to purchase luxury cars, houses, goods. Am I right?”

“You’re talking nonsense!”

“Am I?” I snapped my fingers. Neil handed a thick file to the reporters.

“Even every expense can be found. This is impossible,” she whispered.

“Miss Miller,” a reporter asked, “did this happen or not?”

“I’m a lawyer! Get out of my way or I’ll sue you!”

“A lawyer?” I looked at Jenna. “I’m a top lawyer. What do you mean by that?”

“You think I don’t have dirt on you? March 8th. Help the defendant transfer assets illegally… $500,000. May 6th… colluded with a client to destroy evidence. July 28th…”

“Enough! Stop talking!”

“What’s going on? Is this all true?” “Oh my god. Hannah and Jenna Miller… they’re known as successful women.”

“Hannah, is what she said true?” Steven demanded.

“It’s all mom’s fault!” Hannah shrieked, pointing at Linda. “Ever since mom came into our family, spending has increased daily! At first, it was $100,000 a month, then $1 million, and finally spending reached $5 million a month! Even sis can’t afford that!”

“I had no choice!” Jenna cried.

“No… it’s not like that, honey,” Linda stammered.

“You… you spendthrift!” Steven roared. “You were eating it all up! $5 million a month!”

“There’s one more thing,” I said. “Lenny’s recording. Lily Miller… want to hear it?” I played the audio from last night. “…My third daughter is in her prime. After it’s done, I’ll let you play with her for a week.”

“What?” Lily looked at Linda, horrified. “200,000? We gave you 1 million. Mom… you’d let someone else defile me.”

“No! No! Evelyn, you’re too cunning!”

“Evelyn, you’re ruthless!” Steven yelled. “Even if we’re ruined, so what? I’ve contacted the Hua family. Master Hua, he’ll be here soon.”

“Master Hua is here!” someone shouted. The old man, Hudson’s grandfather, walked in.

“Master Hua, you’re finally here,” Steven said, rushing over.

“Yes. The BFC chairman inauguration ceremony.”

“Yes, but the Hua family situation today is all because of Hudson’s mother-in-law. This convict Evelyn.”

“Correct,” Master Hua said. “It’s all because of Madame Evelyn.”

“Good. Then hurry up. Make Zoe get out of the Hua family. Put her and her mother on the blacklist!”

“I’ve seen ungrateful people,” Master Hua said, “but never seen such beasts like you. You think the Hua family is like your Miller family? Blind and ignorant. Since I married Zoe, her mother is my family… Our whole family would never do what your Miller family did.”

“I didn’t expect it. Even Master Hua was deceived by your sweet talk. Then we’ll wait for the Blood Phoenix group’s executives. See who gets the last laugh.”

“Blood Phoenix Group. Three board members have arrived.” Daniel and two other directors walked in.

“It’s those Miller family members again,” Daniel growled. “You dare show your faces here?”

“Daniel,” Linda said, “you’re helping Evelyn so much. I couldn’t figure it out… Yan, she wouldn’t be your old flame, would she?”

“What did you say?” Daniel roared. “How dare you insult her!”

“Stop pretending!” Steven yelled. “Daniel pulled a switch, rigging the Empress selection, and colluded with the whole family, attempting to control Blood Phoenix!”

“So, you’re saying only the Miller family is loyal to Blood Phoenix?” Daniel asked.

“Yes! The Miller family donated most of their wealth to join the Blood Phoenix group!”

“How utterly ridiculous,” Daniel said. “Originally, the Miller family could have had Blood Phoenix without lifting a finger, but now… you have no chance.”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t you get it? Because you’ve offended the one person you shouldn’t have.”

“You’re not going to say it’s Evelyn again, are you?”

“That’s right.”

“Crazy! You’re all crazy! I don’t believe it. I want to see Blood Phoenix Group’s new chairman!”

“It’s about time,” Daniel said, looking at his watch. “The chairman handover ceremony officially begins now. Please welcome the chairman of Blood Phoenix Group.”

The lights dimmed. A spotlight hit the podium. I untied my own ropes, stood up, and walked to the podium. Daniel handed me the appointment letter. I signed it.

“The Blood Phoenix Group’s board welcomes the chairman’s return!” the three directors and Master Hua shouted, bowing.

“This… How is this possible?” Steven whispered. “She’s actually the chairman of Blood Phoenix.”

“Latest statistics show Blood Phoenix Group’s market value has exceeded 1 trillion.” “Evelyn Miller… she’s become a business empress.”

“I was wrong. Terribly wrong. We even wanted to expose her. In the end, we’re the biggest joke.”

“So, from the birthday banquet, she hasn’t lied. Everything she said was true. And we… have been like clowns all along.”

Steven ran to the stage and knelt. “Evelyn! Give me another chance. We’re family. I won’t be presumptuous again. The Miller family will cherish you. Kids, come here!”

“Mom,” Hannah knelt. “We know we were wrong. I’m willing to start from the bottom… and help you solve problems.”

“Mom,” Jenna knelt. “I’m willing to handle the legal affairs for free… to atone for my past mistakes.”

“Mom,” Lily knelt. “I knew how wrong we were when I saw the tape. I don’t expect your forgiveness, but I hope you can give us three sisters a chance to make amends.”

“You people,” I said, “only Lily has some self-awareness. If you want my forgiveness, three words for you: Not a chance.”

“Why? Tell me why. We can start over.”

“Because you’re filthy.”

“Filthy? Mom, what are you talking about?”

“Seems you know nothing about Linda May.” I motioned to Neil. He put a medical report on the projector. “Guards, see for yourselves. This woman is too vile to look at. Only fools like you would treasure her. Linda May is diagnosed with multiple contagious diseases, including herpes, HPV, and HIV.”

“What?” Steven’s face went ash-gray. “HIV?”

“Hannah, I…”

“Don’t touch me!” Hannah screamed at Linda.

“Linda May,” I said, “for ten years, she’s been with countless men, sleeping around, spent millions yearly on toy boys.”

“Linda May!” Steven choked. “You’ll destroy our family.”

“Mom,” Jenna said to Linda, “you’re our birth mother. How could you do this?”

“I was stupid,” Hannah wept. “So utterly foolish. The Miller family’s downfall is all your fault.”

The police from the banquet walked in. “Hannah and Jenna Miller. You’re under arrest for criminal activities.”

“Officers, they were deceived!” Steven pleaded. “I’m the culprit. Take me instead.”

“Dad,” Jenna said, “we misjudged her. Fell for Linda May’s lies. This outcome is what we deserve. Little sister… take care of our parents.”

“Linda May!” Hannah screamed as she was cuffed. “This is all your fault! I’ll haunt you forever!”

Steven collapsed, his skin covered in lesions. “I’ve been infected… by that woman. Linda May. I hate you. Hate you. Evelyn,” he gasped, “in this life, next life, I’ll repay my debts. Work like a beast for you.”

“Mom,” Lily begged me, “dad needs treatment money.”

“I have no money left!” Linda shrieked. “The Miller family is finished!”

“Mom!” Lily yelled at Linda. “Both my sisters have been arrested. Dad’s in this state now. This is all your fault! And you? You’re perfectly fine! Why aren’t you the sick one? I wish it were you lying in that hospital bed!”

“Don’t forget… I’m your mother,” Linda sneered. “I’m not done enjoying life yet. Why get sick? Blame your father’s poor health.”

“You… you’re utterly shameless!” Lily ran at her, but Linda shoved her. Lily fell hard, hitting her head on the stage.

“Evelyn!” Linda shrieked at me. “I’ll make you die…”

---

Lily knelt outside my office for a full day. “Enough,” I told Neil. “Give her the Rolls-Royce. Consider it my final transaction with the Miller family. Take the car, sell it for cash. As for Steven Miller, his fate’s in his own hands.”

“Thank you,” Lily whispered. “Thank you, Mom. If there’s another life, I’d still choose you as my mother.”

As Lily left, Linda, who had been hiding, jumped out. “Evelyn! You destroyed my family. You ruined us completely. I want you dead!” She ran at me, but Zoe stepped in front.

“Lily! Why are you in Evelyn’s car?” Linda screamed, running after Lily’s car.

“Mom, save me!” Lily yelled. Linda got in her own car and rammed the Rolls-Royce at full speed.

“Miss Miller,” a nurse called from the hospital, “your husband’s dying. Come to the hospital now.”

“I’ll check on your father first,” Linda muttered, fleeing the scene of the crash.

I went to the hospital. Steven was already gone. “Doctor, I’m Steven Miller’s family. How’s my husband?” Linda asked, running in.

“Your husband has acute AIDS causing multiorgan failure. No timely treatment was administered. I’m sorry.”

“How is this possible? Are you sure about this? I’m perfectly fine here.”

“Maybe this is what they call… the wicked thrive for ages,” I said from the doorway.

“Evelyn! How dare you show your face here? You caused the Miller family’s downfall! I’ll make you pay for this!” The police entered behind me.

“Linda May. You crashed into Lily Miller, hospitalizing her and leaving her permanently disabled, then fled the scene. With conclusive evidence now, we’re placing you under arrest.”

“Steven Miller is dead. Jenna and Hannah are in prison. Lily’s disabled for life. Evelyn, is this your grand plan? I’ll fight you to the death!”

“Take her away,” the officer said.

“I won’t let you get away with this, Evelyn!” she screamed. “You framed me for that hit and run before. Now you’re going to prison for the same crime.”

“That’s what we call karma,” I said. “Poetic justice, isn’t it?” I held up the razor they had tried to give me. “This was your gift to me back then.” I threw it at her feet. “From now on, we go our separate ways. Forever.”

I walked out of the hospital, past the room where Steven’s body lay.

“Are you the patient’s family?” a nurse asked me.

“No,” I said, not looking back. “Wrong room.”