Chapter 2

Before departing, I took a quick peek at the room Kathy had been pulled into.

The door was slightly open, offering a view inside. The floor was littered with garments belonging to the five guards. Kathy was sprawled on the bed, completely unresponsive.

I made every effort to be silent as I hastily left the premises.

Upon arriving home, my parents rushed to greet me eagerly.

Noticing Kathy's absence, their expressions quickly soured. "Sarah, where's your sister? Why have you come back by yourself?"

Recalling how this family had blamed me for spoiling Kathy's "chance" in my previous life and hadn't even bothered to retrieve my remains after I died, I no longer felt the need to be courteous.

"Perhaps she went overboard with the narcotics. Mr. Miles is likely still... engaged with her," I stated bluntly.

My mother's frown instantly transformed into a pleased grin. "Just as I thought! Kathy's the type to get things done, unlike some people—worthless and just a financial burden after two decades of upbringing!"

My father didn't even look at me, immediately urging my mother to prepare a nutritious broth.

"Have it ready for when Kathy returns. If she drinks it, she might be able to bear Mr. Miles a son."

Too exhausted to debate, I slumped onto the sofa to rest.

Just as the broth started to simmer, Kathy entered our home. She was walking with difficulty, her neck covered in bruises and bites.

It was clear she had no clue who she'd actually spent the night with.

The moment Kathy spotted me, she began scolding me in front of our parents. She accused me of failing to keep watch for her, not helping her tidy up afterwards, and even refusing to purchase the drugs she needed for her scheme.

My mother's expression darkened instantly. Without hesitation, she struck me across the face.

Her voice rising in anger, "I knew you were good-for-nothing! Useless trash! Why did I even bother raising such a parasite?"

"Your sister finally got her opportunity and not only did you refuse to help, but you abandoned her to manage on her own? Money was there for the taking and you couldn't even grab it! You're destined to be a poor laborer your entire life!"

I touched my stinging cheek, laughing bitterly at her brazen words.

"At least I earn my money through honest labor. Unlike some, I'd never resort to prostitution!"

My father's face contorted with fury. He seized the ashtray from the coffee table and flung it at my head.

Blood immediately drenched my clothes, but he didn't even flinch.

Instead, he continued hurling insults at me, "All you ever talk about is work, work! Do you think your measly wages will be enough to provide any comfort for your mother and me before we pass away?"

"You're a complete embarrassment! And now you dare to insult your sister? Look at yourself—what kind of garbage do you think you are? You're utterly worthless!"

"If I'd known you'd end up like this, I would've sold you off back then and saved myself the hassle!"

"Marrying you off to some poor nobody for a few thousand in dowry? Do you think I'm running a charity?"

I pressed a bundle of tissues against the gash on my forehead, but no matter how hard I tried, the bleeding wouldn't stop.

Disappointment overwhelmed me and I couldn't resist retorting, "I'm your daughter, not a slab of meat in a butcher's shop for people to pick over! If you're so keen on selling your daughter's body, why not just start a brothel?"

"Every cent I earn comes from my own hard work. What's so wrong with that? If you despised me so much, why did you even have me in the first place?"

For a moment, alarm flashed across both my parents' faces.

Just as they were about to lash out again, Kathy cut in, boastfully flaunting herself.

"Don't worry about her. Once I have a baby and marry into the Miles Family, she'll be the one pleading for my help, groveling at my feet."

At her words, my parents completely forgot about me. They rushed to Kathy, eager to hear about her "progress."

Kathy blushed, feigning shyness as she spoke. "You won't believe it. Chester isn't nearly as aloof and distant as the rumors suggest. He kept me up all night and I'm still aching all over!"

"It's just that when I woke up, he had already left. All he left behind was a bank card in the room."

"But considering how many times we did it, I'm certain I'll get pregnant. When that happens, the position of Mrs. Miles is practically mine!"