Lin Wan didn’t know how to describe her feelings at that moment.
She should have been happy. The prodigal son had returned. He was supposed to be triumphant and radiant, not stuck in this room, being pitied and mocked by others.
But at this moment, she knew very well that once he left again, many things would change.
She clenched her skirt tightly, not knowing what to say. In the end, she just whispered like any ordinary wife, “Come back soon.”
The man’s eyes showed a hint of surprise, but it quickly turned into amusement. He didn’t respond and walked straight out.
Even though he didn’t walk fast, every step was steady.
Lin Wan watched his back, feeling her heart beat even faster. What day was it today?
She wanted to ask someone, but after searching the house, she saw no one. She even thought about calling her father-in-law, but she was afraid he was busy.
Her heart felt like it was about to jump out of her chest.
Even though it was late at night, she couldn’t fall asleep. She sat on the bed, resting her hands on her belly. Only the presence of her child gave her some peace of mind.
But it still wasn’t enough.
She tried everything to distract herself, but she couldn’t calm down.
She walked to the window and stood there for a long time. The cold wind made her cheeks numb, but she still couldn’t shake off her worries.
What was Huo Tingxiao doing tonight? Was it dangerous?
She looked into the distance, clasped her hands together, and prayed that he would come back safely.
Suddenly, the baby in her belly moved vigorously.
Lin Wan almost lost her balance. She grabbed the window sill and steadied herself.
Her heartbeat quickened, and the unease in her heart grew stronger.
She slowly crouched down and asked softly, “Are you trying to tell me something? Or have you sensed danger?”
No one could answer her.
The sharp pain in her lower abdomen made it harder to focus. She didn’t even hear the footsteps outside the door.
“Bang!”
With a loud noise, the door was kicked open.
Lin Wan immediately sensed danger and tried to run to the bathroom.
But the intruder didn’t give her a chance.
Qin Man strode in angrily, followed by several burly men.
Lin Wan was terrified.
She could feel that Qin Man’s anger was even greater than before. The burning rage in her eyes seemed like it could turn her into ashes.
Lin Wan tried to move, dragging her body toward the bathroom, but before she could take a step, Qin Man grabbed her hair.
“Lin Wan, how dare you deceive me?!”
A sharp pain spread across Lin Wan’s scalp, and the pain in her lower abdomen grew even worse.
“What are you doing? Let me go—”
She struggled hard, reaching up to pry Qin Man’s fingers off. Her eyes were full of panic and fear.
Qin Man looked at her desperate struggle, watching as Lin Wan clung to life despite being on the brink of death. Her fury only grew stronger.
“For months, you’ve been lying to me! Lin Wan, if Huo Tingxiao hadn’t shown up at the Huo family’s annual meeting tonight, I would’ve still believed your nonsense!”
Lin Wan immediately understood what had happened.
Huo Tingxiao’s sudden appearance must have shaken those who had doubted him before. Because of that, Qin Man’s plan had failed.
Qin Man dragged her toward the door, yanking out several strands of Lin Wan’s hair.
Lin Wan cried out in pain.
“You were the one who cared most about that bastard. Tonight, I’ll make you watch him die!”
Qin Man’s face twisted with rage. She quickly crouched down and grabbed Lin Wan’s throat with both hands, squeezing tightly.
“Lin Wan, how dare you ruin my plans? You deserve to die!”
Her grip tightened.
At first, Lin Wan struggled desperately, but soon, it became harder and harder to breathe.
Even the baby in her belly had stopped moving.
Her pupils dilated, and her face turned as pale as paper.
Was she going to die?
Was she going to die on the same day that Huo Tingxiao reclaimed everything?
But she still had so much to say to him.
She hadn’t told him about their past, about their child…
There was still so much left unsaid.
No… she couldn’t die like this!
A strong will to survive made Lin Wan struggle even harder. She forcefully pried apart Qin Man’s hands with her own, her eyes turning bloodshot.
She couldn’t die!
At this moment, Qin Man had become completely bloodthirsty. She wanted to strangle Lin Wan to death.
But before she could, someone behind her pulled her back.
“Madam, if you kill her, the Lin family won’t be able to explain it. If you have blood on your hands, it won’t be good for the young master’s future. The old master will surely resent him for it.”
Qin Man froze when she heard this. She suddenly snapped out of her rage and let go of Lin Wan’s throat.
She looked down at the woman on the floor, coughing violently as if she were just an ant.
Lin Wan struggled to push herself up, her trembling hands pressing against the ground.
Qin Man sneered.
In the next second, she lifted her foot and stomped down hard.
Crack!
Lin Wan let out a scream as cold sweat dripped from her forehead.
Qin Man’s high heel crushed her fingers, and she slowly increased the pressure, watching Lin Wan’s powerless struggle with satisfaction.
Then, another crack!
One of Lin Wan’s fingers snapped.
Qin Man felt incredibly pleased, but this wasn’t enough.
This woman had dared to deceive her for so long.
She had to pay the price!
Qin Man turned to the men behind her.
“She’s yours now. Do whatever you want, just don’t kill her.”
After saying that, she crouched down and looked at Lin Wan, who was barely conscious.
“Remember, this is what happens when you betray me.”
She was about to leave when she suddenly felt something grab her leg.
Lin Wan.
“Don’t… don’t go… please don’t leave me to them…”
Her entire body was in pain, and she could barely move.
But the thought of being thrown to those men…
She would rather die here and now.
She knew Qin Man hated her.
But she still had to try.
Even if she had to suffer at Qin Man’s hands, it would be better than being humiliated and torn apart by those men.
That would be a fate worse than death.
Lin Wan’s tear-streaked face looked up at her in despair.
“I… I’m pregnant… Please don’t throw me to them… I beg you… I beg you…”
She turned her head and looked at the four men standing behind Qin Man.
They were watching her like hungry beasts.
Fear swallowed her whole.
Qin Man smirked. She leaned down and patted Lin Wan’s face.
“How can you still be dreaming? Of course, I know you’re pregnant. Otherwise, what would be the point?”
As she spoke, she kicked Lin Wan hard, sending her crashing to the ground.
The four men stepped forward, grabbing her and dragging her toward the bathroom.
Lin Wan struggled like a madwoman, her throat hoarse from screaming.
She bit down on the hand reaching for her, sinking her teeth in with all her strength.
The man let out a roar of pain and slapped her hard across the face.
“You bitch! How dare you bite me?! I’ll kill you!”
Lin Wan’s cries for help echoed through the room, filled with terror and desperation.
One after another.
Qin Man turned away, closed the door behind her, and smiled in satisfaction.