Chapter 2

The next morning, firecrackers sounded outside the window.

Warren got up unusually early.

The dining table was set with pizza and roast chicken.

"Honey, eat while it's hot."

Warren was wearing an apron.

"You worked hard last night. Just rest at home today."

Mia sat across from him, wearing a turtleneck sweater that covered her neck.

Seeing me come out, she got up and ladled a bowl of soup, placing it in front of me:

"Try this soup. Warren went specially to a restaurant to buy it."

I didn't touch the utensils, looking at Warren instead:

"Rest? You're supposed to come with me to my parents' place today. Did you forget?"

Warren's smile stiffened. Then he clutched his stomach:

"Oh no, honey, I was fine until you mentioned it, but now my stomach's cramping."

"I probably caught a chill waiting up for you until midnight last night."

What a performance!

If I hadn't seen the video of him naked and tangled with Mia, I might have believed him.

"That's right."

Mia immediately chimed in.

"Warren's health has never been good. It's snowing so hard outside—what if it gets worse?"

"Why don't... you go by yourself? I'll stay home and take care of him."

What a harmonious duet.

So this is what they were waiting for.

"Fine."

I picked up the car keys.

"Since your stomach hurts, stay home and rest. Remember to take your medicine. Don't die at home—that would be unlucky."

Warren breathed a sigh of relief:

"Drive carefully, honey. Come back early."

I walked out. The moment I closed the security door, I heard Mia's laughter from inside:

"Finally she's gone, that old hag..."

I got in the car but didn't start the engine. Instead, I pulled out my phone and connected to the surveillance feed.

On the screen, the second I left, Warren pulled Mia into his arms:

"Baby, you scared me. I thought she'd discovered something."

Mia pushed him, then leaned into his embrace:

"So what if she discovers it? You already said once we get the money, we'll run away together."

Warren chuckled, his hand sliding under her clothes:

"Just be patient a little longer. The equity transfer agreement for her company can be signed next month."

"When that happens, this whole family will be ours."

Mia pushed Warren away and walked into the master bedroom.

A few minutes later, she came out.

She was wearing my brand-new haute couture cashmere coat that I'd just brought home, along with my diamond necklace.

She spun in front of the hallway mirror:

"Warren, do I look good in this?"

"This coat is wasted on that old woman. Only I'm worthy of wearing it."

Warren hugged her from behind:

"Beautiful, so beautiful! All of this will be yours soon—even this house."

Mia stroked the coat's collar:

"Of course. Oh, that fifty thousand she gave me—can I use it to buy a bag?"

"Buy it! Whatever you want!"

The two started unbuttoning each other in front of the mirror.

I turned off the surveillance and took a deep breath.

I hadn't even cut the tags off that coat yet.

I started the car and floored the gas pedal.

But I didn't go to the cemetery. Instead, I circled the neighborhood and parked back downstairs.

Since you two are so eager, I'll grant your wish.

Five minutes later, I stood at my front door and took out my keys.

I turned the lock directly.

The soft "click" echoed through the living room.

The door opened.

In the living room, two tangled figures sprang apart instantly.

Mia was wearing my coat, the buttons half undone, with her sweater pushed up underneath.

Warren's belt was unbuckled, his pants hanging on his hips.

Seeing me, both their faces went deathly pale.

Warren nearly fell to his knees, stuttering:

"H-honey? How... how did you come back?"

I ignored him, staring at my coat on Mia's body, and strode over.

I backhanded her across the face.

"Take it off."

Mia was stunned, covering her face without reacting.

I physically tore it off her.

"You think you're worthy of wearing my clothes?"

I looked into her eyes.

"Look at yourself. You really think putting on phoenix feathers makes you a divine bird?"