Chapter 4 Suddenly, a commotion broke out behind me. The security guard hurried over, fawning obsequiously, and opened the car door. An elderly man stepped out, his presence radiating authority. My heart sank when our eyes met. It wasn't Edward Westbrook. It was Richard Harrington, my biological father. For a fleeting second, his gaze softened with a hint of tenderness. But just as quickly, it vanished, replaced by cold severity. Madeline rushed to his side, clinging to his arm like a child. "Dad, she's bullying me." Without a word, Richard strode toward me and struck me across the face. Twice. Sharp and clean. I clutched my cheek, glaring at him with the same searing hatred I'd held for ten long years. Just like before-he didn't even bother to ask what had happened. He condemned me without a second thought. "Do you realize what day it is?" he barked. "Even if you want to cause trouble, you should at least have the sense to pick a better occasion. If Mr. Westbrook takes offense, don't expect me to shield you." Pain burned through my body. "I don't want to be your daughter. I never did." When I first returned to the Harringtons as a child, I had longed for his embrace, his approval. Instead, he had looked at me with nothing but disgust. "How could a daughter of mine be something like you?" he'd said. Now, his sneer cut just as deep. "What is this, some kind of act? You think I'll respect you if you play hard to get?" Christopher hurried forward to whisper in his ear. Richard's face darkened. Another slap cracked across my cheek. My vision swam, blood dripping from my nose. "Worthless trash. The Harringtons won't be shamed by the likes of you." Christopher shoved me to the ground, forcing my face toward the puddle of melted ice cream. Chapter 4 15.38% "You love this cheap garbage so much? Lick it clean. And do it while calling yourself a worthless mistress who owes Madeline an apology." The hot pavement burned against my skin as I struggled. "Let go! You'll regret this!" My lips hovered inches from the sticky mess. Madeline dangled the necklace before me, her smile dripping with cruelty. "Do as you're told, and maybe I'll gift this to you as your reward." Humiliation swallowed me whole. But for my mother's keepsake, I choked out the words. "Fine. I'll do it." I lowered myself, scraping the melted ice cream from the ground with my tongue, each bite more bitter than the shame that coated it. Tears blurred my sight as Madeline's shrill laughter echoed. Phones appeared, recording every second. Finally, I stood and demanded through gritted teeth, "Give it back." Madeline smirked, then tossed the necklace into a trash can. I lunged after it, half my body plunging into the garbage. When my fingers closed around the chain at last, Madeline kicked the can hard, sending me sprawling to the floor, garbage raining down on me. Richard pinched his nose in disgust. "Enough. Stop embarrassing us. Mr. Westbrook will be here any moment, and if he sees her, we'll all be humiliated." He waved a hand. From the shadows, a woman stepped forward. I stared in disbelief, my whole body trembling uncontrollably-my nightmare had returned. Victoria Hayes. The woman who had locked me in that dump for eight long years. "Come home with me, you wretched brat," she sneered. "No. No, I won't," I choked, stumbling back, my legs trembling. Just as I was about to collapse, a warm, steady embrace enveloped me. I looked up, clinging to him as if he were the only lifeline in the world. "Alex, help me. Alex Westbrook's eyes turned murderous as he glared at the crowd. "You dare lay a hand on my sister? You must have a death wish." Chapter 4 15.38% Madeline staggered forward, her voice quivering. "Honey... who is she to you?" 15.38% Chapter 4