Chapter 260 a After inheriting the family business , it felt like my life had been painted in color again . " I established the largest children's foundation in the world using my family's wealth to help kids suffering from disease , poverty , and war . In their laughter , I often saw traces of Mick's smile . One day , I visited a remote village in Africa . As I was helping a frail little girl drink some water , I felt a piercing gaze fixed on me from behind . Even so , I brushed it off , thinking it was just another curious child . But the moment I turned around , I saw her . She was wearing a twisted , grotesque smile that sent chills down my spine . Before I could even react , she moved lightning fast , pulling a gleaming dagger from beneath her robe and lunging straight at me It was Melanie . My pupils shrank in shock . I tried to dodge , but she was too fast . The blade aimed right at my heart . " In that split second , I didn't even have time to scream . Just one thought flashed across my mind : Was this how I die ?! But right before the blade could pierce my chest , someone threw themselves at me , knocking me to the ground . " Sadie ! Watch out ! " said that hoarse , familiar voice . Then came the sickening thud of the dagger sinking into flesh . I staggered back and fell , gasping . When I looked up , I saw Denton standing in front of me , shielding me with his body . The dagger was lodged deep in his chest . He was trying to stay upright , still trying to protect me . " " De - Denton ?! " My voice trembled as I looked at him , stunned . Only then did he collapse to the ground , pale as a ghost . Blood pooling at the corners of his mouth , he tried to lift a hand toward my face but didn't have the strength , so it fell limply . " His eyes met mine , clouded , full of pain and regret , and finally , peace . " " Sadie , I'm sorry , " he whispered with his last breath . Then , slowly , his eyes closed . And he never opened them again . " He was gone . " For a moment , everything inside me went silent . Gasps filled the air as everyone was frozen in disbelief . My bodyguards reacted first . They rushed forward and pinned Melanie to the ground . " You bitch ! Why won't you just die ?! Why couldn't I kill you ?! " she shrieked like a madwoman , thrashing and screaming , " You ruined me ! I'll kill you ! I'll kill you ! " Slowly , I rose to my feet , still reeling . I looked at Denton's lifeless body , then at the crazed woman who once tore my world apart . [ " You think I don't deserve all this ? " I walked up to Melanie and looked down at her , my eyes calm but cold . " You think this world belongs only to the strongest ? " She lifted her face defiantly , eyes burning with hatred . " Damn right ! That's how the world works . Survival of the fittest . And you , Sadie , you're nothing but a worthless woman who used men to climb her way up ! " I chuckled . A low , emotionless laugh curled at my lips . " Perfect ," I said , voice flat as ice . " Then you can go prove it . " " I waved my hand toward my men . " Take her to the savanna . Let her show us just how strong she really is . " \ Melanie froze as terror washed over her face , draining all color . Then , a yellow puddle spread from beneath her feet . Quickly , my bodyguards dragged her away . In the distance was a stretch of vast , dry grassland . A few lions could also be seen lounging under the sun . " No ! Don't ! Let go of me ! You can't do this to me ! " she screamed , kicking and clawing , but the wind quickly swallowed her voice . They tossed her from the vehicle like a rag doll onto the hard ground , and the lions lifted their heads , sniffing the air , sensing the scent of blood . She tried to run , but her legs wouldn't move . They felt like lead . Within seconds , the lions were upon her , circling , sizing her up . And when they were sure she was helpless , they pounced . P From a distance , I watched the brutal scene unfold . Her screams were sharp and shrill , then suddenly , they stopped , just like that . Her body was torn to pieces , and her voice was lost forever in the vast African grasslands./ It was over . The wind blew hot against my face as I stood under the scorching sun . I rested my hand gently on my belly . A few days ago , during a routine check - up , the doctor gave me unexpected news . I was pregnant . A new life was growing inside me . \ Like a beam of light , this child illuminated my darkest past . He was healing every scar I carried . " He reminded me that life could end , but hope could never die . " I looked up at the blazing sky , my heart finally at peace . ' Mick , Mama can finally let go now , I inwardly said . And at that moment , my new life truly began . }