Chapter 7 Josephine stopped a cab on the street and struggled to make her way home . But the moment she stepped inside , she was hit with a heartbreaking scene . Dorothy was curled up on the couch , wrapped in a blanket like a wounded little kitten . Nathaniel was right by her side , carefully feeding her medicine with a spoon . Catching sight of Josephine in the corner of his eye , Nathaniel looked up at her , his gaze sharp as a knife , filled with almost tangible disgust . " You still have the nerve to come back ? " Edward strode forward and slapped her hard across the face . Josephine felt her head spin and nearly lost her balance . " I know you weren't happy when Dorothy came back , but she's your sister . Playing a prank like this ... what if you scared her to death ? " If Nathaniel hadn't shown up in time , who knows what kind of disaster you would've caused ! " Dorothy was gloating inside , but outwardly she pretended to be kind . " Dad , don't hit my sister anymore . I'm fine , aren't I? " " Stop defending this monster ! " Edward's chest heaved violently , his anger showing no signs of calming . Josephine stood frozen , her ears buzzing . 1526 Chapter 7 121 Wouchers The next second , Nathaniel , who had been silent until now , finally spoke . " Apologize to Dorothy . " His voice was icy , like it could freeze into shards . Josephine bit her lip . She didn't know where the courage came from , but she pushed back . " I won't apologize . " When the kidnappers tortured her , she had already understood . The whole kidnapping had been arranged by Dorothy , just so she could pin the blame on her and make her the " evil sister . " She did nothing wrong . So why should she apologize ? Dorothy sighed , pretending to be generous . " Forget it , Nathan . Maybe my sister didn't mean it . I don't want to ruin our relationship ... " She almost got you killed , and an apology is too much to ask ? " Nathaniel stared straight at Josephine , the disgust in his eyes growing stronger . When had Josephine become so wild , so defiant ? Edward was also enraged by her stubbornness . He grabbed Josephine's arm and yanked her forward like she was a stray kitten , dragging her to Dorothy's side . It hurt so much she let out a muffled cry , and only then did he notice her arm was covered in burns . His brows furrowed . Just as he was about to ask what happened , Nathaniel's cold voice cut in . " You hurt yourself just to frame Dorothy . Josephine , you've really taken ' by hook or by crook ' to the extreme . " At those words , Edward's doubt vanished instantly , replaced by even Chapter 7 greater fury . He shoved her down by the shoulder , forcing her knees to buckle as she crashed to the floor . " You should honor your parents who gave you life , yet you treat this family and me with such disregard ! " Josephine lifted her head numbly and met Nathaniel's icy stare with no defense . He held Dorothy in his arms , towering above her like a judge looking down on a criminal , while she knelt before him in disgrace , her dignity ground to dust . For some reason , her stubborn gaze unsettled Nathaniel . He repeated coldly , " Josephine , just apologize to Dorothy and I'll let this go . " Josephine gave a bitter laugh . Her bloodshot eyes locked on Nathaniel as she said each word with force , " I'll say it again . I won't apologize . Kill me if you want . " Nathaniel froze , and the last trace of pity in his eyes disappeared . What followed was Edward's endless storm of blows and curses . Josephine was already weak . Within moments , she collapsed on the floor like a beaten dog , completely losing consciousness . *** Josephine didn't know how long she was out . When she woke again , the living room was empty . 1526 Chapter 7 Enduring the stabbing pain all over her body , she pushed herself up from the couch and staggered back to her room to check her luggage one last time . Just as she was about to close her suitcase , Dorothy's voice came from behind . " Do you like the farewell gift I prepared for you ? " Dorothy leaned against the doorway , her lips curved in a cruel smile . " Actually , I wanted to keep you here until the engagement party so you could give me and Nathaniel your blessing . But Dad refused . He said you've shamed the Reynolds family , and he can't stand you here another second . " Josephine , once you leave this time , don't ever come back . Without you , this family will finally be whole . " Oh , and thanks for being my husband's free plaything for two years . At least he wasn't lonely when I was gone . " Josephine pressed her lips together and said nothing . With a click , the suitcase shut . Along with it , the last shred of attachment she had for this family was sealed away . Before dawn the next morning , Josephine boarded her flight overseas . She left with complete resolve . Before boarding , she deleted all of Nathaniel's contact information without hesitation . The plane cut through the wide sky , leaving a white trail behind it , drawing a final line under her unbearable past .