Chapter 2

The car finally stopped at the SKY Hill Estate.

This was the most expensive wealthy neighborhood in the city. Seven years ago, I'd dreamed of living here with Anderson.

"We're here." I turned off the engine and pulled out the keys.

Anderson pushed open his door, then walked around to open Judy's door.

Judy linked his arm, like a proud peacock.

I held out the keys with both hands. "Sir, your keys."

Anderson didn't take them, his gaze fixed on my hands.

From years of rough work, my hands were coarse and cracked, with hangnails around the edges.

A flicker of disgust crossed his eyes as he pulled out a thick wad of bills from his wallet. It looked like over a thousand dollars, way more than the driving fee.

"Take it and get lost."

The bills fluttered to the ground, landing in puddles and splashing mud.

I froze.

"Anderson, why are you giving her so much? People like this will just get greedy."

Judy cooed, then deliberately stomped her high heel onto the stack of bills, grinding it into the mud.

"Pick it up, why are you just standing there? Not enough?"

She looked at me provocatively, a malicious smile on her lips.

I wanted to turn and leave, to throw the money back in their faces.

But... Lester's medical expenses for tomorrow were still unpaid.

A payment reminder from the hospital for Lester was still sitting on my phone.

When survival was on the line, dignity meant nothing.

I slowly crouched down, reaching out to pick up the mud-soaked bills.

Judy's pointed heel remained firmly on the money, no intention of moving.

"Beg me." She looked down at me.

I clenched my teeth, my voice trembling: "Please... move your foot."

"Can't hear you." Judy cupped her ear. "Louder, what did you say?"

"Please move your foot!" I raised my voice.

"Such a bad attitude." Judy pressed down harder with her foot. "This money is so filthy, I feel disgusted just looking at it."

Anderson stood by, lighting a cigarette, watching coldly.

As if none of it concerned him.

He even seemed to enjoy watching me being trampled.

"Mr. Anderson…" I couldn't help but look up at him, hoping for a shred of intervention.

Even if it was for old times' sake.

Anderson exhaled a smoke ring, his eyes full of mockery.

"Marta, seven years. And you can't even handle this much?"

My body stiffened, and I quickly lowered my head.

He'd recognized me all along.

From the very beginning, this was a cat-and-mouse game.

"Since I've recognized you," Anderson took a step closer, his dress shoe stopping beside my hand, "let's reminisce."

He bent down, his long fingers pinching my chin, forcing me to look up.

"Seven years ago, you walked away with that million dollars so gracefully, didn't you? How did you end up like this?"

I opened my mouth, wanting to explain, but seeing the hatred in his eyes, all my words choked in my throat.

"Anderson, you two know each other?" Judy dramatically covered her mouth. "Oh my god, is she... is she that ex-girlfriend who abandoned you for money?"

"Ex-girlfriend?" Anderson sneered. "Hardly."

He let go, wiping his fingers in disgust.

"Nothing more than a plaything."

Judy's eyes darted, and her smile grew even brighter.

"That makes things even easier. Convenient. My place needs a cleaner. Take this money, and tomorrow, come scrub my toilets."

She kicked the stack of money with her toe, sending the bills scattering.

"If you don't show up, I'll report you for theft."

Anderson didn't object, only watched me coldly as I picked up the money.

I picked up the bills one by one from the ground, mud and rain mixing, chilling to the bone.

Each one was Lester's hope for survival.

"Fine." I lowered my head, clutching the money in my hand. "What time tomorrow?"

Anderson's face stiffened, seemingly surprised by my ready agreement.

"Marta, you're pathetic."

He threw that line at me, then wrapped an arm around Judy and walked into the villa's main gate.

The heavy gate slammed shut, sealing me outside that glamorous world.

I stood in the rain for a long time, clutching that thousand-plus dollars.

My phone buzzed wildly. It was the hospital.

"Marta? Lester had a sudden attack and is in critical condition. We need you to come pay the outstanding fees immediately!"

"I'll be right there!"

I wiped the rain from my face and rushed towards the intersection.