Chapter 2 Caiden's footsteps slowly faded away , and the fake warmth in the room quickly turned cold . Penelope stood frozen for what felt like forever before quietly starting to gather her belongings . As her eyes scanned the room - a prison once disguised as " happiness " , cold tears ran down her cheeks . On the nightstand sat a crystal photo frame showing the two of them kissing beneath glowing northern lights , their faces full of joy . In the corner , a crystal grand piano worth millions caught the light and cast back her shattered reflection . Her gaze drifted to the carved wooden box that Caiden always kept close . Inside was a bloodstained bedsheet from their first night together . Resting on top of it was an old note written in red ink , " Penelope is finally mine . I'm overjoyed . From now on , I'll love her always and bring her happiness every day . " His bold handwriting pressed deep into the paper , full of unshakable promise . As she whispered the words aloud , Penelope dropped to the floor , her voice cracking with silent cries . This so - called perfect marriage , praised by everyone , was actually built on lies and betrayal . How ironic ! " Ding ! " Her phone screen lit up , revealing a message from a number she didn't recognize . A photo appeared - the bed in complete disarray and an open pack of sanitary products . Underneath , the words burned like poison , " I 0.00 % heard he asked you three times on your wedding night ? Well , he broke the record with me today - four times . " Then came another sentence , " Oh , by the way , today is my son Skylar's third birthday . He's Caiden's son . " The phrase " third birthday " hit Penelope like a spear of ice , stabbing her heart and freezing her in place . So , just a few months after Caiden faked a live stream suicide to win her back , he had already made Zoey pregnant . The sincerer his vows had sounded back then , the more brutal the truth felt now ! Penelope let out a loud , heartbreaking scream , grabbed a golf club from beside the bed , and swung it with all her fury, smashing every trace of love in the room . The crystal photo frame shattered , and Caiden's smiling face in the photo was torn apart . She struck the expensive grand piano with full force , warping the ivory keys and leaving deep , jagged wounds . Inside the walk - in closet , she ripped apart all the luxurious dresses he had chosen for her with a pair of sharp scissors , just like how their relationship had fallen apart beyond repair . In the end , she dragged all the ruined items outside the house , poured gasoline over them , and lit a match . The flames shot up high , casting light on her tear - streaked face , as the fire turned every trace of her love for him into ash . Drained of all strength , Penelope wandered back into the bedroom like a ghost and collapsed onto the cold , empty bed . 22.56 % 02 34 While drifting between sleep and wakefulness , she was suddenly pulled into someone's arms , their grip tight and overwhelming . A fiery kiss took her breath away . She opened her eyes , shoved Caiden away from her , breaking free from his desperate , fevered grasp . She spoke coldly , " Didn't you say you were staying late at work ? Why are you suddenly back now ? " He gasped , his chest rising fast , " I had a terrible dream , Penelope . I saw you leave me , and no matter how hard I chased after you , I couldn't catch up . " His dark eyes were full of fear . " I love you so much ... you won't ever leave me , right ? " Penelope's silence made his tall frame shake with fear . He grabbed her shoulders and pleaded , " Penelope , please tell me you'll never leave me ! " I'll give you anything Ou want . I can't live without you ! " Penelope gave him a cold smirk and replied , " Why would I leave ? It's not like you've ever done anything to betray me . " She saw the guilt flash in his eyes , and her voice turned cold . " I still want to carry your children and continue your esteemed family bloodline . " Caiden's expression turned ghostly pale , but he quickly faked a loving look and pulled her into his arms . " Honey , how could I ever let you suffer ? Tomorrow , I'll find the best possible surrogate to have our child . Whether it's a boy or a girl , they'll be the future heir of the Henderson family . " Penelope closed her eyes , hiding the mocking look behind them , and said nothing to reveal his false words . *** 46 13 % 02 34 Chapter 2 288 Vouchers While drifting between sleep and wakefulness , she was suddenly pulled into someone's arms , their grip tight and overwhelming . A fiery kiss took her breath away . She opened her eyes , shoved Caiden away from her , breaking free from his desperate , fevered grasp . She spoke coldly , " Didn't you say you were staying late at work ? Why are you suddenly back now ? " He gasped , his chest rising fast , " I had a terrible dream , Penelope . I saw you leave me , and no matter how hard I chased after you , I couldn't catch up . " His dark eyes were full of fear . " I love you so much ... you won't ever leave me , right ? " Penelope's silence made his tall frame shake with fear . He grabbed her shoulders and pleaded , " Penelope , please tell me you'll never leave me ! " I'll give you anything you want . I can't live without you! " Penelope gave him a cold smirk and replied , " Why would I leave ? It's not like you've ever done anything to betray me . " She saw the guilt flash in his eyes , and her voice turned cold . " I still want to carry your children and continue your esteemed family bloodline . " Caiden's expression turned ghostly pale , but he quickly faked a loving look and pulled her into his arms . " Honey , how could I ever let you suffer ? Tomorrow , I'll find the best possible surrogate to have our child . Whether it's a boy or a girl , they'll be the future heir of the Henderson family . " Penelope closed her eyes , hiding the mocking look behind them , and said nothing to reveal his false words . *** 46 13 % Chapter 288 Vouchers The next morning , Caiden took her to the hospital . He carried her through the hallways and examination rooms , attracting surprised looks and jealous stares from everyone . After the egg retrieval , he gently lifted her again and brought her to the VIP recovery room . With a look of concern , he placed a warm towel on her stomach himself . He even had over ten personal shoppers bring her racks of expensive dresses to choose from . Outside the room , the voices of nurses could be heard whispering in admiration . " Mr. Henderson treats his wife like a queen . Just because she felt a bit of pain today , he's buying her a dress worth millions ! " " She is just a housekeeper's daughter , but she's so spoiled by Mr. Henderson . She is so lucky ! " " Mr. Henderson is being incredibly strict about choosing the surrogate for his wife . When the child is born , it's guaranteed to be the future heir ! " Penelope looked down , letting out a soft scoff . Her nose tingled with a sharp ache . Everyone claimed that Caiden loved her more than his life , yet her baby was never even allowed to exist . What a cruel joke . Her stomach churned , and she pushed the tonic soup aside . She said coldly , " I'm not hungry . I just want to rest . You can leave now . " Caiden froze for a second when she pulled away from him . He asked gently , " Does your stomach still hurt ? I can massage it again if it helps . " Before she could say anything , his hand was already resting on her lower abdomen , leaving no room for refusal . 70.66 % 02:34 Chapter 2 11 288 Vouchers Just then , the hospital room door opened , and Zoey stepped in holding a flower basket . Her gaze quickly dropped to Caiden's hand on Penelope's abdomen . Her eyes dimmed , but she quickly forced a smile and said , " Penelope , I heard today's procedure was hard on you , so I came to visit you . " Title: Crown of Vengeance In "Crown of Vengeance" by CrushReel, delve into a gripping tale of betrayal and redemption. Unravel the intricate web of deceit as a woman's life is shattered by family secrets and a tragic twist of fate. Amid themes of revenge, family dynamics, and dark revelations, this ongoing drama unfolds within the walls of a mysterious mansion where past wrongs resurface to haunt the present. Discover the depths of human emotion as our protagonist navigates a world filled with deception and hidden agendas. What sets "Crown of Vengeance" apart is its nuanced exploration of complex relationships and the quest for justice in the face of overwhelming odds. Available to read at CrushReel, this story promises a riveting journey through the shadows of the past towards a future where truth may ultimately prevail.