Pain shot through me , sharp and unrelenting . Sweat dripped down my face . But I still lifted my head and laughed - right in Edmund's face . " What the hell are you laughing at ? " His tone turned menacing . I didn't flinch . I'm laughing at how stupid you are ! You've been played this whole time and you don't even know it . " Before Edmund could respond , Vanessa grabbed a wine bottle and smashed it over my head . Wine mixed with something warm - blood - trickled down my face . My vision blurred instantly . Oops , " Vanessa said sweetly . Sorry , Gianna . It slipped . " he turned to Edmund , eyes wide and innocent . Babe , I swear I didn't mean to ... " dmund gently took her hand , inspecting it like she was made of glass . Even if you did , so what ? No one's going to blame you . She had it coming . " Does your hand hurt ? Next time , just tell me . You don't need to dirty your hands with trash like her . " t felt like someone had driven a blade straight through my chest . even years . Seven years of my life - reduced to this . forced myself to focus through the dizziness and locked eyes with Edmund . Edmund Hayes . I promise you - you're going to regret this . " le finished coddling Vanessa , then turned to me , voice like ice . The only thing I regret is ever getting involved with YOU . " ' anessa gave him a playful little tap on the arm . Babe , don't say that . Gianna's sick . We need to be understanding . " Then she pulled a wad of hundred dollar bills from her purse and tossed them at me . Gianna , if you're sick , go get help . Consider this your medical fund . " But Edmund's My husband . He's My daughter's father . So stop obsessing over a married man . Have some self - respect . " Her tone was soft , but her eyes ? Pure mockery . 1404 Chapter 3 Vanessa's toddler suddenly grabbed an empty plate and hurled it at me . " You're a bad lady ! You ruined my cake and hurt my mommy ! I'm gonna hit you ! " The crowd started piling on . " If you're that desperate for a man , we can set you up . How about Jerry , the morgue attendant ? " " Yeah , Jerry's got benefits . Way more than a homewrecker like her deserves . " ' Not sure Jerry would even want her . Let's take a picture and send it to him first . " Everyone whipped out their phones , snapping photos of me like I was some sideshow attraction . Then Marcus piped up with a twisted grin . Why stop at pictures ? Let's strip her down so Jerry gets the full view . " The room erupted in agreement . I watched in horror as the crowd closed in on me . ' If you touch me , I swear to God I'll make you ALL pay ! " They laughed . ' Ooh , I'm SO scared . " Better not scare us too much , or we might accidentally get everything on camera . " ' m strong , but not strong enough to fight off a dozen grown men . Hands grabbed at my clothes . Pulled . Tugged . Groped . looked at Edmund - one last desperate plea . Hoping he'd remember something . Anything . But he just covered his daughter's eyes . screamed , voice breaking . STOP ! I'm the Vanderbilt heiress ! My parents are on their way right now- " 14:01 His Mistress's DƏL Chapter 4