Chapter 8 The lobby was spacious, but the air around Caden felt frozen, suffocating everyone present. He remained silent. But everyone knew he was furious. He took out a cigarette and lit it between his fingers. A cloud of white smoke veiled his face. Through the hazy mist, he stared at Beatrice with an inscrutable expression. "Get out." Immediately, Xander also waved his hand in displeasure. Monica helped Beatrice to her feet. Beatrice pulled her hand away and stood tall in the center of the lobby, her voice steady and resolute."Since my presence here is such an inconvenience, I'll move out right away. Sir, thank you for all these years of care." If she was leaving, she would leave with dignity and decisiveness. She would no longer tiptoe through life, living in fear as she had in her previous life. With those words, Beatrice turned and walked away. The eyes following her back were sharp and filled with menace. *** The moment she stepped out, the nausea and dizziness from doses of birth control surged over her. She hadn't walked far before she collapsed. When Beatrice became conscious, Monica was sitting by her bedside, her eyes slightly red. Seeing her awake, Monica delivered a light slap to her cheek-not hard, more like a tickle. "Are you trying to scare me to death? How could you take those pills so carelessly?" "Mom, it's useless. If I don't take them, I'll never be able to leave that place," Beatrice said weakly. 11:32 0.4% < Chapter 8 Menu "You're a poor kid! I told you before to socialize with rich young men. If you had married well, you could have lived a stable life," Monica advised. "Like you?" What kind of stable life was that? Monica wanted to say something but stopped herself. Just then, the door opened, and Ryan walked in with some food. "Beatrice, you are awake. Here is your meal. It will settle your stomach." Beatrice was about to thank him when she noticed a cut on Ryan's ear, as if something sharp had struck him. It must have been Xander. He had always looked down on their branch of the family, deeming Ryan foolish and resenting his marriage to a woman with a child from a previous relationship. "Ryan, I'm sorry for causing you trouble. I'll be leaving soon," Beatrice said apologetically. "Don't say that," Monica snapped. Ryan gently patted her shoulder."The doctor said you still need medication. Go fetch some water, Monica." Monica got up at once and left. Ryan sat down beside Beatrice and sighed softly."Do you really have to go, Beatrice?" "Ryan, staying will only bring trouble to you and Mom. I'm old enough to take care of myself now." "It's my fault." Ryan slipped a band card under her pillow. "Don't refuse it. You're a young woman out there on your own. There will be plenty of expenses. The password is your birthday. Be careful, and call me or your mom if you need anything." "Thank you, Ryan," Beatrice said, full of gratitude. Ryan looked at her, then suddenly muttered, "Caden was acting strangely today. Really out of character." < Chapter 9 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!