"To the hilltop mansion." Serena Vance was leisurely packing her bags. The thought of leaving the hilltop mansion filled her with immense reluctance. They say it's hard to go from luxury to frugality. Serena Vance began to wonder if she could beg Julian Blackwood to give me the mansion too. Was that a possibility? Just as she was thinking, familiar footsteps sounded from the doorway. Shiny leather shoes came into view, inch by inch. Serena Vance was overjoyed. "Hu... Mr. Blackwood!" "Mr. Blackwood, have you changed your mind and can't bear to let me go? Actually, I've been thinking a lot too. I love you, and I'm willing to be with you even without a formal title. Please let me stay here, okay?" "I won't make any trouble, and I won't interfere with you and Ms. Hayes. Whenever you want me or need me, I'll be here waiting for you." Serena Vance spoke with immense passion, but the only response she received was Julian Blackwood's utterly cold gaze. He just looked at her, his eyes filled with disgust, then he uttered two words. "You bitch." With that, he kicked her to the ground. "I know everything you did to Summer." He suddenly flashed a cruel smile, like a cat toying with a mouse. "Tell me, how should I punish you?" Serena Vance was terrified out of her wits. The truth was out! 12:40 pm < In her panic, she saw her hand instinctively cover her belly, and her eyes lit "No, no! I have very important news for you, Mr. Blackwood, I promise you'll be very happy!" "I'm pregnant, Mr. Blackwood! I'm carrying our child!" Serena Vance looked up, trying to find a trace of surprise in Julian Blackwood's eyes. "Haven't you always wanted a child? Now he's in my belly. Everything I did before was because I loved you. For the sake of our child, will you forgive me, please... Ah!" Serena Vance suddenly let out a piercing scream, like a mouse with its tail caught in a door. She stared in disbelief at her abdomen. Julian Blackwood's foot was firmly pressed on it, grinding it. "Only Summer's child would be called a child. What's in your belly is just rotten flesh!" There was no surprise in his eyes, no pity whatsoever. Instead, he reacted as if he'd heard something disgusting. With his billions, he was undoubtedly a successful man. Of course, he wanted children. But he loved me too much, so much that he couldn't tolerate any mishap. No matter how advanced technology became, childbirth was never 100% safe for women. Complications during labor, like amniotic fluid embolism, once they occurred, were almost irreversible. He wouldn't allow me to have even the slightest chance of danger. So he would rather not have children. "Mr. Blackwood, the whip has been brought. Besides salt, it's also been coated with menthol and chili water." The assistant walked in briskly, respectfully handing over a whip. Serena Vance's face was devoid of color. 12:40 pm PDDD < This whip was even thicker than the one that had beaten me at the nightclub that day, and the barbs made her tremble all over. "No!" She recoiled in terror, but there was nowhere to hide. *Crack! Crack! Crack!* The first three lashes struck her abdomen mercilessly. The long, bloody gashes resembled a C-section scar. She was in so much pain she nearly fainted, screaming continuously. After ninety-nine lashes, Serena Vance was barely clinging to life, blood spreading beneath her. She thought the nightmare was finally over. But Julian Blackwood's voice was like ice. "Find 100 beggars. Today is over. Tomorrow, remember to prepare 99 lashes and 100 beggars for her again. Continue this every day from now on." "The suffering Summer endured, I will make her repay a thousandfold!" Julian Blackwood's heart ached in waves. He had said these words three years ago, but he hadn't followed through... He had given Serena Vance a legitimate title for three years, and because he thought she was weaker, when both I and she were in danger, he had instinctively saved her first. He thought Serena Vance had depression, and I was healthy and wouldn't suffer any ill effects. Now, thinking back, how shattered my heart must have been beneath the showering champagne tower shards. But he truly loved only me. All his mistakes had to end. This time, he would keep his word. Serena Vance was trembling all over. Thinking of the endless pain and abyss that awaited her, she pleaded desperately. But she couldn't even elicit a glance from Julian Blackwood. Serena Vance was so despairing she broke down, losing all reason in an instant. 12:41 pm < Her face twisted, and she gritted her teeth through the pain. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!