Chapter 6 " Jennifer's mother personally said you instructed her to prepare seafood for Edward . Stop pretending to be innocent . " Nicole tugged Alexander's arm , demanding he hold Jennifer and Edward accountable . Alexander's eyes turned cold as he glanced toward the doorway . Immediately , Jennifer's wrist was seized . Before she could react , a pungent assault flooded her nostrils . A hand pried her jaws apart , forcing a jar of scorching chili water down her throat . " No- " Jennifer's protest choked in her raw windpipe . Blistering heat engulfed her throat , searing like liquid fire . Her face swelled rapidly from the vicious spice . " Mmph … not Tears streamed from her stinging eyes . Her trust in Alexander , like the torturous liquid , was violently swallowed . As her vision blurred , Jennifer watched Alexander and the other two vanish . Her knees buckled , darkness swallowing her . Chapter 6 She awoke alone in the sterile hospital room , hours or days later . Jennifer pressed a hand to her aching chest , tears escaping despite clenched eyelids . She breathed deeply , steadying herself . Her phone rang abruptly - an airline confirming flight details . She endured the tedious identity verification , whispering only , " Window seat . Thanks . " The call ended as the door swung open . Her mother entered , threadbare clothes dust - stained . " Jennifer , don't blame me . After they left , I just wanted to peel some exotic fruit for Edward . How was I to know he's allergic ? I can't afford this responsibility . You know I can't lose this job . " Jennifer stared at the ceiling , fighting fresh tears . Her own mother . Willing to sacrifice her without hesitation to save herself . The bond Jennifer cherished was merely a bargaining chip in this woman's eyes " Alexander and Nicole are taking Edward to a training camp for a few days . Let this matter drop . " Her mother placed a thermos of chicken broth on the bedside table before leaving The door clicked shut . Jennifer's composure shattered into wrenching sobs . Days later , scrolling through her social media feed , Jennifer found 34 51 Nicole's update . A video showed Edward proudly telling friends , " This is my mom ! " A friend's gaze locked onto Alexander beside him . " So that's your mom ? Then the guy next to her must be your dad ! " Edward flushed , burying his face without correction . Nicole and Alexander exchanged a glance , chuckling in unison . Jennifer's nails dug bloody crescents into her palms . Suddenly , she laughed too . A bitter , aching laugh that stung the corners of her eyes . Soon . She'd leave this house . Leave Alexander . Forever .