Chapter 3
Back when I still lived here, one of Dad’s mistresses came to our house and touched Mom’s necklace.
I chased her out with a broomstick.
After that, no one dared touch it again.
I wore the earrings to the office today because it was my first day on the job.
I wanted to bring Mom’s things with me, to tell her that her daughter had grown up.
I had no idea how many people Dad had let touch them while I was gone!
The thought made my whole body shake, my stomach churning.
I stood up to grab the earring back.
Blood from my ear splattered onto Quinn’s clothes.
She let out a shriek:
“You nasty bitch, this is Gucci-my husband bought it for me! Can you even afford to replace it?”
Several buff male employees came over to hold me back and drag me away, keeping me from getting anywhere near Quinn.
They flashed Quinn suck-up smiles:
“Mrs. Ashford, we’ll throw this little slut out right now. Don’t let her ruin your day.”
I just stared hard at the earring clenched in Quinn’s fist.
“Give me back the necklace and earrings-those belonged to my mom!”
Quinn let out a twisted laugh:
“You young people are into some kinky shit. First you call my husband daddy, now you’re calling me mommy?”
“How about you get on your knees and say ‘Mommy, I’m sorry’ a few times?”
“Maybe then I’ll forgive you for disrespecting me.”
She carelessly shook the earring, the gemstone making delicate chiming sounds.
Each chime felt like a blow to my heart.
This was the last thing Mom left me.
My eyes were about to bleed tears.
I completely lost it, my voice hoarse as I lunged forward to claw at that smug face.
“Quinn Hartley, listen up! You’re not marrying Lincoln Ashford without my permission!”
Quinn burst out laughing:
“Everyone look! The side chick’s lost her mind!”
My voice cracked as I shouted:
“Give me back my earring, or I swear I’ll make you pay.”
Seeing my body go rigid, Quinn suddenly got a sick idea to mess with me.
She handed the earring to the guy who’d been livestreaming, then undid the necklace around her throat.
“You love calling people mommy so much? Call me mommy once, and I’ll give you one gemstone.”
I bit my lip hard, staring at the necklace in her hands.
I used every ounce of strength to break free from the men holding me down.
I grabbed Quinn by the collar and bit down hard on her neck.
My mouth filled with the taste of blood.
Quinn’s screams rang out as she threw the necklace to the floor.
Then she shoved me away and started stomping on the necklace with her heels like a maniac.
The emerald stone broke free from its setting and hit the ground with a thud.
Quinn screeched viciously:
“This is mine! Even if I destroy it, you’ll never get your hands on it!”
My ears started ringing.
I had no energy left to think about anything else.
I rushed over and covered the necklace with both hands.
I let her heels crush my hands until they were bloody pulp.
Quinn kicked me in the face and pointed at a male coworker:
“Strip her clothes off! Let everyone see this shameless homewrecker!”
They ripped off my jacket, exposing the pink straps on my shoulders.
Quinn laughed: “Pink underwear-no wonder she can seduce other people’s husbands.”
Just when I thought all hope was lost, the police knocked on the door.
“Who called the police?”
I quickly broke free from their grip.
“Officers, that was me.”
“They’re spreading lies that I’m a homewrecker and they assaulted me.”
Seeing my disheveled state, the officers exchanged glances.
I thought my saviors had arrived and let my guard down.
But then another figure came rushing through the door.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.