A sharp slap landed on Vicktor's left cheek. Lucy flinched, clutching Kelly, who suddenly burst into frightened tears. Amora stood tall in the doorway, her eyes bloodshot, her chest heaving with the emotions that threatened to explode.

"Do you think I'm a woman you can trample on as you please, Vick?!" Amora's scream echoed through the grand living room.

Vicktor held his cheek, still stunned.

"It's not like that, Amora. I was only-"

"Shut up!" Amora snapped, pointing a trembling finger at him. "You brought this whore into my house? Right before my eyes?! Have you lost your mind?!"

Lucy tried to speak, her voice shaky. "Amora, please don't say that in front of Kelly. I'm not a whore, I still have my dignity, Amora!"

Amora's head whipped toward her, eyes blazing. "That child? A child born of betrayal? And you still dare to talk about dignity?"

Kelly sobbed harder, her small face pressed against Lucy's stomach.

"That's enough!" Vicktor roared at Amora, his voice filling the room as he stepped forward to shield Lucy. "You can be angry with me, Amora. But don't you dare hurt that child. She knows nothing of this."

Amora laughed bitterly. "You dare defend her in front of me?" She jabbed her finger toward Lucy. "I gave you everything because I chose to love you, Vicktor-not because I had no other choice!"

Vicktor fell silent, his gaze fixed on Amora. There was guilt in his eyes-though only a little.

"All this time I was busy saving your life, Vicktor! I fought for your company. I convinced my father not to fire you when you caused billions in losses! And now? You repay me by bringing another woman into my home?!" Amora's eyes glistened, holding back tears of pain.

Lucy pulled Kelly aside, feeling the room's heat rise with every passing second.

"Amora, I'm sorry," Lucy whispered. "But our relationship has lasted for years. I love him."

"Silence." Amora stepped closer until only inches separated her from Lucy's face. "You truly are a cheap woman!"

"But I can give Vicktor children," Lucy countered coldly. "I'm beautiful, slim, and sexy. In a house this big... don't you have mirrors, Amora? Look at yourself-fat, wide, and ugly. You're not worthy of standing beside Vicktor."

Smack!

This time the slap landed across Lucy's face. Kelly screamed, "Mommy!"

Vicktor rushed to steady Lucy as she staggered. "Enough, Amora! I won't let you hurt them!"

Amora shook her head slowly, her expression turning dark and sinister. The disappointment etched on her face cut deeper than anger. He defended his mistress over her.

"You'll regret this, Vick. You'll see the true face of the woman you've belittled. I won't stay silent!"

"Amora, why not try to make peace with the situation? I'll never take your place. You're still Vicktor's legal wife. Kelly and I-" Lucy began, but Amora cut her off sharply.

"You really are insane, Lucy!" Amora spat, shaking her head. She couldn't comprehend how a woman could willingly be another man's mistress for life.

"Let's get a divorce, Mr. Vicktor Caldwell!" Amora declared loudly.

Silence fell. Even Kelly stopped crying, as though she too sensed the dark aura that suddenly filled the living room.

"What do you mean?" Vicktor gasped.

Amora only let out a short, bitter laugh and turned away.

"Lucy, don't you dare dream of stealing my wealth. You'll regret this and leave with nothing!"

With graceful yet furious steps, Amora stormed out of the house. Vicktor moved to follow her, but Lucy held him back.

"Let her go. That woman is only bluffing."

Vicktor shook his head, his eyes fixed on the door Amora had just closed.

"No, Lucy... Amora isn't bluffing. I'm afraid she'll run to her father."

.

Driving her own car, Amora arrived at a five-star hotel. Standing in the bathroom, she stared at herself in the mirror. Her hand gently touched her rounded cheek.

Tears spilled freely. "How could you betray me, Vick? Is it because I'm fat and ugly? Have you always been ashamed of having a wife like me? Is that why you turned to Lucy?" The wound in her heart gaped wide, raw and excruciating.

It had been a week since Amora left the house. She ignored countless calls from Vicktor. Not a single one of his messages had she opened. Amora was calming herself, preparing to take the biggest decision of her life.

She no longer cared about Vicktor and Lucy's illicit affair. Amora was already planning something far greater-to exact revenge on both of them.

.

Meanwhile, back at Amora's residence-

Lucy was thoroughly enjoying every facility. She even slept in the master bedroom that once belonged to Amora and Vicktor.

Amora's absence had turned out to be a blessing for Lucy. She could now freely play the role of Mrs. Caldwell. Especially Kelly, who delighted in swimming every day in the luxurious pool.

This was the life Lucy had always dreamed of-shopping, indulging herself, and lounging around waiting for Vicktor to return from work.

"The air feels so fresh today," Lucy sighed contentedly, sitting on a poolside chair, raising a delicate glass of orange juice in her hand.

"Who are you, and why are you in my daughter's house?!"

A deep, commanding voice boomed suddenly.

Lucy jumped, startled, turning to see an older man glaring at her with piercing eyes. She quickly stood, her heart pounding, her face filled with fear.

The man strode toward her quickly, his expression blazing with fury.

"Where is Amora?" demanded Robert Shane-Amora's father.

Hearing that question, Lucy felt her heart stop for a moment. The sharp gaze of the old man before her made her body stiffen. She knew he wasn't just anyone. He was Robert Shane-Vicktor's father-in-law, the owner of Shane Group-who now glared at her with deep suspicion.

"I-I... I don't know, Sir," she whispered nervously, her voice trembling.

Robert let out a harsh sigh, then turned his back. "Vicktor! You've truly made me furious!" he shouted while pulling out his phone, his fingers shaking as he dialed his son-in-law's number.

At that instant, Lucy felt her mind go blank. Panic mixed with fear consumed her. Slowly, she moved closer from behind. Without a second thought, both hands shoved Robert's shoulders hard.

Thud! The frail body was thrown against the wall by the poolside. Robert's head hit with a sickening force, leaving a bluish bruise.

"Damn you... you...!" Robert groaned, clutching his pain.

Lucy's breath came in ragged gasps, fear choking her throat. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Sir..." she muttered frantically, dragging Robert's weakening body. With one desperate push, she shoved the old man into the pool.

A splash shattered the silence. Robert thrashed, trying to swim, but it was useless. His aging body could no longer fight. He gasped, struggling to reach the edge, but his strength drained away.

"Oh God..." Lucy's nerves unraveled. She leapt in. With the last of her strength, she dragged Robert back onto the ground. His body lay motionless.

Shaking, Lucy felt for his pulse. It was still there, but faint.

Without delay, she grabbed her phone and called Vicktor. "Vick! Come home, quick! Your father-in-law is here!" her voice cracked, nearly breaking into sobs.

Fifteen minutes later, Vicktor finally arrived after Lucy's frantic call. His gaze froze the moment he saw Robert lying helpless by the poolside, his body pale like a corpse. What shocked him even more was Lucy, standing beside him, her clothes soaking wet.

"Lucy! What happened to Dad?!" Vicktor cried out in panic, rushing toward them.

Lucy lowered her head, her face trembling. Silence hung for several seconds before she answered in a faint voice.

"I... I don't know what really happened, Vick. I just saw your father in the pool, calling for help... so I pulled him out."

Vicktor rubbed his face in distress. "I must call the doctor immediately!" His hand reached into his pocket, but Lucy quickly stopped him.

"No, Vick! Please... just take him straight to the hospital. That's the best thing to do."

Without another word, Vicktor nodded. In haste, he lifted Robert's body. "Lucy, help me! Quickly!"

Together, they struggled to carry Robert into the car. Vicktor panted heavily, his eyes filled with dread. As he was about to start the engine, Lucy leaned closer.

"Vick... I want to come with you," she whispered.

But Vicktor shook his head firmly. "No. Stay at home. I'm worried if Amora sees you there, she'll misunderstand."

Lucy clutched his hand tightly, her voice trembling with feigned fear. "I'm scared, Vick. I'm scared Amora will accuse me of something. I swear to God, I didn't hurt him..."

Vicktor looked deep into her eyes. "Calm down, Love. I trust you. No one will suspect you."

Lucy nodded, as if relieved. And as soon as Vicktor's car drove away, her expression shifted. A sly smile curled across her lips. Yes, she had indeed tried to finish Robert-so that nothing would stand between her and Vicktor's love.

Lucy stood tall in the living room, staring at her reflection in the large mirror with a victorious smile. In her heart, she felt superior to Amora. Back in high school, Vicktor had cruelly rejected her for the sake of Amora-a girl who seemed perfect, smart, and rich in everyone's eyes. But now, the tables had turned. Amora, with her overweight body covered in fat, looked utterly repulsive.

"Amora... my revenge isn't over yet. Many more sweet surprises await you," Lucy whispered, lips curling with satisfaction.

But her smile slowly faded as a thought struck her. Her eyes widened. "CCTV!" she exclaimed, bolting upstairs in panic. Her breath quickened as she raced down the long corridor until she reached a room filled with monitors.

Her hands trembled as she typed frantically, trying to access the recordings. "I have to erase it before it's too late," she muttered.

Yes, Lucy wanted to erase the CCTV footage that pointed directly to the swimming pool.

But suddenly, her face tensed. Inside the storage box, where the memory card was supposed to be, it was already empty. The flash drive had vanished without a trace.

"Damn it!" she shouted, slamming the table so hard it rattled. "Who got to it first?"

Her breathing grew heavier, her eyes darting wildly around the room as if searching for an answer. Someone had secretly broken into that house.

The car sped forward. Rain began to fall, accompanying Amora as she rushed to the hospital after receiving the news that her father was in critical condition. Raindrops streaked across the windshield in uneven lines, and Amora's own tears streamed down her cheeks.

When she arrived, Amora hurried inside the large hospital. Her heart trembled violently the moment her eyes caught sight of Vicktor standing not far from the emergency room. The wound of betrayal resurfaced, bringing back a pain she could hardly contain.

She was about to step inside, but Vicktor's voice stopped her.

"Amora..." he called softly.

Amora turned, her gaze bitter and sharp.

"Why is Father in critical condition? Did he have an accident, Vick?!"

Her question froze Vicktor in silence. His mind scrambled for an answer. He couldn't possibly tell her the truth-that Robert had gone to see Lucy at her residence.

"Mommy said Daddy slipped in the bathroom and passed out. Maybe his heart condition relapsed again."

Vicktor was forced to lie, just to protect Lucy from Amora's accusations.

Amora's face showed shock. "Where's Mommy now?" she asked.

"Mommy is handling the paperwork. She asked me to stay here and watch over Daddy," he replied, trying to sound calm, though the unease was clear on his face.

Before Amora could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps approached. Amora froze, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. Her guess was right-Lucy must have come looking for Vicktor.

"Lucy, why are you here?" Vicktor was startled. He quickly grabbed Lucy's arm and pulled her a little away from Amora.

"I told you to wait for me at home!" His voice rose slightly, filled with worry. He was terrified his mother-in-law might suddenly show up and see Lucy there. That would only complicate matters further.

Lucy lowered her head, putting on a sorrowful expression. "I'm sorry, Vicktor. Kelly's running a high fever-she needs to be examined immediately."

Vicktor stiffened. "What? Kelly's sick?"

"Yes, her fever is high. We need to take her to the doctor right now," Lucy pressed urgently.

Vicktor fell silent, his face conflicted. He turned toward Amora, as if pleading for understanding. "Amora... Kelly's sick, she's burning up with fever. I have to go home right away."

Amora let out a bitter scoff, her chest tightening as if being crushed. "Go. I don't need you anymore!" she declared firmly, though her heart ached.

"Amora, I-"

Before Vicktor could finish, Lucy tugged at his hand. "Hurry, Vicktor! Don't waste time."

With hesitant steps, Vicktor finally followed Lucy out of the hospital. Amora remained standing at the ICU doors, her body trembling as she tried to suppress the storm of rage and pain inside her.

She clenched her fists, staring blankly at the path they had just taken. "That woman is nothing but pure drama," she hissed sharply, forcing back the tears that threatened to fall.

Now, she was left alone to face the bitter reality before the emergency room.

Moments later, the ICU doors swung open. A heart specialist emerged, his expression grim. "Family of the patient, please come in," he said quietly.

Amora instantly rose, her heart pounding uncontrollably. With unsteady steps, she entered the room. The moment her gaze fell on the stretcher, she froze in place. Her father, Robert, lay motionless, his breath gone forever.

"No... Father!" Amora cried out, her voice shattering. She staggered forward, each step unbearably heavy, then threw herself onto Robert's cold body. Her tears poured endlessly, soaking the hospital gown he wore.

"Father, wake up... I know you can still hold on," she sobbed, shaking him desperately. "Don't leave me, Father..."

Her cries filled the room, moving even the nurses to bow their heads in grief.

Not long after, Jessica entered. Her face was pale, her eyes widening in horror at the sight of her lifeless husband. "Robert... how could you... leave me?" she whispered weakly before her body collapsed.

"Mommy!" Amora screamed, reaching for her mother, but Jessica had already fallen unconscious. Luckily, several nurses rushed forward and caught her before she hit the floor.

Amora was utterly shaken. Her hands trembled, her vision blurred with tears. "I've lost everything... the wound from Vicktor hasn't healed, now Father is gone, and Mother has fallen into grief..."

She looked at her father's peaceful face, as though he were only sleeping. Her heart shattered, as if the entire world had crumbled onto her shoulders alone.

"Why is all this happening to me? How much more strength must I have to bear it all?" she whispered faintly, clinging to her father as though refusing to let go.

---

A week after Robert Shane's passing, a phone call from the company nearly stopped Amora's heartbeat.

"Mrs. Amora... I must deliver important news," the secretary's voice trembled over the line. "All the company's assets... have been officially transferred into Vicktor Caldwell's name."

Amora froze. "What?!" Her voice rose sharply, her fingers clutching the phone so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

"It's true, Madam. All the documents have been signed... and legally ratified."

The call ended, but Amora's chest still heaved violently. Her tears fell-not from grief, but from the fire of rage consuming her.

Her gaze hardened, her right hand clenched tightly into a fist, her teeth grinding in fury at her husband.

"So this is how you repay my family? How cruel can you be, Vicktor..." she whispered, her voice trembling.

Without another thought, Amora grabbed her car keys and drove straight home. Ever since she had left, she hadn't set foot in that house again-it had been too painful to live under the same roof as that temptress.

Amora had thought Vicktor would never stoop this low. But she had been gravely mistaken. He hadn't only betrayed her-he had destroyed her family.

When she finally arrived at her luxurious home, Amora was struck with yet another shock. Suddenly, the place was crowded with strangers she didn't recognize at all, as though they were invited guests. Inside, it looked as if a party was being held.