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.

"Lucy, you've truly trampled on my dignity!" Amora's voice quivered with restrained fury.

She strode swiftly, cutting through the crowd of party guests. Her heels struck the marble floor with sharp echoes, while the music that had once filled the hall fell into sudden silence the moment she reached the center of the podium. All heads turned at once.

"Hey, look! A fat woman wants to join our party," one guest sneered mockingly.

Whispers spread quickly. Disgusted glances swept over Amora's body, as if her very presence were an embarrassment.

Lucy, standing elegantly in her glittering designer dress, curved her lips into a scornful smile. She stepped slowly toward Amora, her gaze brimming with triumph.

"Where is Vicktor?" Amora demanded, her voice cold yet firm.

The atmosphere froze for a heartbeat before someone called out loudly, "Did I hear that right? This woman is looking for your lover, Lucy?"

Small jeers followed.

"Aren't you ashamed? Just look at yourself... like a pig weighing a hundred kilos!"

"I'm sure no CEO would ever be desperate enough to date her. Compared to Lucy, the difference is like heaven and earth!"

Laughter exploded, filling the room. Some covered their noses in mock disgust, others whispered as their eyes darted to her with open disdain.

Amora's face flushed-not with shame, but with rage. Her fists clenched tightly, her teeth grinding. She fixed her gaze directly on Lucy, who stood only a few steps away.

Lucy leaned closer, her voice a venomous whisper. "You should know your place, Amora. Vicktor only pitied you... nothing more."

"Stop toying with me, Lucy!" Amora's voice erupted, startling a few guests into silence. "I didn't come here to be mocked. I came to confront that bastard of a man."

Lucy chuckled softly and patted Amora's shoulder as if belittling her. "Then show me, fat woman. Can you really fight me?"

The party air thickened with tension. All eyes were now fixed on the two women facing off.

Moments later, Vicktor appeared, standing by Lucy's side. He wasn't nervous like the day before, as if his relationship with Lucy was nothing to hide.

His expression was relaxed, his lips curving into a sweet smile that stabbed straight into Amora's heart.

"Hello, Amora. Finally, you've come home," he said gently, as though no sin had ever stained his hands.

When his hand reached out to caress Amora's cheek, she slapped it away with force.

"Don't touch me!" she spat, her voice thick with hatred.

To Amora, Vicktor was repulsive now. Ever since the affair was exposed, she wouldn't even let him brush against her.

"Don't you dare play games with me, Vicktor!" Amora's voice trembled with suppressed rage. "The Shane Group belongs to my family! Not to you!"

The crowd stirred in confusion. The overweight woman before them claimed to own Shane Group-the company they all knew belonged to Vicktor, Lucy's lover.

But Vicktor merely chuckled, his gaze cold and challenging.

"Amora, Shane Group did belong to your family... but that was the past. Now every asset of the company-even your parents' house-belongs to me."

"You bastard!" Amora snapped, her hand flying toward his face to slap away the fire burning inside her.

But Vicktor was faster. He caught her wrist, gripping it tightly.

"What is it? You want to lash out at me? Hit me? Scratch me? Or choke me until my neck snaps?" His voice rose, his eyes narrowing. "One thing you need to remember, Amora: I spent ten years building Shane Group. Without me, your family would've crumbled long ago!"

Amora stared at him in disbelief. Vicktor was ruthless, indifferent to the wounds he inflicted.

"You... you really have no heart, Vicktor!" Her voice shook with anguish. She fought back her tears, refusing to let him-or anyone watching-see her break.

But Vicktor only stepped closer, lowering himself until their faces aligned. "A heart? I threw mine away a long time ago, Amora."

She froze, her body trembling between rage and despair. For the first time, she felt utterly cornered by the man she had once trusted with all her soul. Even her purest love meant nothing to him.

"Enough, Amora. Accept your defeat. You weren't invited to this party. Leave now!" Lucy snapped, unwilling to let her celebration be ruined.

Amora could no longer contain her fury. She lunged toward Lucy, shoving her shoulder with all her might. "This is my house! You're the ones who should leave!" she shouted, her voice quivering with pain.

Lucy staggered back, her eyes widening in shock that Amora dared touch her. "You crazy woman!" Lucy snapped, ready to strike back.

But before she could, Vicktor intervened. He seized Amora's arm, yanking her away from Lucy with brutal force. His face hardened, his eyes blazing with fury.

"Amora! Don't you dare lay a hand on Lucy!" he roared, making the room quake with tension.

Amora froze, stunned by his words. Her body shook, her eyes burning as tears threatened to fall. "You... you're defending her, Vick?" her voice cracked.

"Silence!" Vicktor snapped, then pointed toward the door. "I won't let this argument drag on. Leave this house now, Amora. We're getting a divorce!"

The words sliced into Amora's heart like a blade. All this time, she had tried to hold on, to fight for their marriage. But reality was merciless-her own husband had chosen to defend his mistress before everyone.

The room fell silent. Only Lucy's satisfied smile remained as she savored Amora's ruin.

Amora pulled the ring from her finger and placed it firmly in Vicktor's palm. Her body trembled slightly as she locked eyes with her husband, her voice wavering yet filled with iron resolve.

"Our marriage is over. But remember this, Vick... the universe will not stand idle. My downfall will mark the beginning of yours. I'll make sure you regret this for the rest of your life."

Without waiting for a reply, Amora turned sharply. Her steps echoed fast and heavy as she left her own house, leaving behind a suffocating tension that wrapped around everyone present.