With only one car in the house and summer break underway, Randal handed me the keys and assigned me the roles of Juniper’s full-time chauffeur and nanny.

To make sure Juniper couldn’t find any reason to complain about me, I deliberately left the car keys right in her sight

With no one else to drive her to the gym, Juniper ended up calling Hugo Reeds, her ex-boyfriend.

Before long, I spotted Hugo assisting Juniper into the car.

Anticipating this moment, I had strategically hidden in the garage. As they strolled hand in hand towards the car, I seized the opportunity and snapped a photo.

The sight of Juniper and Hugo still being so close would likely drive Randal up the wall.

They climbed into the car, their laughter echoing and sped off in a blur.

Reflecting on it now, I realized how I had bent over backwards to cover for Juniper, only to find myself with nothing but resentment in return. Instead of earning her favor, she’d seized every opportunity to pin the blame on me. This time, I was determined to stay one step ahead.

I called my mother and said, “Mom, my local scholarship came through! Remember how I promised to buy you that massager? Why don’t you come out with me for shopping. That way, we can choose one together!”

I knew just how to hit the right note with her.

My mom wasn’t just a fervent supporter of favoring sons over daughters; she was also ridiculously stingy.

Whenever money came in, it was always funneled straight into Randal’s pockets. Not only did she never save a penny for me, but she also delighted in squeezing every last cent out of me.

So when she heard I was offering to buy her a massager, she dropped everything and stopped her square dancing on a dime.

"That sounds great! Come pick me up right away!"

I grabbed a cab to pick up my mother and told her that the car was parked at Juniper's family home because they needed it.

Predictably, my mother was irked, muttering about how inconsiderate Juniper was, showing off her in-laws' car like she was rolling in money.

I stayed silent, but my mind was busy with thoughts.

Just wait, Mom—things were about to get even more dramatic. I hoped your blood pressure could keep up.

I intentionally picked a mall just a stone’s throw from Juniper’s gym and wandered through a few stores, savoring the delay.

My mother scrutinized every option until she finally settled on a massager. I didn’t hesitate to splurge and buy it for her.

Her excitement was palpable—her smile was so wide it nearly obscured her eyes. She wasted no time snapping photos and posting them online, proudly showing off to every relative she could think of.

I checked the time—everything was falling into place.

"Mom, I heard this mall has a gym with a special promotion. Aunt Collette from next door comes here to work out and she says it’s a fantastic deal."

My mother had always dismissed gyms as a waste of money, but dropping Aunt Collette’s name was like flipping a switch.

She couldn’t resist comparing everything to Aunt Collette, determined not to be outdone.

Once I mentioned that name, my mother was instantly intrigued.

"Since we’re here, let’s go check it out," she said, eager to see for herself.

I couldn’t help but smirk.

Both my mother and Randal were firmly opposed to Juniper working out during her pregnancy, so running into her inside would certainly stir up a scene.

It would be even juicier if we discovered something else intriguing.

As we entered the mall, I took a quick glance at the parking area and saw that Hugo wasn’t in the car.

This suggested that he was probably somewhere inside the mall with us.

Last time we were here, we ended up in the VIP changing room at the far end of the gym.

As soon as my mother walked in, she asked the receptionist, "Is there a special promotion at this gym right now?"

I cleared my throat and the receptionist nodded, acknowledging the question.

The receptionist, clearly skilled at handling such inquiries, immediately added, "Yes, ma’am. We’re celebrating our gym's anniversary and there are substantial discounts for group memberships. Plus, our facilities are top-notch. Feel free to take a look around…”

I linked arms with my mother and began to scan the area with exaggerated curiosity.

Meanwhile, I kept a sharp eye on the VIP changing room, ready for any signs of activity.

In my previous life time, Juniper and the trainer had slipped into the changing room alone, deliberately sidelining me.

However, Hugo was in the mall this time unlike before. So, I couldn’t shake the worry that things would change this time around.

Just then, a young woman in workout gear emerged from that direction, catching my attention.

"How ridiculous! Nowadays, people can’t even leave their drama at the gym!"

"And some of these trainers are so unprofessional. Look, they’re playing games in here while the customers are still around..."

I instantly had a sense of what was going on.

My mother continued her detailed inspection of the gym equipment, her lips pursed as she scrutinized each piece.

"This doesn’t look cheap either..."

I led her forward, step by deliberate step.

Meanwhile, I twisted my neck and tuned my ears to catch any sounds from the VIP changing room.

Then, rhythmic noises began to drift out from inside.

Unable to contain my excitement, I pulled at my mother and said, "I’ve heard the gym’s changing rooms are crucial for cleanliness. Let’s go check it out!"

With every step we took, the strange sounds grew more distinct.

The air was filled with the soft moans of a woman, interspersed with the heavy breathing of a man.

I pushed open the door to the changing room, my mother right behind me.

What we saw inside was beyond shocking.

The few individuals were in complete disarray, lost in their own world and hadn’t even bothered to close the door.

Initially, they didn’t even notice the door swinging open.

Then, my mother let out a thunderous roar of fury.

"Juniper! You shameless little siren! What are you doing here? I swear to God I will beat some senses into that head of yours!"

My mother charged forward like a madwoman.

The gym trainer and Hugo, caught completely off guard, scrambled to grab their clothes and cover up, desperately trying to shield themselves.

Juniper’s cheeks were still flushed, but when she opened her eyes and saw my mother standing there, her face drained of color, turning ashen with fear.

"Mom, what... what are you doing here?"

Juniper was barely dressed, her sports bra askew and her clothes in utter disarray.

I was momentarily stunned by the sheer absurdity of the scene, but I quickly regained my composure. With a snap of my fingers, I pulled out my phone and captured the chaotic moment with a few more photos.

Just in case I needed to prove my case later, I quickly snapped a few more photos.

My mother, absolutely livid, lashed out at Juniper with a fierce slap.

Juniper, frail and vulnerable, was sent sprawling to the ground by the force of the hit.

"Ah!"

Juniper's anguished cry filled the room.

Blood started to seep from her lower body.

Soon, the floor turning the floor a grim shade of red.