The day after Nina Powell's brother, Isaac Powell, attended her lavish birthday party, scandalous photos of Paulina Larsen—the noble heiress of New York—flooded the internet.

Paulina swore it was Isaac who leaked them. She brought her people, shattered every bone in Isaac's body, and tossed him into the ocean to feed the sharks.

Nina filed a lawsuit against the tyrannical Paulina, but it was immediately crushed—because the man pulling strings behind the scenes was Lloyd Foust, the most powerful kingpin in the city.

He was also Nina's husband of six years, a man who had once loved her.

"Baby, your brother bullied Paulie first. He got what he deserved. Stop making trouble," Lloyd said, siding with Paulina. He believed her story. But Nina didn't.

Dressed in mourning black, Nina clung to Isaac's photo and livestreamed for 99 days straight, stirring up public outrage. With the weight of public opinion behind her, she petitioned the court to release the yacht's surveillance footage from that day.

Lloyd locked her in the basement for seven days straight, making sure she missed the court date.

When she was finally freed, Nina immediately prepared to file her third appeal.

That night, Lloyd dug up Isaac's ashes, set them over the fire, and threatened Nina to sign the settlement.

He shoved her toward the flames, the urn teetering on its rack.

"Baby, you've pushed this slander against Paulie too far. Keep going, and your brother won't have anything left."

He tossed his expensive cigar carelessly to the floor, his long fingers tracing her chin with a gentle touch. His eyes were soft.

But every word he spoke cut like a knife, leaving her bleeding inside.

Nina stared at him, refusing to look away. "Why? Have you forgotten Isaac saved your life?"

During a disastrous international deal, Isaac had shielded Lloyd from 50 stab wounds, then spent three years in a coma.

Lloyd spent millions tracking down the culprit, tearing him apart piece by piece. He once said that anyone who hurt Isaac was his enemy.

But now, Lloyd's patience had run out. "Paulie saved my life. Anyone who messes with her is my enemy—including you and Isaac."

Nina bit her lip so hard she nearly drew blood. She couldn't understand how things had come to this.

This was a man who had once loved her with everything he had.

Six years ago, if not for Lloyd, she would have died in a remote mountain town.

Her parents died when she was born, and Isaac raised her on his own.

To make ends meet, Isaac dropped out of school and moved to New York for work. Thanks to his imposing figure, he was hired as Lloyd's bodyguard.

After taking the knife for Lloyd, Isaac begged him to bring his little sister to New York.

So Lloyd led a team deep into the impoverished mountains and met 18-year-old Nina—a girl so pure and beautiful that, for the first time, the hardened man felt his heart skip a beat.

He fell for her instantly and confessed his feelings right there.

Nina, shy and timid, didn't dare respond.

Lloyd decided to bring her back and let their relationship grow. But then, the townsfolk came with knives to stop him.

Women were scarce in the mountains. Nina's beauty had been coveted for years. They planned to use her in turns, then sell her for a hefty price.

The two groups fought for a whole day. Lloyd took 30 knife wounds but managed to rescue Nina, barely alive and still comforting her, "It's okay, sweetheart. You're safe now."

That one gentle word was all it took—Nina was lost to him.

After Lloyd recovered, they got married.

He taught her how to use knives and guns, how to survive, how to have dignity and self-respect—slowly transforming her from a timid girl into a confident woman.

Lloyd gave her the best of everything. When it came to Nina, he was always there.

Nina loved New York. She thought she'd always be happy with Lloyd and Isaac.

But dreams are fragile.

Lloyd's cold voice shattered her memories from above. "Stop stalling. Your brother doesn't have time."

Still, Nina clung to hope, wondering if Lloyd had any love left for her. "If I don't sign, will you really burn Isaac's ashes?"

Lloyd didn't bother with a real answer, simply clicking his tongue in arrogant impatience.

"Baby, Paulie took a fatal knife for me. I promised her a year by my side. Didn't I tell you? She's my bottom line. Everyone has to accommodate her. Why do you insist on going against her?"

Paulina and Lloyd had grown up together—she'd chased after him for ten years. But he'd married Nina in a whirlwind, and Paulina hated Nina for it, having her kidnapped and tortured for ten days straight.

Nina would never forget the whips that lashed her skin, the toothpicks shoved under her nails, the steel needles piercing her flesh... Paulina even took away her first child.

For that, Lloyd broke ties with the Larsen family, using every trick to send Paulina to prison for three years.

Nina thought Paulina would vanish like the nightmares from the mountain town. But a year ago, Lloyd brought her back, declaring before all his men, "For the next year, Paulie will also be your boss. Her power will surpass everyone's."

He'd forgotten everything Paulina had done to Nina.

Nina sobbed, demanding answers, but Lloyd didn't care. "Loyalty is everything in our world. I'm just repaying a debt, Baby. She won't affect you."

Nina fell silent, knowing she had no right to refuse. She could only wait for Lloyd's debt to be repaid. Instead, she received news of Isaac's death.

She swallowed her bitterness. "I'll sign. Just let Isaac go."

Lloyd patted her head. "That's my good girl."

He picked up the urn, and Nina sighed in relief, reaching out for it.

But in the next instant, Lloyd flicked his wrist—the ashes spilled into the fire.

"No—!"

Nina screamed in despair, lunging for the flames, but the bodyguards held her back.

Lloyd looked down at her, cold and merciless. "Baby, you crossed my line. This is your punishment."

Nina glared at him through tear-filled eyes, her heart trembling with pain. "Lloyd, I'm leaving you..."

Just now, whatever love she had left for him burned away with Isaac's ashes.

In that moment, Lloyd's smile vanished, his expression turning terrifyingly cold. "You think you can leave? There's a tracker implanted in you. Even if you run to the ends of the earth, I'll find you.

"So just be good, won't you?"

Nina shivered to her core.

He'd implanted the tracker to protect her from enemies. But now, it had become his weapon to hurt her without restraint.

After Lloyd left, Nina sat by the fire all night, clutching the ashes. At dawn, she dialed the only number Lloyd couldn't monitor.

"Mr. Granholm, can you help me fake my death and escape?"

Leaving Lloyd alive was impossible. Faking her death and starting over was her only chance.

Marco Granholm didn't hesitate. "Isaac did more for me than anyone. I'd risk my life to get you out!"

Once Lloyd's right-hand man, Marco had split off for reasons unknown, building his own empire overseas.

With Marco's help, her chances doubled.

"But Mrs. Foust, the tracker inside you is complicated. I'll need a month to make a duplicate."

As long as she could get away, Nina would wait—not just a month, but a year if she had to.

Nina set up an empty tomb for Isaac. She bought a bottle of bourbon and picked a few wildflowers by the roadside to place before the grave.

By the time she got home, dusk had settled in.

Suddenly, Paulina's laughter rang out, sharp and unexpected. "Mr. Foust, easy now, you're hurting me."

She was wearing a micro-mini slip dress, her chest covered with kiss marks.

Lloyd gripped her chin, about to kiss her, but stopped abruptly when he caught sight of Nina.

Nina didn't spare them a glance, heading straight upstairs.

But Lloyd's cold voice stopped her. "Freeze! Get over here!"

Nina hesitated for two seconds, then obediently walked over.

Lloyd had run with the underworld long enough to expect absolute obedience. He hated anyone who defied him. Before leaving, Nina didn't want to stir up trouble, so she swallowed her pride and approached him.

But the next moment, Lloyd ordered, "Apologize to Paulie!"

Nina bit her lip so hard she tasted blood. He was actually asking her to apologize to the woman who killed Isaac.

She couldn't do it.

Lloyd stood, anger flaring, but Paulina tugged his sleeve. "Enough, Mr. Foust. I don't blame Mrs. Foust. Don't force her."

He brushed a kiss across Paulina's lips, his voice hoarse. "Paulie always knows how to behave."

Then, he pressed her closer, deepening the kiss, his hands wandering under her clothes—utterly indifferent to the humiliation of his own wife standing nearby.

Even though she'd already decided to leave, Nina's heart twisted in pain.

She tried to go upstairs to rest, but the housekeeper blocked her way. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Foust. Mr. Foust says Ms. Larsen was frightened by your accusations and needs to stay here for a few days. She's chosen the primary bedroom. Please move to the basement for now."

Nina smiled faintly. It didn't matter anymore.

She didn't care about a bedroom. She didn't even want Lloyd anymore.

In the middle of the night, Nina was jolted awake by a scream.

She recognized it instantly—it was her dog. "Teddy!" Nina burst out of her room, frantic.

In the living room, Paulina was directing her friends, who were slashing at Teddy with knives.

The malice in Paulina's eyes brought back every nightmare Nina had ever had.

Just because Lloyd had once complimented Nina's piano playing, Paulina had taken a knife and sliced her fingers—one thousand times—ensuring she could never play again.

Nina trembled uncontrollably, trauma flooding back. Teddy let out another agonized yelp.

Forcing herself past her fear of Paulina, Nina rushed forward, shoving Paulina aside and gathering Teddy's bleeding body into her arms.

Paulina hadn't expected Nina to fight back. Her pretty face twisted with rage. "You bitch! How dare you touch me! Teach her a lesson!"

Bang!

Someone grabbed a bottle and smashed it over Nina's head.

Blood poured down her face, but she clung to Teddy, using her body as a shield.

The bottle came down a second time, harder than before.

Nina's vision blurred, but she bit her tongue, refusing to collapse.

A third blow was about to fall when a cold male voice rang out from the doorway. "Who dares hit my wife? Are you out of your mind?"

Lloyd strode in, gun raised, aiming at the attacker's head.

Paulina instantly threw herself in front of him, sobbing theatrically. "Mr. Foust, Mrs. Foust set her dog on me. My friends were just standing up for me. It's all my fault—I shouldn't have stayed here and upset Mrs. Foust. I'll leave..."

She took a step, but Lloyd yanked her back.

"You're my savior. No one has the right to send you away. Paulie, I'll make sure you get justice for this."

Lloyd walked over, his gaze icy as he stared at Teddy.

In that moment, Nina understood what he was about to do. She shook her head desperately. "Loy, Teddy didn't bite her! Check the security cameras—there's proof!"

But Lloyd ignored her, his lips curling into a cruel smile. "Baby, mistakes have consequences."

He snatched Teddy from her arms and slammed it to the ground.

Teddy whimpered, coughed up a mouthful of blood, and died.

"No!" Nina screamed, crawling over to cradle Teddy's lifeless body, her eyes blazing at Lloyd. "You killed our child! I hate you!"

Years ago, after Paulina had caused her to lose her first child, Nina had fallen into depression. Lloyd had bought Teddy to cheer her up, and with Teddy's companionship, she'd slowly healed.

Lloyd had once said, "Teddy is our child. I'll love him forever."

But now, just because of Paulina's accusation, he'd killed the dog they'd raised for six years, without even checking the facts.

With trembling hands, Nina closed Teddy's eyes.

The moment Teddy died, her heart for Lloyd died too.

Nina cried until she was completely spent, her sobs wracking her body. For a moment, Lloyd felt a pang of guilt and stepped forward instinctively to help her up. "Come on, sweetheart, let me get you cleaned up."

But she pushed him away, her face expressionless.

Irritation flickered across Lloyd's face; he wanted to say more.

Nina didn't even glance at him. She cradled Teddy's lifeless body and walked outside, heading straight for the sycamore—Teddy's favorite spot to lounge in the shade.

With her bare hands, Nina dug a shallow grave, gently placed her dog inside, and covered it with earth.

"Teddy, rest easy..."

She pulled out a lighter and tossed it onto the wooden doghouse.

Lloyd had built that doghouse himself six years ago, sanding and polishing every plank, working on it for ten months before it was finished.

Now, flames consumed it, turning it to ash—just like the dream she'd held onto for six years.

Next, Nina grabbed an axe and swung at the sycamore. Lloyd had planted it for her, saying sycamores symbolized longevity, a love that would never fade.

But now, his love felt like nothing but a cruel joke.

With the final blow, the sycamore split and crashed to the ground. In that moment, Nina severed the last of her attachment.

"Lloyd, from this day forward, I don't love you anymore!" she said inwardly.

All it took was Paulina claiming she'd been frightened, and Lloyd canceled multimillion-dollar deals just to stay home with her. He tied her apron, held her on his lap, spoon-fed her at every meal, and gently wiped her mouth afterward—doing everything he used to do for Nina.

For seven days, their shameless flirtation was on full display, but Nina didn't care. She spent every day kneeling on a prayer mat, saying prayers so Teddy's soul could find peace.

On the seventh day after Teddy's death, Nina finished her final prayer. The basement door opened.

Lloyd walked in with Paulina in his arms. His voice was cool. "Take off your wedding ring and give it to Paulie."

Nina froze, staring at him in disbelief. "Lloyd, do you even know what you're saying?"

He barely blinked. "Paulie saved my life. If she wants something and I can afford it, she'll have it."

Nina clenched her fists so tight her nails dug into her palms.

How absurd. The diamond ring on her finger was custom-made by Lloyd—one of a kind. When he slipped it on her hand, he'd smiled indulgently, "Baby, you're my one and only. As long as we love each other, you're never allowed to take it off."

Nina had obeyed. For six years, even when her finger was injured and bandaged, she never removed it.

She thought their love would last forever. She thought she'd never have to take it off.

But now, to please another woman, he was forcing her to give up her wedding ring.

Suddenly, Nina laughed—a bitter, hollow sound. She laughed at how short Lloyd's promises were, at how quickly his love had vanished.

"Fine," she said quietly.

Lloyd was taken aback, not expecting her to agree so easily. His throat tightened, and he tried to stop her. "Baby, wait—"

But Nina slipped off the ring and tossed it to the floor. "If she wants secondhand goods, let her pick it up herself."

Without another word, she turned and walked away.

She hadn't made it to the front gates of the Foust's residence before the guards forced her to her knees.

Lloyd's voice rang out behind her, cold and menacing. "I've spoiled you too much, let you get away with everything, and now you dare defy me right in front of my face."

The butler handed him a wooden rod covered in spikes—the kind used to punish disobedient staff. Lloyd raised the stick, his tone icy. "Apologize! I told you, everyone must respect Paulie. You're no exception."

Nina's body shook. She couldn't believe Lloyd's favoritism for Paulina had gone this far. Tears burned in her eyes as she stared him down, stubborn to the end. "I did nothing wrong. I won't apologize."

Paulina clung to Lloyd's arm, sobbing. "Mr. Foust, Mrs. Foust is just upset about how well you treat me. She didn't mean to go against you. Please don't be angry with her."

Her words only made things worse—Lloyd hated being defied.

Sure enough, the next moment, the rod—thick as a man's arm—came crashing down on Nina's back.

The first blow made her cough up blood. Dazed, she remembered the day she first met Lloyd, when he picked wildflowers from the roadside and knelt before her. "Little girl, I like you. Be my girlfriend."

Back then, his eyes were so sincere.

The second blow sent darkness swimming before her eyes, pain nearly making her faint. She remembered five years ago, when an enemy had kidnapped her and threatened Lloyd, demanding he break his own legs. He didn't hesitate—he swung the knife at himself.

He'd loved her so fiercely.

The third blow finally made her lose consciousness. As she slipped into oblivion, she thought she saw Lloyd at their wedding, tears of joy streaming down his face as he swore, "Baby, I'll treat you well for the rest of my life."

But he'd broken his promise. He'd broken every promise.

For another woman, he beat her until she was battered and broken.

Nina lay in bed for seven days before she could even stand.

The first time she managed to walk into the yard, Paulina strode over, her face smug with triumph. She flaunted the wedding ring on her finger. "Now both Mr. Foust's body and heart belong to me."

Nina's face was unreadable. "If you want him, he's yours."

Paulina was startled, then slapped Nina hard across the face. "You bitch! Mr. Foust was always mine. You seduced him away from me."

Nina's calm only made Paulina angrier. She raised her hand again, but caught sight of Lloyd approaching. Quickly, she snatched off the ring and flung it into the water.

Then she threw herself into Lloyd's arms, sobbing. "Mr. Foust, Mrs. Foust bullied me. She threw away the ring you gave me. She said I'm not worthy..."

Instantly, Lloyd's eyes blazed with anger. "Nina, do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Nina met his gaze, her voice flat. "Would you believe me if I did?"

Lloyd's lips curled into a cold smile. "No. I only believe Paulie."

Nina was shoved into the water to retrieve the ring.

Darkness and cold swallowed her whole.

As a child, the townsfolk used to dunk her in water for fun, leaving her with a crippling fear of it. Lloyd had drained every pond at the villa for her—until last year, when Paulina wanted to grow lotus flowers, and he relented.

Now, Nina was on the verge of drowning. She fought desperately to reach the surface, finally dragging herself onto the bank—only to hear Paulina's cries. "Mr. Foust, Mrs. Foust doesn't seem willing..."

"She doesn't get a choice." Lloyd's voice was merciless. He ordered the guards to beat her with bamboo poles whenever she surfaced.

Every time Nina tried to rise, she was struck back down.

The wounds on her back split open again, the icy water numbing her body.

But none of it hurt as much as her shattered heart.

"Lloyd, I regret ever loving you. I regret it so much."

Nina was unconscious for three days before she finally woke up.

The housekeeper tending to her breathed a sigh of relief. "Mrs. Foust, you're awake at last. After you sank to the bottom three days ago, Mr. Foust was terrified. He held a gun to the doctor's head and swore that if you couldn't be saved, we'd all die with you."

The housekeeper went on about how worried Lloyd had been, how much he loved her.

But Nina would never believe it again.

If he truly loved her, he wouldn't have brought that bully home for everyone to see.

If he truly loved her, he wouldn't have killed the dog that had been her emotional lifeline.

If he truly loved her, he wouldn't have forced her, knowing her fear of water, to be beaten into it over and over.

"Lloyd, stop lying to me!" Nina thought bitterly.

Once the housekeeper was gone, Nina began writing her "farewell letter."

"Lloyd, by the time you open this letter, I'll probably be gone..."

She and Lloyd had promised to write each other love letters every year and open them together on their anniversary.

They'd kept that tradition for five years. But ever since Paulina saved his life last year, Lloyd hadn't written a single letter. Nina had written many letters, and he hadn't read a single one.

Nina placed her finished "farewell letter" in a box, then began burning the love letters, one by one.

By the time she reached the last letter, Lloyd burst into the room, his pupils contracting as he lunged for the fire, but he was too late.

"Baby, why are you burning the love letters?"

Looking at the blisters forming on his hand, Nina spoke calmly. "They're old. I wrote new ones."

Lloyd let out a breath, pushing down the unease in his chest, and reached for the box.

Nina stopped him. "Wait for our anniversary."

The anniversary was just three days after she planned to fake her death.

Their seventh wedding anniversary—Nina was going to give Lloyd a gift he'd never forget.

She'd heard that Isaac's spent bullet casing would be up for auction tonight. Taking her black card, she hurried to the event. As soon as she sat down, Lloyd arrived with Paulina and took the seats beside her.

He brushed Paulina's hair from her face, his gentle gaze no different than the way he used to look at Nina.

Their lips drew closer, about to meet in a kiss, when Nina cleared her throat. Lloyd froze, finally realizing Nina was sitting right there.

His expression flickered awkwardly, and he instinctively reached for her hand, but Nina pulled away.

Now, Lloyd's heart and mind were filled with Paulina—he barely saw Nina at all.

The first auction item was Isaac's bullet casing.

Paulina shot Nina a provocative look and cooed to Lloyd, "Mr. Foust, I want it."

Lloyd didn't hesitate. "Of course, Paulie. Whatever you want, I'll buy it for you."

Nina dug her nails into her palm, fighting back a surge of emotion, and pleaded softly, "Loy, that's my brother's keepsake. Could you please—"

Before she could finish, Lloyd cut her off coldly. "Baby, you're acting up again. How many times do I have to tell you? Paulie saved my life. I'm going to fulfill all her wishes this year."

"But..." Nina tried again.

His tone grew impatient. "Enough. Don't make a scene."

The auctioneer began the bidding. Lloyd immediately raised his paddle. "One million dollars."

Nina's palm was almost raw from gripping so tightly, her eyes blazing with determination. In the next instant, she stood and made a bold gesture—raising her hand high to signal the ultimate bid.

At this auction, that gesture meant she was going all in, no matter the cost. She would take the item, whatever the price, with no limit.

Paulina's face paled. "Mr. Foust, I really want that..."

Lloyd shot Nina an annoyed look. "Don't talk big, Nina. If you can't pay, don't embarrass yourself."

Nina ignored him, stepping onto the stage and swiping her card for the transaction.

Lloyd sat up straighter, suddenly remembering he'd once given her an unlimited black card.

His eyes narrowed dangerously.

Just after Nina finished her ritual for Isaac, a notification popped up on her phone.

"Mr. Foust's little wife's 999 private photos will be auctioned as the grand finale tonight!"

Nina's blood ran cold.

Only Lloyd had those photos.

Was this his revenge?

She rushed back to the auction hall, and the moment she looked up, she saw Lloyd sitting on the platform, casually smiling down at her.

"Mr. Foust, you're really something. You once gouged out a man's eyes for looking at Mrs. Foust, but tonight you're putting her private photos up for everyone to see."

Lloyd's smile was cruel. "She made Paulie cry. This is her punishment."

It felt as if a steel blade was twisting in Nina's heart, the pain nearly suffocating her.

Just because of Paulina, he was willing to let every man see her most private photos.

He'd always been possessive—if any man so much as looked at her, he'd lock her away, claiming her for himself, whispering again and again, "Baby, you're mine. Your body is only for me."

Nina bit her lip hard, forcing her tears back. Numb, she walked inside and, under the men's leering stares, pressed the auction button again and again.

With every press, her heart grew colder—until, at last, the part of her that had once loved Lloyd died completely.

She walked up to him, her face expressionless. "Are you satisfied now?"

Lloyd glanced at her pale face and gave a mocking smile. "Sorry, not yet."

Nina soon understood what he meant.

He had frozen her card.

She couldn't pay, and her private photos would be released for anyone to see.

In disbelief, she looked at Lloyd, her eyes full of despair. He just sneered, "Baby, if you don't learn the consequences of defying me, how will you ever behave?"

Nina's heart was dead, and she closed her eyes in agony.

She thought it was finally over, but it was only the beginning.

Lloyd even posted every shameful detail of her past in the poor mountain town online!

Nina grew up in a remote mountain town infamous for human trafficking. She and her mother had been abducted there together. Nina witnessed, with her own eyes, her mother being humiliated to death by the townsfolk.

After coming to New York, Lloyd had hired countless therapists to help her heal.

It took six years for Nina to finally crawl out of the shadows of her past—only for her own husband, the man who claimed to love her, to rip open her deepest wounds and put them on display for the world to see.

Nina's PTSD hit her like a freight train. She collapsed to her knees, gasping for air, her entire body shaking uncontrollably.

The gossip about her grew uglier by the minute.

"Ms. Powell actually grew up in a place like that? She's probably been passed around by every man in town. No wonder she got Mr. Foust hooked. She must be incredible in bed."

Some people even threw money at her, asking how much she charged for a night.

Lloyd saw it all. He glanced at her with icy indifference, then walked away hand in hand with Paulina, letting the crowd humiliate Nina without once looking back.

Nina didn't even know how she made it home. She collapsed on her bed, her eyes blank and lifeless.

Her depression gnawed at her body, and for a moment, she wished she could just end it all.

Her phone rang several times before she finally answered. "Mrs. Foust, your fake corpse is ready. Once the tracker is finished in two weeks, you can leave."

Marco's assurance helped steady her nerves.

Staring at the ceiling, Nina's resolve hardened.

No. She was going to survive this.

She wouldn't die for a scumbag like Lloyd—he wasn't worth it.

The butler informed her that there was a charity gala she had to attend.

The moment she arrived, a man approached her, sleazily and boldly. "Mrs. Foust, I've seen all your private photos. Ms. Larsen said you're cheap—20 dollars for the whole night."

Nina trembled. "Get lost!"

But the man grabbed her, dragging her toward the stairwell.

Nina struggled, her clothes torn by rough hands. Just then, Lloyd's furious voice cut through the chaos. "What the hell are you doing?"

The man dropped to his knees. "Mr. Foust, your wife seduced me! She said if you can have Ms. Larsen, she should be allowed to have men too. She begged me to sleep with her, just to piss you off.

"Mr. Foust, I swear I'm not lying. Mrs. Foust has been with plenty of men before me—I'm her 100th."

Paulina lowered her eyes, a flash of malice passing through them—Nina caught it in an instant. Suddenly, she understood, this was Paulina's trap.

"Loy, it's Paulina! She set me up!"

But before she could say another word, a sharp pain shot through her belly—Lloyd had kicked her down the stairs. "Nina, you're getting bolder by the day."

He was smiling, but his eyes were murderously cold.

Paulina gasped, "Mr. Foust, Mrs. Foust is bleeding! What if she's pregnant with someone else's child?"

Lloyd's smile twisted, his jaw clenched so tight it looked like he might snap his own teeth.

Nina was dragged back home.

The doctor examined her, hands trembling. After half an hour, he barely managed to speak. "Mr. Foust, Mrs. Foust is indeed pregnant."

Lloyd kicked the coffee table aside, grabbed Nina by the chin, and snarled, "Whose is it?"

Nina was just as shocked. Facing Lloyd's predatory stare, she knew she had to be clear. "It's yours. It must be from that night in the garden, three months ago."

No sooner had she spoken than his hand crashed across her face.

The blow was brutal—her lip split and bled.

He seized her by the throat. "Still lying to me? After we slept together, I made sure you got birth control shots. How could you possibly be pregnant with my child?"

What?

Nina was stunned.

Paulina spoke up. "Mr. Foust promised me that while he was with me, he wouldn't let you get pregnant. So, Mrs. Foust, your baby can't possibly be his."

Nina felt all the strength drain from her body. "Lloyd... he actually agreed to something like that for Paulina?

"Lloyd, is this really just gratitude?"

He ordered his men to tie Nina to a wooden bench and began beating her stomach.

The stick landed again and again, the pain so fierce it nearly tore her apart. But Nina stopped fighting.

She knew—no matter what she said, Lloyd would never believe her.

By the 200th blow, her dress was soaked in blood, but she couldn't feel the pain anymore. When your heart dies, nothing else hurts.

Lloyd watched her the whole time. Seeing her hollow expression, he felt an inexplicable ache deep inside.

Suddenly, he shouted, "Enough! Stop!"

He strode over to Nina.

Just then, Paulina cried out, "Mr. Foust, I get faint at the sight of blood..."

She promptly collapsed.

Without hesitation, Lloyd scooped her up and rushed out.

As soon as he left, Nina collapsed to the floor, blood gushing from her lower body.

Agony crashed over her, her belly twisting in pain.

She begged the housekeeper to take her to the hospital, but without Lloyd's orders, no one dared help.

Nina bit down hard. No—she couldn't die today. Just two more weeks and she could escape!

She crawled out of the villa, leaving a trail of blood behind.

In the end, it was a stranger who called 911 for her.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Powell. Your uterus is destroyed—we have to remove it. If you'd come even a minute earlier, we could have saved it..."

Nina lay on the operating table, the harsh white lights stinging her eyes.

After a long, long time, she finally smiled.

It didn't matter—she never planned to marry again. Uterus or not, it was all the same.

From now on, she would live for herself.

One week after Nina was discharged from the hospital, she was surrounded by a group of people in tattered clothing.

"Mrs. Foust, you promised you'd support us for life. Why did you sell the foundation?"

Nina had wanted to help people from disadvantaged backgrounds like herself, so Lloyd had set up a fund for her—the Nini Love Foundation.

She called Lloyd. "Did you sell the Nini Love Foundation?"

He sounded utterly unconcerned. "Paulie wanted a dress, and the seller specifically asked for the Nini Love Foundation. Baby, don't be so stingy."

Nina pressed, "Do you even remember what the foundation means?"

"It's just a fund, isn't it?" Lloyd was clearly impatient. "Only one more week and my year with Paulie is up. I'll buy it back for you then..."

Nina couldn't listen anymore.

She would never forget how, six years ago, Lloyd had solemnly promised her, "The Nini Love Foundation is our pride and joy, like our child. Even if I go bankrupt, I'll never sell it."

But now?

He'd killed their dog, then their unborn child, and now, for Paulina, he'd sold their other 'child'—the Nini Love Foundation.

"Lloyd, Lloyd... you're the one who's severed every last tie between us.

"From this moment on, there's nothing left between you and me!" Nina thought.

Three days later was Nina's birthday. Maybe sensing her mood, Lloyd insisted on throwing her a grand party.

On her birthday, Lloyd arranged a drone show, covered the venue in rose petals, and stacked luxury handbags and designer clothes into mountains...

Nina didn't even glance at any of it.

He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. "Baby, stop thinking about that bastard. Cheer up. Once my year with Paulie is over, we'll have a child together."

Lloyd didn't know—the child he'd killed was his own flesh and blood.

Nina had gotten a paternity test and paid the doctor a hefty sum to send the report to the Foust family after her death.

"Lloyd, if you ever learn the truth, will you regret it?" she wondered.

Lloyd was about to say something else when a business partner called him away.

He'd barely left when Paulina approached, wine glass in hand.

"Nina, I bribed the doctor to switch out your birth control shots, then got a man to frame you for cheating. I had a whole list of tricks ready, but Mr. Foust believed me so easily. You know what that means? It means you're trash in his eyes!"

Nina's fingers trembled. Just yesterday, Marco had sent her a button camera, which she'd worn today.

Paulina thought she'd struck a nerve and grew even more smug. "Weren't you always trying to find out what happened to your brother? Let me tell you—the photo scandal was my setup. That day, I broke every bone in his body. Blood covered the deck, his brain spilled out, and he was still calling your name.

"So before I threw him overboard, I told him, I'll be sending you after him soon."

No sooner had she spoken than Paulina slapped herself, and Lloyd's cold voice sounded from behind.

"Nina, you're bullying Paulie again!"

"I didn't!"

"I saw everything!" Lloyd ordered his men to hold Nina down, his eyes dangerous. "Didn't I tell you? She's my bottom line. If you touch her again, I'll pay you back a hundredfold."

Before Nina could react, the bodyguard's hand was already raised—

Smack!

The first slap landed, burning hot.

Then the second, the third...

Nina struggled desperately, her voice hoarse. "Lloyd, you're blind and heartless!"

Lloyd was busy tending to Paulina's bruised cheek, his tone icy as he ordered, "Keep going. Don't stop."

Smack! Smack! Smack!

The bodyguard's grip was like iron, and Nina couldn't escape, no matter how she tried.

One slap after another rained down, faster than a storm.

Her ears rang, her face felt like it was on fire, but she bit down hard, refusing to make a sound.

When Lloyd finished applying medicine to Paulina's face, he asked casually, "How many?"

"Ninety-nine."

Lloyd narrowed his eyes, smiling. "Let's make it an even hundred."

The last slap knocked Nina to the floor, where she coughed up a mouthful of blood.

Her cheeks were swollen, her lips split, her face streaked with tears—she looked utterly miserable.

But she was smiling.

Just four more days, and this hell would be over.

And before it ended, she'd unexpectedly gotten her hands on evidence of Isaac's murder.

"Paulina, I'll make sure you pay for every drop of blood!"

Nina dabbed ointment onto her wounds, staring into the mirror.

The jagged scars staring back at her felt like a cruel reflection of what she and Lloyd could never recover.

She extracted the footage from the button camera and sent it to Marco for backup, just in case.

Marco called, his voice low and precise. "Mrs. Foust, would you prefer your fake death to look like a suicide? The location will be..."

"Fine. Four days from now, I'll meet you," Nina replied.

"Baby, where are you going?" Lloyd's voice startled her from behind, a hint of panic barely concealed.

Nina abruptly hung up, heart pounding in her chest.

Lloyd rushed over, gripping her wrist tightly as he checked for the tracker buried in her skin. Satisfied nothing was amiss, he finally relaxed.

Maybe he was just paranoid. As long as the tracker was in place, even if Nina ran, he could always drag her back.

He stroked her swollen cheek and smiled, "Baby, don't blame me. You brought this on yourself for misbehaving."

Nina flinched away, but he seized her chin, pressing hard against her burning injuries, the pain sharp as a thousand needles.

"Baby, just seven more days and my year with Paulie is over. That day's our wedding anniversary," Lloyd murmured, eyes narrowing. "Don't make me angry. If you behave, I promise we'll go back to how things used to be."

Nina lowered her gaze, hiding every trace of emotion.

"Lloyd, what makes you think after everything you've done to me, I'd ever wait for you or want things to go back?

"Impossible. Never again."

The day finally came. Nina set out to meet Marco, but as soon as she left the house, someone drugged her.

When she woke, she was in an abandoned warehouse. Tied up nearby was Paulina.

"Nina, today's the day you die!"

Watching Paulina interact with the kidnappers, Nina realized Paulina had orchestrated the whole thing.

She twisted her wrists, the coarse rope biting into her flesh, forcing her mind to sharpen.

"What do you want, Paulina?"

Marco was supposed to help her escape today. She couldn't die here, not at Paulina's hands.

Paulina laughed, "Guess who matters more to Mr. Foust?"

Nina closed her eyes. It was a question she'd wondered about herself.

The next moment, Lloyd kicked down the door.

Paulina broke into desperate sobs, "Mr. Foust, save me!"

Nina watched him silently, saying nothing.

The kidnapper pressed knives to both women's throats.

"Mr. Foust, you can only choose one."

Lloyd's eyes were cold and cruel. "What if I want them both?"

The kidnapper pushed the blades closer, slicing thin lines of blood across their necks.

"That's not your call, Mr. Foust."

Lloyd clenched his fists, torn by indecision.

Suddenly, Paulina wailed, "Mr. Foust, I wasn't supposed to be kidnapped. They only wanted Mrs. Foust. She told them I was your savior... She suggested the choice. She said she wanted to test your love..."

Rage exploded from Lloyd. "Nina, when I say I love you, I mean it. My love for you is real. But you shouldn't have hurt Paulie to test me. If you want to play games, then—

"Listen up. I choose Paulie."

He rushed over, untied Paulina, wiped away her tears, and cradled her gently—never glancing at Nina, as if the wife with a knife to her throat didn't exist.

Nina didn't cry or scream. She watched it all, and then she smiled—a smile full of bitter irony.

"Lloyd, this is what you call love?

"Love means believing another woman unconditionally, love means leaving me to die?

"Listen to yourself. Do you really believe that?" she thought, her heart twisted.

Lloyd stepped past Nina, addressing the kidnapper, "Whatever you're getting paid, I'll double it. Keep my wife locked up for three days, teach her a lesson, but don't lay a finger on her. Or I'll make sure you never see daylight again."

Without another word, he scooped Paulina into his arms and left.

Lloyd had spent years as a kingpin, used to giving orders, used to blind loyalty.

But he'd forgotten—not everyone was motivated by money.

As soon as Lloyd left, the kidnapper leered, rubbing himself as he stalked toward Nina. "Does Mr. Foust think I'm an idiot? With a beauty like you, who could resist? I'd love three days with you, but Ms. Larsen said you have to die tonight. I work for the Larsen family. Orders are orders."

He leaned in, foul breath inches from her face. The next second, he gasped, clutching his throat.

Nina had slipped the knife free, kicked him hard in the chest, and stabbed him again and again—swift, ruthless, efficient.

Lloyd had taught her self-defense. Years of being called "Mrs. Foust" hadn't been for nothing.

Just then, Marco burst in, dragging a suicide victim's corpse.

Nina worked her phone, deleting the last part of the video, then clipped the button camera to the dead body's clothes.

"Mr. Granholm, in three days, deliver my body and the camera to the anniversary party."

She wanted Lloyd to see exactly how far he'd gone to protect a murderer.

She wanted him to know how Paulina had framed and tormented her.

She wanted him to know, when he left her for another woman, she was assaulted and driven to suicide.

On the day he abandoned her, their last meeting, she wanted Lloyd to spend the rest of his life drowning in regret and guilt, torn apart by pain.

Finally, Nina's face was expressionless as she cut out the tracker embedded in her arm.

She was free.

Six years ago, Lloyd had knelt and proposed, vowing to carve her into his soul.

Now, she was the one cutting him out of hers.

"Lloyd, you'll never find me again.

"For the rest of our lives, we'll never meet again."