Monica Caldwell stepped into the house and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, she was out of the scorching heat. She hadn't been able to take her car, since she could no longer afford the expenses it required.
Taking a deep breath, she glanced around the large living space. Her stomach churned at the thought that her stepdaughter was now living in such a luxurious environment, while she and her children were stuck in a house they could no longer afford to even keep the AC running.
She looked around again, but the large living room was empty. Then she heard voices followed by a loud clang. A twisted smile crept across her face. In her mind, she hoped Genesis wasn't enjoying herself here either. That alone would make her day. And even though she didn't hear any crying, she didn't mind—her stepdaughter couldn't make any sound anyway, so wouldn't be able to hear it, she thought with glee.
Clearing her throat, she turned the corner and spoke just as she rounded it. "Genesis, mother's home." But as she spoke, Genesis turned around, and another loud clang followed—this time the sound of a plate falling. It wasn't what Monica had expected to see, but she quickly schooled her expression from annoyance to shock.
She rushed forward and stopped in front of Genesis, suddenly adopting a look of concern. "Are you okay, baby? I hope you're not injured. You should always be careful."
As she spoke, Revelation and two other maids rushed forward, beginning to pick up the broken pieces. Revelation pushed Monica's hand away from Genesis, turning her away from Monica and toward her.
Monica frowned and glared at the maid, but Revelation didn't even look her way. Her worried eyes were focused solely on the very pale Genesis, who looked as though she had seen a ghost.
"Honey, are you okay?" Eliana asked, her weathered face full of concern as she looked at Genesis.
Genesis shook her head, her eyes downcast. Monica watched the scene, her hands clenching into fists as she observed them all doting on Genesis. It irritated her to no end.
Unable to take it any longer, she yanked on Genesis' arm, dragging her to her side. "I'm sure she's fine. Now, you'll have to excuse me. I need to talk to my daughter."
Without waiting for any of their replies—after all, she didn't think they had any right to speak, being mere employees—she continued dragging the very quiet Genesis down the hallway. A few minutes later, she saw a room to the left. Without wasting any time, she opened the door, then shoved Genesis inside, following her into the room and slamming the door behind them.
As she turned around, she realized they were in a cleaning closet. Genesis had pressed herself against the wall, fear in her eyes. Her breathing was choppy and heavy. Monica smiled, pleased with that reaction. Part of her fear of coming here had been that the girl she had raised to fear her would grow out of it—thinking that, somehow, she was important just because she had married Kier Blackwood.
Monica's eyes narrowed as she took in Genesis' appearance. She no longer looked so thin and frail. She wasn't dirty either. She looked well-fed, and her clothes were expensive. Monica gritted her teeth, stepping forward.
There was no space left for Genesis to run, so Monica's hand shot forward, yanking Genesis' hair. She winced, tears pricking at the back of her eyes as she braced herself for whatever was coming next. She bit down hard on her lip, trying to hold back the sobs.
"It seems Kier is indeed treating you well," Monica said, her voice dripping with venom. "Jimmy was right. And speaking of your dear brother—was what he said really true?" She paused, the malice in her eyes deepening. "Of course, it's true. You really did make your husband throw your own brother out. How ungrateful can you be?"
With every word, her grip on Genesis' hair tightened. At the last words, she slammed Genesis' head against the wall.
Genesis groaned in pain, holding back her tears. What really hurt the most wasn't the physical pain; it was the realization that she thought she had escaped these monsters. But this moment had shattered the bubble she'd been living in with Kier. She had completely forgotten her dream of escaping this place, but now, standing here, it all came rushing back.
"But anyway, that's not why I'm here," Monica said, her voice dripping with venom. "Is it true that Donald wants you to carry an heir for him?"
Genesis' eyes snapped open, her heart racing. She knew something bad was about to happen, and as soon as Monica revealed what she was really here for, It was like a brick to the head.
****
A few minutes later, Monica's voice rang out, loud enough for anyone nearby to hear, even though it was just the two of them outside.
"Make sure you visit me, darling. We miss you back home," Monica said, her tone sweet yet mocking.
Genesis' eyes were clouded with tears, and her face stung where Monica had slapped her when she tried to refuse the command. Genesis nodded sharply, not daring to speak, as Monica fixed her with a glare before turning around and walking away.
As Monica sauntered off, She glanced at her purse, remembering the document inside. She couldn't help but smile, murmuring to herself, That's for another day.
On her way upstairs, Genesis was stopped by Revelation.
"Is everything okay, Miss? Did that woman—did she…" Revelation's words trailed off as she noticed the faint slap mark on Genesis' face. Before she could say anything else, Genesis stopped her with a shake of her head.
She shook her head softly, but the tears in her eyes betrayed her. Before Revelation could ask another question, the tears spilled over, and Genesis ran upstairs, leaving Revelation standing there.
Revelation watched her go, a frown deepening on her face. She looked away, her hands clenched into fists, frustration building inside her.