Chapter 2

Bethany rushed to the door. "I'm going to Reyes Residence," she said. Serene was the only one who had paid Lawson Residence a visit yesterday; she must have put that glass of water there. Bethany needed to go back and check. "Jen, I'll call for a ride to deliver my stuff to your place." "Sure, don't worry. Stay safe." Bethany hung up and then left. She got a cab and headed straight to Reyes Residence. Never had Bethany expected to encounter Trystan at the doorstep of Reyes Residence. Trystan looked at her with even more disdain. The maid gave them both a quick look and smiled. "It seems like Ms. Reyes and Mr. Lawson are getting along well. Both of you are here." Bethany lowered her head, anticipating Trystan to misunderstand her. True to her expectations, Trystan spoke through clenched teeth as he walked by her, "Planning to divorce me and have your mom summon me?" "I didn't," Bethany replied softly, but she couldn't shake off a sense of guilt. Why had Serene suddenly called Trystan over? Serene watched as the two arrived together. A surprised expression flashed on her face. She quickly regained her composure and cheerfully invited Trystan inside. "Come on in, Trys. It must have been quite a journey for you," Serene commented, brushing Bethany aside at the door. "Mom!" Bethany followed them and asked, "Why did you call him over?" "Quiet!" Serene snapped at Bethany before smiling at Trystan. "I didn't realize she was coming back too. I wouldn't have called you if I knew," she said. Trystan sat down on the sofa, shooting Bethany a sarcastic glance. Bethany knew she wasn't welcome, yet she stayed put, keen to find out what Serene was up to. She grabbed a seat close to them. Serene cut to the chase after some small talk. Tears welled in her eyes as she apologized to Trystan. "Trys, our family owes you an apology. If Bethany hadn't drugged you..." Trystan clenched his fists in anger as he recalled the past incident and last night's encounter. "Mom!" Bethany's voice quivered with pain. "I told you it wasn't me. It's difficult enough when others doubt me, but you're my mother. How can you not believe me?" "Alright, that's enough!" Serene looked resentful and snapped, "I know exactly the kind of daughter I've raised." Bethany's eyes welled with emotion. But Serene didn't stop there. "You've been a liar since you were a kid. You were always slacking off, wanting what Meg had, and you didn't mind stealing or lying." Bethany was shocked. While she had always been aware of Serene's preference for her cousin, Megan, she'd had no idea how little Serene valued her. She began to wonder if Serene was even her biological mother. "Trys, we're sorry for what happened at Meg's birthday party. I apologize to you on Bethany's behalf," Serene said. Trystan glanced sideways and replied, "But you're the one who took Bethany to my family to force me to marry her." Serene paused briefly before tearfully explaining, "Regardless, Bethany is my daughter. I felt terrible about it at the time. I made a horrible mistake." "A horrible mistake?" Trystan raised an eyebrow and retorted, "So, what's your plan now?" His gaze was terrifying, as sharp as any sword. Serene hesitated and said, "Trys, I heard Meg is returning from overseas. Maybe you should divorce Bethany." Trystan suddenly stood up. His abrupt action startled Serene, who then watched him cautiously. Trystan looked over at Bethany, who was in shock. She couldn't help but feel differently about Serene after what had just happened. Serene had never been one to admit that she was wrong. On top of that, her suggestion that Bethany and Trystan get a divorce sounded entirely out of left field. At Megan's birthday party a year ago, Bethany had unintentionally slept with Trystan, who had been Megan's fiancé at the time. It had sparked a massive scandal, as many people had caught them together. Megan had been so humiliated that she had ended the engagement and promptly gone overseas. Bethany had been too ashamed to face anyone and had remained isolated at home. Serene had constantly chastised Bethany while standing outside the door, accusing her of being dumb because of her passivity. Serene had ultimately taken Bethany to the Lawson family and persuaded Trystan to marry her. Being a prominent family in the community, the Lawsons had been compelled to allow the marriage due to the scandal's impact on their social circles. However, for the last year, Bethany had been treated poorly by the Lawson family, and Trystan's attitude toward her had been less than ideal. Bethany had regularly conveyed her wish to divorce Trystan to Serene. Still, Serene had always responded angrily, leaving the problem unresolved. So, why had Serene suddenly changed her mind? Trystan lowered his gaze, fixing it on Serene. "If we divorce, how much money do you expect to receive?" Serene nearly chuckled. What an unexpected stroke of luck! Given the Lawson family's wealth, accepting their share seemed appropriate. After thoughtful consideration, Serene presented a value that she believed Trystan would accept. "100 million dollars." "Mom, are you out of your mind?" Bethany was jolted awake from her daze when she realized the end was near. Trystan's expression turned chilly. He approached Bethany, gritting his teeth. "It looks like you're the one who's out of your mind." He saw everything as a money-making scheme between the mother and daughter. "Listen carefully, Bethany. We can get a divorce, but there won't be any money involved," Trystan declared before he turned away and left without looking back. Bethany couldn't take it anymore. What did Serene really think of her? Was she just a pawn to be milked dry, even throughout a divorce? "Mom! Why are you asking Trystan for money? Why?" And for 100 million dollars as well, to boot! To Trystan, Bethany probably wasn't even worth a dime, let alone 100 million dollars. "What's wrong with asking for money?" Serene's sorrowful demeanor changed once Trystan left. "Anyway, you've been married to him for a year. You looked after him and let him have his way. Isn't it fair to ask for some money?" Serene ignored Bethany's distressed demeanor and continued, "In my opinion, you are useless. Trystan's loaded, but he won't cough up even 100 million dollars for you." Bethany's tears dried up just then. "Mom, you are right. I am useless. We've been married for a year, yet Trystan has never consummated our marriage." "What?" Serene's expression changed from one of shock to glee. It seemed that she had little concern for Bethany. "But what is more disappointing is having you as my mother!" Bethany exclaimed as she picked up her bags and headed out. She needed to talk to Trystan and clarify that she had never wanted his money; she had only wanted to make things right between him and Megan. Behind her, Serene continued to hurl insults at her. "You little wretch, are you feeling tough now? Would you rather not call me your mom? Well, I sure as hell don't want to have you as my pathetic daughter! If you have the guts, don't bother coming back!" Bethany dashed to the gate and saw Trystan's car revving up. It was too late. She ran toward the front of the car without thinking, hoping to stop Trystan from leaving. The instant Trystan stepped on the gas, he caught sight of a dark figure darting to the front. Then, a loud thud echoed.