Chapter 2

The day after that conversation, Rosalea's condition took a turn for the worse, and more doctors began showing up at Greenstein Manor. From renowned specialists from overseas to well-known local alternative medicine practitioners, everyone examined her but could only shake their heads helplessly. One alternative medicine practitioner, however, mentioned that his mentor might be able to help. The catch? His mentor was already 109 years old and likely couldn't make the trip. If there were any chance of finding a solution, the practitioner would have to venture deep into the mountains. It would take time—and that was only if Rosalea could hold on long enough. But at least there was a small glimmer of hope. Sandra couldn't hold back her tears of relief. Finally, there was a chance to save Rosalea. She was ready to share the good news with Rosalea when three uninvited guests showed up—Norman, Delia, and Clyde. Thinking that Rosalea would be glad to see her family, Sandra stepped aside to give them space. It went against Vance's rule of keeping visitors away from Rosalea, but Sandra was willing to take the chance. Rosalea had always been so kind to Sandra, but the latter hadn't been there when she needed help the most. This small gesture was the only way Sandra could show her gratitude. Rosalea was relieved to see Norman, Delia, and Clyde, mustering her last bit of energy to smile—until Delia slapped her. "You're nothing but trouble!" Delia shouted. "Why did you come back? Are you really that attached to your easy life? While you were gone for two years, Mr. Greenstein finally backed off. "He stopped coming after our family, and Clyde's little factory started to pick up again. Clyde might jump off a building if the Greensteins come after us again! How much longer are you going to keep wrecking everything for us?" Tears streamed down Delia's face, her eyes burning with fury. Her words cut deeper than the slap. Norman had always doted on Rosalea, but years of struggle had turned his affection into disillusionment. Rosalea was the one who had brought all the pain to the Lovelace family. He didn't want to hate her but couldn't help it. It was easier to pretend that he didn't have a daughter like her. Dragging his bad leg, Clyde hobbled over to Rosalea's bedside and fell to his knees. "Mrs. Greenstein, please, I'm begging you," he pleaded. "Stop Mr. Greenstein from crushing me again. My friends chipped in their savings to help me get this small factory off the ground. "I can't do much physical work anymore because of my bad leg, and I've been blacklisted in this industry. I can't land any decent job. This factory is the only thing keeping me from falling apart." Hearing herself being called "Mrs. Greenstein" brought tears to Rosalea's eyes. The people she felt the most sorry for were the Lovelaces. Her family, who had once cared for her the most, now wanted nothing to do with her. "I'm sorry…" Rosalea whispered. "Why are you still alive? We'd all be better off if you were dead." The words hung in the air like a curse, heavy and suffocating in the spacious room. After a long silence, Rosalea finally answered, "As you wish." It felt like that was the only reason they'd come. Less than ten minutes later, they were gone. Rosalea wanted to say something to them. She opened her mouth but couldn't find the strength to call them back. That night, Rosalea dragged herself to Vance's room, only to find that he was out drinking. Eugenia was the one helping him stagger back. When Eugenia saw Rosalea, she raised an eyebrow and, with all the poise of someone who ran the place, said, "So, you're back. I never thought that you'd have the guts to show up again. Whose life are you planning to ruin now?" Rosalea wasn't in the mood to engage with her. She called out to Vance, saying, "We need to talk." Vance ignored her. He simply rested his hand on Eugenia's waist and murmured something that made her blush. They whispered sweet nothings as if Rosalea wasn't even there. "Vance, don't forget. I'm still your wife. The least you could do is show me some respect," Rosalea said, mustering whatever strength she had left, hoping that he'd show her the respect she deserved. Eugenia fired back, saying, "Did you ever think about being Vance's wife when you faked your death and ran off with that other guy? Did you even consider that Augusta was Vance's only family when you killed her? Someone as vile as you might as well be dead." The moment Eugenia finished speaking, Rosalea's legs gave out. She dropped to the floor, drenched in cold sweat. "You're using those same lame tricks to make Vance feel sorry for you again. How pathetic."