Chapter 3

I wiped the blood off my arm.

Then I hailed a cab and took my time heading to the café where I'd arranged to meet the journalist.

On the way, I looked at the ten million dollars Gregory Sinclair had transferred to me.

I smiled and moved every cent of it straight into my adoptive mother's account.

I texted her that I'd earned the money honestly and told her to hurry up and trade the old house for a new one, hire a live-in caregiver to look after her, and stop being so stingy with herself.

The second the money went through, my mom called.

Her voice was thick with tears. "Scarlett, did you really get mixed up with those Sinclair people? I don't want any big money. I just want you safe! Listen to your mom. Send that money back right now. We're not selling a kidney!"

My nose stung, and I softened my voice. "Mom, don't worry. I didn't get this money by selling a kidney. The Sinclairs felt they owed me, so they sent it. Just relax and enjoy it. Once I'm done with this little thing, I'll come home and have dinner with you. I've been craving your pumpkin bread rolls."

She was quiet on the other end for a long while. Then she said, her voice trembling, "Really? Scarlett, don't you lie to me. My heart won't stop pounding."

"Really. When have I ever lied to you?" I leaned back in the cab, watching the streets rush past the window, and laughed softly.

"Don't worry, this money is clean. Go look at houses tomorrow. If you find one you like, pay for it in full. I've got things to do here, so I'm going to hang up, okay?"

After I hung up, I couldn't help remembering how, in my past life, the Sinclairs had driven her to her death.

Back then, Gregory had accused her of killing me for my money.

She got so upset that her heart gave out, and she collapsed onto the cold floor.

And Gregory's family just watched her like it was a show.

By then I was already a spirit. Forget saving her, I couldn't even call 911.

All I could do was watch her stop breathing.

But now, things were different.

I had crawled back from hell.

And I had all these people working for me.

This time,

I would make everyone who owed my mom and me learn what cruelty really means!