On our seventh wedding anniversary, the gift my husband Gary Perez sent after standing me up was a newborn still slick with amniotic fluid.

I ignored the wails outside and dumped a table of cold dishes.

Gary called, "Got the kid? Stop targeting Kathleen Davis now. She even gave you her child—what more do you want?"

"Be reasonable. If you could bear children, would I have sought another woman?"

"The Perez bloodline's hung by a thread for seven generations. Raise mine and Kathleen's child well while I accompany her abroad. I'll make it up with a wedding when we return."

I answered calmly, "Fine."

Then contacted a slum couple in Africa: "Heard you want to adopt?"

Just then, a message flashed: "Elizabeth Harris, marry me or I'll die."

My cold gaze swept the empty house as I replied, "I will."

The other party called excitedly, "I'll pick you up!"

Three years later, due to company expansion, I returned to San Francisco with my child.

Yet at the airport, I unexpectedly ran into Gary and Kathleen, who had just arrived from abroad.

Gary shoved his suitcase toward me as if it were natural. "At least you've got some sense. How'd you know Kathleen and I were returning today?"

Before I could respond, he frowned impatiently. "Why have your messages been so incomplete these years? But asking for living expenses? Always straight to the point!"

I raised an eyebrow. When I left back then, I'd casually tossed my phone to a homeless person on the street. Who knew who'd been replying to him?

I couldn't be bothered to engage and threw his suitcase back.

"You've got the wrong person."

I turned to leave, but then Kathleen saw the child sleeping in the stroller and rushed over in tears.

"Son, Mommy's back. It's all my fault that I met your dad too late, so I couldn't be by your side legitimately."

Then, she ignored my attempts to stop her and forcibly picked up the child.

The child, who inherited his biological father's grumpiness upon waking, immediately burst into loud wails.

Struggling wildly, his little feet kicked Kathleen in the face.

Crying and calling out "Mommy" to me, Kathleen's eyes flashed with panic and jealousy.

I hurried over to take the child back and was about to explain, "He's not your chi..."

But Kathleen took a step back, crying like a rain-drenched blossom, "Elizabeth, you clearly promised me that you would take good care of my child. Why is he so thin and small at three years old?"

She then said to the child in her arms, "It's all mommy's fault. I haven't been with you for three years, never knew you suffered so much!"

I was so exasperated I nearly rolled my eyes. Just as I opened my mouth to say, "You've misunderstood, he's only two—"

A stinging slap landed across my face. I stared at Gary in disbelief.

His face twisted with rage. "Elizabeth, I never imagined you'd be this vicious! You promised back then, yet for three years you've abused my child with Kathleen!"

"I've sent you nearly a million in living expenses over three years, and you couldn't even spare proper food for him?"

"Look how thin and dark he's become under your cruelty! This is the sole heir of the Perez family!"

A crowd had gathered around us unnoticed, all rolling their eyes and whispering behind their hands.

Even people held up their phones live-streaming, shouting, "Come quick, everyone! An evil nanny got caught red-handed abusing a rich family's child!"

Frowning, I watched the still-crying child, my heart aching as I snatched him back from Kathleen.

Busy comforting the child, I had no time to explain to the crowd. Suddenly, Kathleen screamed, "Elizabeth, how could you use a Herbal Sleep Pillow for the baby? Don’t you know I’m allergic to it?"

"No wonder he’s so frail! He’s allergic just like me. Elizabeth, didn’t you notice at all?"

"That poor little thing couldn’t speak, suffering silently for three years... After all, he’s not her biological—"

Then she knelt before me, putting on a show of motherly devotion. "Please give my son back! He’s the child I struggled so hard to bring into this world!"

I thought bitterly about how that newborn had been dumped at the doorstep like unwanted goods, still slick with birth fluids.

Gary and Kathleen flaunted their honeymoon abroad on social media without sparing my dignity, their public displays turning me into the circle's laughingstock.

Had I not heard those wails, that infant would've frozen to death outside.

You couldn't bother feeding your own child back then, yet now you playact devoted parents?

My expression hardened as I placed the baby back in the stroller.

Gary snapped, "Elizabeth, give Kathleen her child! You can't even handle childcare properly—you're unfit to be Mrs. Perez!"

I smirked, "Who cares? I've remarried already!"

"Kathleen holds a Harvard master's degree. She's more qualified than you to lead the Perez group. If not for my consideration..."

Gary was chattering away when he finally registered my words, stammering: "What did you say?"

Kathleen stood nearby, offering understanding: "Elizabeth, how could you say such hurtful things? I never meant to compete with you. I'd be content just staying by Gary and the child."

Gary movedly grasped Kathleen's hand. "You've always been thoughtful."

Then he looked me up and down, sneering: "Every single luxury item on you—which one wasn't bought with my money? And you talk about remarrying?"

"Who else could give you this lavish lifestyle?"

"Elizabeth, the Perez group isn't what it used to be. If you want to keep living like this, you'd better treat Kathleen with respect!"

"From now on, Kathleen will move in to bond with the child."

"Since you can't raise them properly, let their real mother do it!"

A glint of triumph flashed in Kathleen's eyes as she looked at me. I couldn't be bothered with them and looked down at the message from Dylan Baker: "Sweetheart, I've got one more business deal to wrap up in Europe. Thanks for taking care of the kids these days. I'll make it up to you when I get back!"

Then, eighty million dollars was deposited into my bank account.

"Take yourself out for afternoon tea, my love."

After that, he sent a 'praise me' emoji.

The frustration in my chest instantly melted away. I typed with a smile: "Focus on your work. I'll be waiting for you."

But then, as soon as I looked up, I saw Kathleen feeding chocolate to the child.

"Come on, son, try this chocolate Mommy brought back from abroad. Tell me if it's good."

I dashed over and knocked the chocolate out of her hand, my face flushed with anger. "He can't eat chocolate."

Suddenly, Kathleen threw herself backward and screamed, "Ah! Gary, help me!"

Gary pushed me away to help Kathleen.

I lost my balance and fell to the ground.

The curses around grew louder, "How can there be such a wicked nanny who won’t even let the birth mother hold her child!"

"She’s clearly rotten to the core! Can’t you see she’s dressed more lavishly than the mistress? Probably embezzled loads from her employer over the years!"

"..."

A bratty kid actually poured coffee on me, "Beat the bad lady!"

My phone got knocked away during the scuffle, and that brat picked it up to smash it playfully.

My expression darkened. I’d rushed back this time without bodyguards, never expecting this chaos.

I said firmly to the crowd, "I’m not the nanny. This is my child with my current husband."

But the accusations kept drowning out my explanations.

I struggled to stand up, trying to leave with my child first.

Unexpectedly, someone pinned me to the ground.

Gary's leather shoes appeared before me as he looked down condescendingly. "Apologize to Kathleen."

I fought violently, only to be slapped by Gary. "Elizabeth, Kathleen is carrying my child. She's the hero of our Perez family."

"Keeping you as Mrs. Perez is already giving you enough respect. If you dare bully Kathleen using your position as my wife, everything you have can be taken away anytime."

For some reason, my mind flashed back to that night three years ago—when I'd eagerly waited for Gary's return, only to learn about his child with Kathleen.

Gary had promised me before leaving home that what happened with Kathleen was just a slip-up. He'd cut ties with her and come back to our family.

My heart was already shattered, but I gave him another chance only because his mother once saved my life.

Yet I never imagined Gary would abandon our infant to me—treating me like a nanny—just to accompany Kathleen abroad for her studies.

The thought fueled my rage, and I struggled fiercely against his grip.

Then Kathleen hypocritically helped me up. "Gary, let Elizabeth go. I don't blame her."

She smugly rubbed her belly. "After all, I've been hired by the Baker group. When things get busy, I'll still need big sister's help at home."

My eyes darkened. "Which Baker group?"

Seeing me ask this, Kathleen grew even more smug. "Elizabeth, have you seriously lost your edge after all these years raising kids? Look around San Francisco—is there any other Baker group?"

"My direct boss is Dylan, the wealthiest man in New York."

"Later, I'll just coax my boss a little, and he'll hand over billion-dollar contracts to the Perezes. Gary's company will definitely thrive."

Gary held Kathleen in a doting embrace and kissed her. "Kathleen's our little hero!"

He then looked at me scornfully. "Hear that? Demand an apology from Kathleen now?"

I curled my lips and stated flat-out, "She'll never get into the Baker group."

Back then, Dylan nearly blew these scumbags away. If I hadn't felt indebted to the Perezes and stopped him desperately, the Perez group would've been crushed by Dylan ages ago.

Still your boss?

How could Dylan allow someone who hurt me into the Baker group?

Their faces paled. Kathleen protested indignantly, "How dare you say that?"

I cast a cool glance at them. "Because I'm Dylan's wife."

Before I finished, Gary ordered bodyguards to drag me out of the airport and shove me into a car. "You're my woman. Who said you could fantasize about another man?"

"Seems I've been too lenient with you!"

I was hauled back to the Perez manor and forced to kneel before the cemetery.

Gary pulled out a thorned whip and savagely struck me.

"Years ago, my mother saved you. She pitied your suffering and made me marry you into the Perez family."

"Have I ever mistreated you? I only got involved with Kathleen to continue the Perez bloodline. Yet you dare defy wifely duties, claiming to be another man's wife?"

"Do you even see me as your husband!"

My eyes reddened. He'd pursued me relentlessly for three years before I accepted him. I poured my entire inheritance into the Perez group.

I never forgot the family's kindness—after marriage, I devoted myself to homemaking, becoming his steadfast support.

Even knowing I struggled with fertility, he vowed to have only me for life.

Yet he broke that oath. Now he forced divorce to marry Kathleen, just to get a spouse visa for her studies abroad!

The wounds on my back burned, but I stared defiantly at Gary. "We're already divorced."

Gary froze, confusion flickering in his eyes before his expression softened. "Just a paper divorce. We'll remarry after the wedding ceremony."

Kathleen's face twisted with resentment beside them. She suddenly scooped up the child, voice dripping with false sorrow, "Gary, perhaps I shouldn't live with you anymore. I wouldn't want to affect your marriage with Elizabeth."

Seeing me being bullied, the child bit hard into Kathleen's arm.

Kathleen screamed in pain and actually flung the child away.

I dashed desperately but couldn't reach in time. The child hit the ground, sobbing in pain.

I gathered the child into my arms, guilt pouring down my cheeks in heavy tears. "Baby, where does it hurt? Tell Mommy."

Gary carefully examined Kathleen's hand before grabbing the child by the collar in fury. "What have you taught this child? How dare he bite! As his father, I'll discipline him properly today!"

"Someone! Tie him to the pillar outside! He stays there until he learns who his real mother is!"

My pupils froze. "Gary, you can't do this to my child!"

"It's snowing outside, they'll freeze!"

Gary dragged me into the cubicle and ripped open my clothes.

Rage filled his eyes. "I haven't been exercising my husbandly rights enough, letting you run wild!"

He immediately started gnawing at my chest.

I slapped him across the face, eyes red. "Gary, you'll regret this!"

Gary wiped his mouth and bellowed, "Regret?"

"Once Kathleen joins the Baker group and I partner with Dylan, the Perez group will rise to the next tier overnight. Serve me properly now, or you'll be the one regretting it!"

I gritted my teeth. "That's Dylan's child! Treat us like this, and he'll destroy you!"

Gary tore my pants apart in a rage, like a mad wolf, "You're truly insane, still spouting nonsense! If I don't discipline you properly, you'll dare openly harm Kathleen next!"

He was about to strike when a scream and child's wail echoed outside.

Gary immediately zipped up and rushed out to investigate.

"Gary, I just wanted the child to call me mom. He kicked my belly, so I accidentally hit him once."

I charged over hysterically, saw the child's swollen red cheek, and swung a brick at Kathleen's head, "Touch my child? I'll end you!"

Gary instantly kicked my stomach and frantically held Kathleen, "Kathleen, are you hurt?"

Kathleen clutched her stomach, whispering weakly: "Gary, I'm in so much pain. Are the baby and I going to die?"

"Maybe death would be better. Then I wouldn't have to hide while following you anymore. Gary, promise you'll care for my child after I'm gone... even if they never accept me as their real mother..."

Gary went wild, holding Kathleen tightly. "I won't let anything happen to you! The private doctor's coming!"

He then turned and looked at me like I was already dead, his voice cruel. "You dared teach our child to hurt Kathleen."

His eyes swept over our child wailing nonstop while tied to the pillar. My heart plummeted.

His voice was icy cold. "Bring the whip soaked in salt water!"

I rushed over in panic and grabbed Gary's arm. "Gary! Don't do this to my child! Whatever you want, do it to me!"

With just one look from him, bodyguards pinned me down.

"Crack—"

The child's screams nearly shattered my eardrums. Breaking free from the bodyguards, I clung to Gary's leg and begged: "No! Don't hit him! I'm sorry, it's all my fault! Please don't hit him!"

Gary kicked me away and struck again with the whip. He pressed the child's head coldly: "Say it. Who's your real mother?"

The child convulsed in pain, yet still turned tear-filled eyes to me and whimpered "Mom" in utter misery.

My heart shattered into countless pieces as I knelt before Gary, banging my head against the ground.

"Please, spare the child! I'll do anything you ask!"

Gary pointed at Kathleen playing dead beside him. "You disfigured Kathleen. Should I teach you how to make this right?"

Immediately I grabbed a brick and slammed it against my own head—once, twice, again and again.

Time blurred until blood covered my eyes, darkness flickering across my vision. As I fainted, Gary's coaxing voice reached Kathleen: "Kathleen, feeling better now?"

"Not yet. Let's feed him to the wolves in the back mountains, yeah?"

Waking in the chill, I heard the child whimpering beside me, breaths growing shallower.

And wolves surrounded us all around!

I held the child and ran desperately, but was still surrounded by the wolves.

Just as the wolves lunged at us, I pressed the child tightly against my chest and closed my eyes in despair...

And at that moment, the roar of countless helicopters filled the sky above the Perez manor.

A week later, Kathleen in a fitted business suit stood before Gary, twirling around, "Gary, how do I look in this outfit?"

"For a company like the Baker group, should I dress more elegantly?"

But Gary was somewhat distracted; somehow, the image of Elizabeth's red eyes when she was thrown into the mountains always flashed through his mind.

Every time he thought about it, his heart ached uncontrollably.

In fact, he had missed Elizabeth terribly these past three years.

He hadn't returned for three years because of Kathleen, so Elizabeth was naturally upset. He really shouldn't have treated her like that right after coming back.

Gary immediately decided to cancel the punishment. Even though he'd sent people to protect the mother and child, there were wolves in the back mountains—too dangerous.

When Elizabeth returned, he'd remarry her immediately and hold a proper wedding.

That way, Elizabeth probably wouldn't sulk at him anymore, he thought.

Yet Kathleen kept chattering beside him. Gary frowned impatiently, "He's your own son! Aren't you worried at all? Still fussing over what to wear?"

Kathleen froze, about to explain, when the assistant rushed in. "President, Madam sent a child to Africa for adoption three years ago..."

The door was suddenly kicked open, and a crowd flooded in.

The leader had snake-like eyes but wore a smirk, staring at Gary as if looking at a corpse. Gary’s eyes widened instantly.

A dark gun muzzle pressed against Gary’s forehead. "Where are my wife and son?"