Chapter 3

Zoe trembled and quickly turned to Luke to say, "You should leave." But he didn't notice anything strange and continued, "Once the paperwork is done, you—" "Please, just leave!" Her voice was tight with tension and almost pleading. Hearing that, he was briefly startled before finally nodding. "Alright, then. Be careful." It was only after watching his car drive off that she dared turn around and slowly make her way toward the steps. Alder remained standing there with his eyes fixed on her. Unreadable emotions swirled in his gaze. Zoe was practically trembling as her heart thumped in her ears. Was he mad? Would he react like before and chop off someone's hand just because they touched her? Instead, she heard a cold and distant command. "There's a guest in the house. Make some coffee." With that, he turned and walked away, the sound of his footsteps slowly fading. Zoe stood frozen for a long time before she finally had the guts to lift her head. Alder hadn't shown any reaction at all. It did seem like he'd lost his memory. She let out a breath of relief before turning to the kitchen to brew some coffee. When she entered the living room with cups of coffee, she noticed the guest. With one glance, she recognized the guest as Elara, the woman from the news supposedly getting engaged to Alder. Right now, Arthur, Edith, and Vera were all gathered around her and beaming as they discussed wedding plans. Alder sat aside and listened without a word. Lowering her head, Zoe walked over and softly said, "Your coffee, Ms. Vance." Elara looked up at her with a subtle smile tugging at her lips. She reached out to take the cup, only to "accidentally" knock it over. The scalding hot coffee spilled all over her. Before Zoe could even react, Vera's slap landed on her face. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Zoe opened her mouth and instinctively tried to explain, "It wasn't me…" But Vera cut her off with a shrill voice and turned to complain to Alder. Pointing at Zoe in disgust, she shrieked, "Alder, look! I've been meaning to tell you that this maid harbors ulterior motives toward you! "She secretly collects your belongings, so she's clearly not decent! Now that she knows you're marrying Elara, she's gone mad with jealousy and hurt Elara on purpose!" Zoe stood frozen as her body went cold. She couldn't believe how easily Vera distorted the truth. "I didn't…" Her voice shook. But before she could say more, Elara chimed in. Her eyes were red, and her voice was soft and delicate as she said, "Alder, many people will try to hook up with you, considering your status. If you don't make an example of her right now, more will follow."' Arthur and Edith immediately echoed, "Yes! She must be severely punished!" As Zoe stood rooted to the spot, realization struck her that this was all an orchestrated play. It was a setup they'd worked together to have her punished. And Alder… he hated nothing more than being seduced. Sure enough, she heard his cold voice say, "Take her out. Punish her under the family law." With that, he leaned over to scoop Elara into his arms. Then, he headed upstairs without another glance at them. "I'll call the private doctor." Zoe didn't get the chance to argue before two guards grabbed her by the arms and aggressively dragged her out. … Outside, night had fallen. Vera held up a barbed whip as her face lit up with twisted glee and malice. "You've finally fallen into my hands, Zoe." She raised the whip and viciously lashed it down. The first strike tore into the skin. "This one's for stealing my identity!" The second blow ripped the flesh. "This one's for seducing Alder!" Another blow followed. "This one's for not knowing your place!" … "Scream all you want! Why aren't you screaming now? Alder isn't coming to your rescue anymore!" Vera cackled manically. Zoe bit her lip hard and refused to let a sound escape her throat. But the barbs tore into her skin, and each lash felt like it was ripping her apart. Blood trickled down her back, arms, and legs, dripping onto the floor. 99 lashes. Vera seemed determined to release years of hatred in one night. The more she whipped, the more frenzied she was. When it all ended, Zoe was barely conscious. All she could hear were Vera's sharp curses and the sound of the whip tearing through her flesh. When the final strike landed, her body finally gave out and collapsed into the pool of blood.