Chapter 5

Baxter froze in shock as he took in the scene before him. When he came to his senses, he immediately rushed over to help Tabitha up. But the moment he saw the blood gushing from her hand, his face went pale. "Call a doctor, now!" he shouted urgently. Vanessa was also stunned. Staring at the large pool of blood on the floor, she suddenly realized just how unhinged Tabitha was. It was actually terrifying that she would go to such lengths. Soon, the family doctor arrived. He quickly stopped the bleeding and said, "She needs to be taken to the hospital for further treatment. The wound is too deep. It may have damaged the tendons and could result in long-term complications." Upon hearing this, Tabitha burst into tears. "What do you mean lingering effects? Will I still be able to paint?" she sobbed. The doctor remained silent at that. Immediately, Tabitha buried her face into Baxter's chest, crying out, "Baxter, what am I supposed to do now?" Baxter held her tightly, clearly distressed. He didn't even have time to utter a word of comfort before she suddenly looked up and turned to Vanessa. "Vanessa, why would you do this to me?" What? Only then did Baxter realize Vanessa was there as well. A sudden suspicion rose in his chest. "How did you get out of the storage room?" he asked. Before Vanessa could reply, Tabitha tearfully cut in. "I felt sorry for her, so I had someone let her out. But I didn't expect she hated me so much that she'd hurt me like this." After saying that, Tabitha sobbed pitifully, struggling to catch her breath. "I didn't push her," Vanessa said calmly. She was too exhausted and hadn't planned to respond, but she knew she had no choice. "She fell on her own. If you don't believe me, you can check the surveillance footage." One look at the footage, and the truth would be known. But Baxter refused to listen. His expression darkened as his gaze turned cold. "So, you're saying Tabitha would go so far as injuring her own hand and ruining her future just to frame you? Do you take me for a fool? Vanessa, you're evil!" As expected, he still didn't believe her. Vanessa opened her mouth to speak but ended up tilting her back with a helpless laugh. Then, with tears in her eyes, she asked, "Then what do you want from me?" "What do I want?" Baxter clenched his jaw. His eyes sharp, he said grimly, "Exactly what you like best—an eye for an eye. Since you ruined Tabby's hand, you'll pay with yours." He then called in several bodyguards. With just one look, he had one man pin Vanessa's right hand to the floor, while another stood by with a hammer, awaiting orders. Vanessa's eyes turned red as she struggled with all her strength. But her right hand was tightly restrained, so all she could do was look helplessly at Baxter. "Baxter, I didn't push her! Just check the footage! It really wasn't me!" But Baxter didn't even spare her a glance. He simply scooped Tabitha up and walked past her. Before stepping out the front door, he said coldly, "There's no need to do that. I believe Tabby." And with that, the hammer came down without mercy. A dull crack echoed from her hand, followed by a horrifying scream echoing through the entire villa. Vanessa's face twisted in pain as a sharp, searing agony shot from her hand straight to her heart. Her vision blurred, and cold sweat soaked her back. It hurt like hell. And she was just so done. She stared in despair at the doorway, watching Baxter's retreating figure, until her sight went black. A scalding tear slipped down her cheek. She regretted ever meeting him. But even more so, she regretted falling in love with him.