《Thread》 Chapter 1: Open The Door People said, "WHEN YOU OPEN THE DOOR FOR THE DEVIL, THE DEVIL CAME." It was true because she also opened that door for a devil. She was the one who brought that devil into her home. She saw her reflection in the broken mirror on the ground and laughed at her own self. A monster like her laughed at herself. Her skin was pale, too pallid with bloodied scars on her forehead. Her face drained of all color; it now looked deathly thin. Her lips cracked, and blood dripped from the corners of her lips. Her hair looks greasy. She looked sickly. She turned around and looked out through the balcony of the third floor to see the night sky. And what did she see there? The brightest star of all. A shining star so close that when she closed her eyes, she could almost touch it. But when she opened her eyes again, it was already gone. It had moved further away than ever before, and there was no way she would find it again. She woke up in a panic at the sound of alarm. Sweat glistened on her forehead. With trembling hands, she quickly wiped them off. She hadn''t slept well for the past few months. How she could kill someone? Her mind raced with thoughts and fears. She quickly stumbled towards bathroom, her eyes still half closed. She limped as she dragged her aching body into the bathroom. Her black orbs stared back at her as he glanced at her reflection in the wall mirror. She noticed her face was injured and bloodied, just like she had seen in her dreams. Her black hair was messy and dusted. She quickly jumped into the shower, bracing herself for the cold water. Despite the initial shock, she felt energized and more alert. With every passing second, she became more aware of her surroundings. The pain subsided to a dull throbbing. She began feeling nauseous, as though her body was being torn apart. Images of lifeless bodies flashed before her eyes, and she instantly shook them off. She focused on washing her hair and scrubbing her body vigorously, trying to forget her nightmare. Her heart rate gradually slowed. As her shower continued, the image began playing in her head. The screams, cries, and chaos around her seemed to get farther and farther away until all she could see were her hands. A small scream escaped her lips as her skin began to change color, becoming paler, darker, and more grotesque. Blood began dripping everywhere. The scene changed to a familiar room. The bed was empty. A large mirror hung opposite the wall. Its surface reflected the dark night sky as the moonlight illuminated a portion of the room. In a far corner lay a figure covered in blood. An overpowering smell invaded her nostrils. Her vision blurred as darkness swallowed her. Her heartbeat accelerated, and her breathing became labored. She gripped her chest as she struggled to catch her breath. Sweat trickled down her temples as she leaned forward, clutching tightly onto the shower head as overwhelming fear crept up on her. She tried so hard to control her breathing, but it was impossible. She couldn''t stop her breathing from growing irregularly. Every inhale felt more painful than the last. She squeezed her eyes shut in vain attempts to escape. The bathroom began spinning as she clutched harder onto the shower curtain, desperately wishing to hold onto something. Eventually, even with the strength of her hands, she began sliding toward the edge of the bathtub, until finally she toppled over the rim and plunged into icy cold water. After lying there for a few seconds, she quickly got up, coughing uncontrollably as the freezing spray stung her exposed face. She struggled to get her head above water as the cold water washed away her memories. She washed the blood from her face and cleaned her scars properly. She slipped into a formal swan-white shirt and beige pants. Before leaving the room, she concealed her scars so no one would ask about them. Honestly, she didn''t know either. She headed downstairs, where the clattering of dishes and the enticing aroma of food filled the air. "Good morning, Mum!" she greeted as she entered the kitchen. Her mother, Ms. Elizabeth, turned toward her and planted a kiss on her cheek. "Happy birthday, Blair," she said. Blair glanced at her, realizing that she had completely forgotten that today marked her 26th birthday. "Thank you, Mom," she expressed as she swiftly grabbed her beloved Americano coffee and began savoring its flavors. It was a day when she had to arrive at the office early, yet she found herself running behind schedule. Placing the now empty coffee mug on the table, she turned her gaze toward her mother, who was busy with something in the fridge. Ms. Elizabeth seemed to be on a quest for something specific. Eventually, she discovered what she had been seeking-a cupcake adorned with a delicate pink candle. Blair eagerly watched her mom, her eyes filled with excitement. With a smile on her face, she observed as Ms. Elizabeth placed the cupcake onto a small plate. Despite her forgetfulness in the morning rush, Ms. Elizabeth had not forgotten. She had a unique talent for turning even the most ordinary actions into something special. "Mum, I''m running late today. Our company''s president, Ms. Charlotte, is coming, and I cannot afford to be tardy." "Ms. Charlotte? Why is she coming?" Blair glanced at her mom in astonishment, as she had told her last night that today was a very important day at the office. "Because today Mr. Ethan is taking charge of our Lopez Food Company as the new CEO," she replied. "Well, being five minutes late won''t make a difference," Ms. Elizabeth said as she lit the candle on the cupcake. "I just wanted to ensure that you began your day with a small celebration." "Mum, thank you," she managed to say before quickly extinguishing the candle, slicing the cake, and offering a bite to her mother. She then hurried outside, devouring the remaining piece. The delectable sweetness of the frosting and the tender texture of the cake filled her mouth, evoking nostalgic memories of past birthdays and the happiness that always accompanied her mother''s presence. As she joined the bustling crowd on the streets, the morning rush was in full swing. The air filled with the sound of cars honking and people chatting creating a lively atmosphere. Upon entering the office, she noticed a significant change in the air. Everyone seemed to be in a frenzy, rushing around. In her haste, she accidentally bumped into someone. However, she quickly sat down and began organizing her bag, gathering all the scattered pages until they were neatly arranged and ready to be picked up. Suddenly, her phone started vibrating, prompting her to retrieve it from her pocket. It turned out to be yet another text message from Masson. "Why did you arrive so late, Blair?" Evelyn''s voice cut into her thoughts as she tucked away her cell phone. "Yeah, I was a little late today. For some reason, my eyes just refused to open up this morning," Blair said with a cheeky grin. "Well, now the boss will make sure your eyes are wide open," Evelyn said sternly. Evelyn had been a good friend since they met four years ago. She was in her late twenties, with bright brown eyes and dark hair styled in soft curls around her face. Her smile was perfect. When they met on that first day, they clicked instantly. They shared much more than just a great sense of humor; their personalities meshed seamlessly. Blair often talked about her latest cake creations while Evelyn listened with a soft expression. They shared similar tastes in music and movies, although Blair preferred indie over pop or hip-hop. They shared a love for books equally; Evelyn had to share stories about her family''s love for reading even though she hadn''t read much herself. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. "Why? What''s going on? Where is the boss?" Blair inquired, feeling a sense of concern. "In her office," Evelyn replied, gesturing with her eyes. Blair looked over at the glass door and saw her boss arguing heatedly with William. She was wearing a tight black pencil skirt, complemented by black silk stockings and matching high heels, along with an extravagant crimson blouse with diamond embellishments that sparkled across its surface. As their eyes met through the reflective surface of the door, Blair could see irritation etched on her face. She felt a chill in her stomach while watching the scene. It was unusual for the boss to lecture William, an employee she so admired, early in the day. Blair quickly placed her stuff on her desk and limped into her office cautiously so as not to get scolded this morning. On entering the office, she felt that the air was heavy with tension. William seemed visibly flustered and filled with remorse. Behind her desk, Ms. Dorothy, the boss, looked disappointed and frustrated. "How could you be so careless? Your mistake has cost us a major client in Singapore, resulting in billions of dollars in losses," Ms. Dorothy yelled at him. The knot formed in Blair''s gut, as she thought some things over in her head. William was really talented and hardworking employee; if he got scolded then it means his mistake is really big. It was really unusual for him to make a mistake. Blair wondered what he had done to make Ms. Dorothy angry. "I understand, but____" "I don''t want to hear any excuses, William! This was an important account, and you were in charge of it. And now we have lost not only a very valuable client but also a good sum of money." Ms. Dorothy''s voice thundered, and involuntarily, Blair cringed. Ms. Dorothy motioned for William to leave and turned her attention towards Blair, looking at her in disdain. "Why on earth are you just standing there like an utter moron!" Blair sat quietly, smiling sheepishly as she said, "''Sorry." "It''s not about apologies," Ms. Dorothy exclaimed. "You were supposed to be here at 7:30 am. You''re late for your shift!" "Oh, right..." Blair mumbled, scratching at the back of her neck while still smiling to herself, scanning her watch. She was gazing at the time on the watch and she suddenly realized it was already 8:45 am. She panicked as she tried to rush up with something to explain her being late. "I....I must have overslept," she stammered as she lied, her smile dropping from her face. Ms. Dorothy crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her gaze. "Overslept? That is not a reason. We need to be quite punctual here, and it messes the whole team off when you keep coming late." Blair nodded again, overwhelmed by guilt, "I understand that, and I am really sorry. It''s not going to happen again." Ms. Dorothy let out a frustrated sigh, Blair could tell she didn''t believing her. "This won''t happen again? Do you think I''m an idiot? Do you know Ms. Chairman is coming today? Get everything ready right now!" "Yes, boss, I am almost ready," Blair replied, and Ms. Dorothy rolled her eyes. "Call the media and make sure they are lined up in the hall," Ms.Dorothy ordered. "Is there anything else you need me to do, boss?" Blair asked, hoping to divert her attention away from her annoyance. She let out another sigh of frustration, showing her dissatisfaction with Blair''s last answer. "Of course," she responded abruptly. "Make sure that the decorations are perfect, the refreshments are set up properly, and that everything is prepared according to Ms. Chairman''s preferences." "I will make sure it is done," Blair replied coolly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Quicker," Ms. Dorothy snarled, storming out of her office once again and slamming the door so hard that the glass in it quivered. Blair let out a sigh and ran her hand across her face, realizing that today was her birthday. With every stride, her heels echoed through the marble floor, heading to the elevator. Convinced to prove that she was fit enough for this responsibility despite all Ms. Dorothy said, Blair sped off in her quest to take charge of the arrangements. It was getting harder by the minute, but Blair felt she must overcome it all. She wouldn''t fail. "Is Kaylee here yet?" Blair asked Evelyn as she stepped out of the office. After all, Kaylee was supposed to oversee today''s preparations as the new CEO''s personal secretary. "Yes, she''s here, but she''s currently with the boss, inspecting the arrangements in the hall downstairs," Evelyn replied, hurrying toward the main entrance to greet the press. After a quick glimpse at her back, Blair went into the hall, feeling a little curious about everything''s progression. At the entrance, Kaylee and the boss were in the middle of a heated conversation. Blair couldn''t help but feel envious as she saw Kaylee and Ms. Dorothy get along with each other so seamlessly. She couldn''t help but compare herself to Kaylee, who effortlessly commanded the boss''s approval. Blair shook her head as she walked toward them, forcing the negative thoughts away. "I hoped you disappeared, Kaylee," Blair muttered, not knowing whether it was from her envy or pure rage. She had always wanted to be the one standing by the boss''s side, aiding and backing her up. "Hey, Kaylee," Blair said, faking a smile. "How''s everything?" Kaylee turned, brightening the lines of her face. "Almost ready! Just a few last-minute adjustments and we''ll be set for Ms. Charlotte''s arrival." Blair nodded, hoping that she didn''t show any nervousness of her own. "Do you need help? I can help with the decorations or refreshments." "That would be great," Kaylee said, looking over Ms. Dorothy. "She''s getting a bit stressed and could use another set of hands." Blair felt a wave of relief. Maybe this was her chance to prove herself. She moved forward with everyone towards refreshment table and quickly took note of what she needed to prepare."Do you know what Ms. Charlotte likes?" Blair asked, as casually as she could. Kaylee shrugged. She was more focused on pastries. "She likes everything perfect. Presentation is more important than anything. If it does not look good enough, then she will criticize." Blair''s stomach twisted at the thought. She had her own pressures looming, and the idea of failing in front of the new CEO was daunting. She took a deep breath and reminded herself that she could handle it. As they tried to accomplish something, the tension in the air was visibly palpable. Employees were running around the place, and the faint sound of cameras clicking outside grew louder as the press began to gather. Blair could see Evelyn already fielding questions from the reporters, her bright smile cutting across the chaos. "Let''s make sure that everything is set before they start streaming in," Kaylee said, pulling Blair back to reality. "Right, let''s finish up," Blair said, her face back to the task at hand. She needed today to be memorable-not only for Ms. Charlotte, but for herself as well. It was her time to shine under all this pressure. They just put the finishing touches in place as Ms. Dorothy emerged from her office, still looking a little tight but marginally composed. "Is everything ready?" she called out across the room with an authoritative scan. "Almost done, boss," Kaylee replied, straightening up. Blair felt her heart race as Ms. Dorothy approached them. "Make sure it''s perfect," she said, her voice low but firm. "We can''t afford any mistakes today." Blair nodded, determination flooding her. She was not going to let Ms. Dorothy down-or herself. With the last minutes ticking by, she felt a weight settle over her, expecting that all should go perfectly well. Yet inside her, she knew she was more than able to do this. Today had to be perfect. At exactly 11 o''clock, Ethan Lopez walked into the corridor. All cameras switched their attention to him. He was the only child of the company''s president, Ms. Charlotte Lopez, and the sole heir of Lopez Food Company, having recently graduated from a University in Australia. Drowned amidst all those people, no one paid attention to the sound of his footsteps. He had a beautiful, elusive glamour: thin body, dark richly waving light brown hair and pale bright blue eyes obscured behind thick-lensed glasses. An aura of mystery and of fascination. Dressed in black tuxedo with a gray tie, he radiated casual sophistication. His tan enhanced his appearance, giving him an unmistakable air of cool distinction. He was going along the aisle of the hall where people sat on red velvet chairs arranged in rows and smiling sweetly at every face he came across. Blair could not help but feel his life was a fairy-tale. Suddenly Masson''s message appeared on the phone screen. She blinked her eyes and touched the screen to read the message: ''Opulent Heights'' ''Luxor Lodgings Hotel'' ''Meeting'' ''10:30 pm'' Chapter 2: Flashback [Flashback] "How long are you going to sit here in your dead mother''s room, Charlotte? It''s been a month since she passed away." When Charlotte heard her father¡¯s voice, she lifted her head. Her eyes still had the same tears and tiredness as before. The room, filled with her mother¡¯s things, was untouched and seemed to stand still in time. Charlotte kept looking at the photo of her mother over and over. In the picture frame on her dresser, her mother smiled at her, and her eyes were full of happiness, with no sign of pain or struggle. Her long blonde hair was tied up in a bun, showing her pale face and the lines that time had left behind. Yet, her beauty still held a kind of magic. Tears started to form in her eyes, but she tried to hold them back, not wanting them to fall down her pale cheeks. A soft sigh escaped her lips. "Now that you''re eight months pregnant, you shouldn''t be stressing yourself out like this," her father advised as he sat down in a chair. Charlotte gently rubbed her swollen belly and sighed, leaning back, feeling the weight of her growing baby inside her. "I know, Dad," she replied, trying to sound calm despite the worry building up inside her. "But I¡¯m not going to leave you alone, and Gabriel knew about it anyway, so he didn¡¯t mind me staying here. And why would he have a problem with this?" Charlotte shrugged. Even though she was Gabriel Hernandez''s wife¡ªthe owner of the Hernandez empire¡ªshe was also the only heir of Lopez Food Company. While her business was smaller, her influence in the food industry was still significant. Charlotte made sure her father always knew this, and he never failed to tell her how proud he was of her. He sometimes sent her expensive gifts when she was away from home. "Even if he didn¡¯t mind, these twins still need their father. It''s important for them to see their parents first when they''re born," her father tried to persuade her. After hearing her father, Charlotte gently caressed her belly, feeling the tiny kicks of life inside her. She couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of pride and responsibility. These unborn twins weren¡¯t just any children; they were meant to be the future heirs of the Hernandez empire and Lopez Food Company. Charlotte imagined the day when their twins would take their first steps, their small feet leaving prints on the same ground their father had walked on. They would grow up under Gabriel¡¯s watchful eye, learning the values of their family¡ªunity, loyalty, and respect. With all this in mind, Charlotte decided to return to the Hernandez mansion. Outside, the rain poured heavily, tapping against the window. She realized that exactly one year ago, she had married Gabriel in the same kind of relentless downpour. "Stop, don¡¯t go out in this weather alone. The driver can take you home," her father said, clearly concerned. "I''ll be fine, don¡¯t worry, Dad," she said as she got into the car. The car started moving, and the raindrops began to trickle down the window, blurring her view of the familiar buildings and streets. But her mind was filled with memories of that rainy wedding day, and a soft smile spread across her lips. She remembered how happy they had been then, and she wished she could go back to that moment¡ªa feeling she knew she would never have again. She wrapped her coat tightly around her shoulders as she stepped out of the car, the rain pouring down around her. The grandeur of the Hernandez palace towered above her, its majesty filling her with a sense of awe. The sounds of the distant city streets echoed, creating a haunting yet captivating atmosphere throughout the place. As she entered the mansion, the scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, and the smooth, uneven floors seemed to invite her into a wave of nostalgia. In the corridor, she bumped into Liam Caddel, Gabriel¡¯s personal driver, and asked him where her husband was. It was an unusual hour, and Liam looked surprised to see her at that time. "Ma¡¯am, if you had wished to return earlier, you should have informed me. I would have come to fetch you personally," Liam said. But due to the unpredictable mood swings of her pregnancy, Charlotte found it difficult to stay focused and respond calmly. Instead, she ignored Liam''s words and asked, "Where can I find him?" "Gabriel has gone to the city for a meeting," their housekeeper, Ella, replied, likely overhearing the conversation. "Why is he having a meeting at this time?" Charlotte exclaimed, clearly surprised. It was unusual for Gabriel to leave for meetings in the evening, especially this late. Trying to mask her rising anxiety, she asked, "Do you know when he¡¯ll be back?" Her voice wavered slightly, betraying her concern. Ella hesitated for a moment before answering, "I don¡¯t know. He didn¡¯t say when the meeting would end. Usually, when he has these late meetings, he doesn¡¯t come home that night." "What do you mean ''he doesn¡¯t come home''? And what kind of meetings go on all night?" Charlotte asked, her voice rising slightly as she tried to get Liam to look up from his phone. But he just buried his head deeper into the screen. Charlotte quickly understood the meaning behind his reaction. "How long has this been going on?" she asked, her tone sharp. "For about a month now, ma''am," Ella replied. Curiosity and anxiety overwhelmed Charlotte as she asked, "What is the purpose of these meetings?" Her voice trembled slightly, and she could feel the need for answers rising within her. She couldn¡¯t wait any longer. Liam let out a deep sigh, slumping his shoulders. "Ma''am, we can¡¯t tell you. It¡¯s for your own protection." Charlotte felt a rush of disappointment and anxiety. Protection? What could happen to her protection? She had always felt safe and cared for within this family, living a normal life. But now, it seemed there was a hidden world she knew nothing about. Ella stepped forward, her face full of concern. "Madam, it was never our intention to keep this from you, but circumstances forced us to. We kept you in the dark for your own good." Charlotte¡¯s frustration exploded. "Shut up! You don¡¯t get to tell me what¡¯s right or wrong. I have every right to know what¡¯s going on and to be involved in whatever is happening." Without waiting for any more words, Charlotte turned and left on her own, not asking for anyone¡¯s opinion or approval. She didn¡¯t know the details of Gabriel¡¯s meetings, but she knew where he often went¡ªhis flat. In that moment, she forgot she was carrying two lives inside her as she hurried through the pouring rain. After an hour of travel, she found herself standing in front of a beautiful apartment, nervous and scared. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Charlotte took a deep breath, trying to clear her foggy mind as she stepped into the flat. She knew the digital lock well and quickly punched in the code, causing the door to click open. Once inside, she stood still for a moment, listening to the eerie silence that filled the space. The dark living room, void of any life, felt deafening against her racing thoughts. She glanced toward the half-open bedroom door, the room where she and Gabriel had once slept. Soft murmurs reached her ears, faint but clear at the same time. Dim light filtered through the slightly open door, casting a faint glow. She moved carefully, trying to stay quiet. As she peered through the narrow gap in the door, her eyes widened in shock. A cold disbelief swept over her as she watched the scene unfolding inside. There, in front of her, was her husband with another woman. The two of them laughed together, clinking their glasses in a moment of casual intimacy that felt like a cruel mockery of the love she had believed in. Charlotte¡¯s stomach twisted in disgust. A burning pain gnawed at her heart, as though she were somehow to blame for their connection. Fury consumed her, spreading through every fiber of her being. Her hands trembled uncontrollably as hot tears filled her eyes, blurring her vision. The room, once filled with love and security, now screamed betrayal. Anger surged through Charlotte, yet she couldn¡¯t tear her eyes away from the scene. The woman¡¯s laugh was sharp, mocking, an echo in Charlotte¡¯s ears that taunted her to the very core. Her mind burned with agonizing questions: How could Gabriel do this to me? How could the man I trusted with all my heart and soul cause me so much pain? She leaned in closer to the door, desperate to understand the nightmare unfolding in front of her. Their words cut through her like a knife, confirming her worst fears. ¡°Now I¡¯m really tired of her and feel trapped in this marriage, but I didn¡¯t know the way out,¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice was cold, matter-of-fact, as he held the woman¡¯s hand. ¡°Then just get rid of her,¡± the woman replied, her voice as cold and detached as she casually sipped from her glass. ¡°Get rid...?¡± ¡°Just like you planned to get rid of her parents,¡± the woman shrugged, nonchalantly. ¡°Not to mention you already killed her mother.¡± Charlotte¡¯s breath caught in her throat. ¡°But I can¡¯t kill her now¡­ I mean, she¡¯s pregnant with my twins,¡± Gabriel said, a genuine look of concern on his face. ¡°As if you wanted them¡­¡± the woman muttered, her tone mocking. ¡°Yeah, but I wanted Lopez Food Company shares. If I kill her now, we might lose those shares. So, we have to wait until next year,¡± Gabriel said as he poured another glass of wine for himself. ¡°Next year?¡± The woman¡¯s voice was sharp, her eyes boring into him. ¡°You want me to wait that long?¡± ¡°No, baby, I don¡¯t want you to wait,¡± Gabriel stood and walked toward her. ¡°But who will raise them?¡± He pulled her into his embrace and placed a quick peck on her lips. ¡°I don¡¯t want to burden you.¡± ¡°I can raise those kids, but close this chapter as soon as possible,¡± the woman growled. Charlotte, gathering the last of her courage, pushed the door open. The loud squeak of the hinges filled the quiet room. Her heart dropped as she saw the woman inside. Though she could barely make out her face, she recognized her immediately¡ªSarah. Seeing her best friend sitting there with her husband felt like a punch to the gut. The shocked expressions on their faces, and the gasp that escaped their lips, left both of them frozen, staring at Charlotte. Gabriel and Sarah¡¯s eyes shot toward her, wide with surprise and confusion. The betrayal hit Charlotte like a wave, leaving her speechless. The room spun around her, and her breath caught in her chest as she tried to make sense of what she had just seen. The way Sarah was sitting so close to Gabriel¡­ It was obvious. Charlotte didn¡¯t know when it had all started between them, but the way they acted now suggested it had been going on for much longer than she ever imagined. Sarah had been her best friend for years. They had shared everything¡ªfrom their childhood memories to their deepest secrets and dreams. But Charlotte never thought that of all people, Sarah would betray her like this. And with her husband. Tears filled Charlotte''s eyes as she struggled to find her voice. Her emotions swirled inside her, a mix of anger, disbelief, and searing pain. "How could you?" she whispered, her voice trembling, the hurt and fury spilling out in broken words. Her mind raced back to all the times Gabriel had praised Sarah¡ªcomplimenting her intelligence, her beauty, at various gatherings. Charlotte had always believed it was just admiration, nothing more. She never suspected it was something deeper. The realization hit her like a lightning strike, shockwaves of emotion coursing through her body. How blind she had been! The signs were so clear, right in front of her, but she had refused to see them. The late-night conversations in hushed tones, the furtive glances exchanged when they thought no one was looking¡ªit all came into sharp focus in that moment. Charlotte was stunned by how unaware she had been. Her vision blurred, and the only sound she could hear was a static hum. Dizziness swept over her, and she felt her knees buckle beneath her. She barely registered the arms that caught her before the ground slammed into her face. The next thing she knew, she was waking up in a hospital room, disoriented. As she blinked her eyes open, her gaze landed on a distressing sight: her only son, lying beside her bed. Charlotte¡¯s heart raced, fear coursing through her veins as she felt a lump rise in her throat, choking her thoughts. She yanked the IV line out of her hand and rushed to the pram where her son lay sleeping, but her other son¡ªwhere was he? Panic gripped her mind as she imagined the worst possible scenario: Had someone taken him? Had the kidnapper moved him somewhere else? Was he safe? Her hands trembled as she reached for the bed to steady herself, trying to stand. Her feet felt uncoordinated, as if the ground beneath her was giving way. Gabriel... it had to be him. How could he? How dare he? Her gaze wandered to the door, and the distant sounds from outside the hospital echoed in her ears, reminding her how alone she felt. Then, a gentle knock at the door broke her thoughts. She turned toward it, her heart pounding with the desperate hope that someone had news of her son. To her surprise, a nurse entered with a warm smile on her face, though there was a look of concern as she noticed Charlotte standing near the pram. "Do you feel all right, Mrs. Hernandez?" she asked gently. Charlotte inhaled sharply before asking urgently, "Where¡¯s my second son? His twin... is he fine?" The nurse¡¯s smile deepened, and her reassuring words brought a wave of relief. "He is, ma¡¯am. He¡¯s perfectly fine. He¡¯s with your family. Your father is taking good care of him." A heavy sigh of relief escaped Charlotte as she sank back into the bed, feeling the weight lift off her chest. The nurse finished her tasks and quietly left the room. For a moment, Charlotte was alone again, lost in thought, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions she had just experienced. Then, a voice broke her from her thoughts. Charlotte froze, her heart racing as the words reached her ears. "Now, what should we do to this Charlotte?" Sarah¡¯s whisper, barely audible through the closed door, sent a chill through her body. Gabriel¡¯s voice followed, laced with deep anguish. "What should we do? Just increase her medication dosage." Charlotte¡¯s entire body tensed as she strained to hear the rest of their conversation about her. ¡°And what about that second child?¡± Sarah¡¯s question made Charlotte¡¯s blood run cold. She immediately moved toward the bed where her son lay, her mind racing with fear and dread. ¡°How much harm could a dead child do?¡± Gabriel¡¯s words sliced through the air, chilling her to the bone. Charlotte felt a wave of nausea as his cold, heartless remark sank into her consciousness. The room felt suffocating, each breath growing more difficult to take. The weight of what Gabriel had just said pressed heavily on her chest, leaving her gasping for air. But then, the distant sound of thunderous applause jerked her away from her suffocating thoughts. The painful reality of what she had just overheard faded into the background as her mind shifted to another moment, one filled with hope and promise. She saw Ethan, standing on stage, confidently addressing the press. His voice was strong as he spoke of her. ¡°The president of this company¡ªMs. Charlotte Lopez,¡± he smiled warmly at her from the podium. ¡°She is not only my mother but also a very intelligent woman who started Lopez Food Company with my grandfather single-handedly. Throughout her life, she has been an epitome of strength and independence, and she greatly admires me. And now it is time for me to take the mantle of the successor of our family business.¡± Charlotte watched as her son spoke, the pride in his eyes a sharp contrast to the darkness she had just heard from Gabriel. It was a bittersweet moment¡ªa reminder of the strength she had built, the legacy she had created, and the bright future she had hoped for her children. But that future was now shrouded in uncertainty.