Her expression was soft, but her eyes were sharp and maliciously cold.
“Well… it makes sense. Jessica’s always been jealous of how much you care for Derrick and me. She’s always tried to sabotage things.
“And today is such an important day for us… I wouldn’t be surprised if she was just pulling the same tricks again.”
Bethany sighed and added, “Poor Mrs. Larson though… She’s not young anymore, yet she’s still being used like this.”
Her words sent a chill through Henry’s expression.
His gaze turned cold and detached, like he was looking at a stranger.
“Mom, how could you go along with everything Jessica says? How could you show up in this filthy state, trying to act pitiful?
“There are reporters everywhere. Do you have any idea how humiliating this is?
“Drop the act already. Get up!”
Margaret’s heart shattered. She reached for Henry’s pants, but the pain was unbearable. She could no longer force out a single word—only blood dripped from her lips.
Seeing this, Henry let out a cold laugh and impatiently pulled his foot back.
“You even used ketchup to fake blood? Mom, this is getting ridiculous.”
With that, he kicked her aside. Her body hit the ground hard, and her forehead slammed into a nearby rock.
She wanted to tell Henry how much it hurt. She wanted to say something—anything. But she didn’t even have the strength to open her mouth.
When Margaret didn’t move, Henry stepped closer and reached down to pull her up—
Then, a sudden ringtone shattered the moment.
“Hello, is this Mr. Larson? Your wife, Jessica Bennett, and your mother, Margaret Chapman, were taken hostage earlier today for ransom.
“Your wife was killed on the spot, and your mother’s whereabouts are currently unknown. We need you to come in for an investigation right now.”
Henry’s heart skipped a beat.
His gaze snapped back down just in time to see Margaret cough up another mouthful of blood.
Her lifeless eyes stared into the void. Her trembling fingers instinctively reached for him as he crouched down.
Her torn lips moved so she could sum up a whisper. “Henry… save Jess…”
Henry squatted down, and a wave crashed over them, soaking his clothes—and his heart. Without hesitation, Henry scooped Margaret into his arms.
His voice broke, raw with anguish. “What is going on?”
