He Faked His Death to Test My Mother Chapter 09

He Faked His Death to Test My Mother Chapter 09

Vanessa still had no idea she’d been exposed.

When she saw Nathan come home, she rushed up to him, her eyes red.

“Nathan, Mackenzie just told me—before the SAT, Elena went to her and threatened her. Said if Mackenzie did well, she’d throw both of us out. That’s why Mackenzie bombed.”

“I know Elena just lost her mom, so I feel bad for her. I don’t blame her.”

She tried to grab his hand, testing the waters.

“Couldn’t you just give Harvard a hundred million and get Mackenzie in? You know, to make up for it?”

Nathan looked at her. Then he smiled.

“Sure. No problem.”

Vanessa’s eyes lit up. Her voice went up an octave. “I knew you loved us best. I’ll go tell Mackenzie to pack right now.”

“Mackenzie’s been spoiled her whole life. She’s never had to struggle. There’s no way she’s living in a dorm. Let’s look at houses near campus first—buy one in her name.”

“No need to buy anything. She’s already got a place lined up.”

Nathan stared at her, his eyes frozen solid. No warmth at all.

“Street hookers don’t need houses. One phone call and you two show up at their door.”

Vanessa’s smile locked in place. “Nathan, what are you talking about? That’s not funny—”

Before she could finish, he stepped forward and choked her.

He lifted her right off the ground. She stood on her tiptoes but couldn’t reach the floor. Her face went red fast.

“Stop pretending. Stop treating me like an idiot. I know everything you did.”

Vanessa clawed at his hands, scratching her own neck bloody.

“Nathan, it’s not like that. Let me explain.”

Her voice came out in gasps. “I just love you too much. I couldn’t leave you. But I’m only adopted. I was terrified one day you’d kick me out for Clara. That’s why I did those horrible things.”

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I’ll be good to Elena from now on. I’ll treat her like my own daughter—even better than Mackenzie. Please, Nathan, let me go.”

She was crying, snot and tears everywhere.

But Nathan didn’t let go. His eyes were cold as if he was looking at a corpse.

“No.”

“Elena has her own mother. She doesn’t need you to treat her like a daughter. Besides—you don’t deserve to.”

When she started choking and her eyes rolled back, he finally flung her to the ground.

“I’m not letting you die that easy.”

“You wanted to go to Harvard so bad? I’ll send you there right now.”

“Everything Clara went through—you and your daughter will pay ten times. A hundred times.”

“Get them out.”

After that, Vanessa called back many times.

I answered once.

The line was a mess. People screaming obscenities.

Vanessa crying. Mackenzie begging. Shouting.

“Nathan, we’re dying here. We can’t last another day. Please come save us!”

“I’m so sorry. Please—” Her voice was shredded.

I listened quietly. Then I hung up.

And I didn’t tell Nathan about it.

I don’t know anything about business. But Dad wanted to make it up to me, so he transferred all his shares to me.

Every weekend, he shows up at my school and waits.

Sometimes to say a few words. Sometimes just to see my face.

I act like he doesn’t exist.

He stands there for a while. Then he leaves.

But his back gets more hunched every time.

After I graduated, Dad started living at Mom’s grave.

He cleans it every day. Talks to her. Tells her about me. Brags about how amazing I am. Tells her not to worry.

Then he can’t stop crying.

“Clara, I’m sorry. I messed up.”

Over and over.

But no one answers.

His assistant begged me so many times to go see him. To spend time with him. I always said no.

The person who loved him most is already dead.

From now on, I live for myself.

I’m never looking back.