Chapter 2 Slapping Her Sister

A sudden chill rooted Brody to the spot. Had five years truly transformed Nicole into someone daring enough to defy him openly? Rage surged through his veins, causing his raised hand to shudder violently.

Eyes glittering sharply, Nicole's voice was deceptively calm. "Think again. Are you sure you can handle the consequences?"

"Oh, so you think threatening me is a good idea? Let's see how you like it when I knock some sense into that head of yours!" Brody roared, hand swinging menacingly.

"Dad, stop!" Marissa shrieked desperately, rushing forward in a panic.

Stunned by her plea, Brody's hand wavered uncertainly in mid-air.

Grabbing his sleeve, Marissa pleaded in a voice rushing out in panic, "Dad, please, don't hit Nicole!"

Though unsure why, Marissa sensed something different in Nicole-this time, the threat was genuine.

If Nicole refused the arranged marriage, Marissa realized she'd be forced into it instead. She couldn't bear the thought of marrying that sickly, monstrous man from the Moore family. Death seemed preferable to such a fate.

Fingers curling into a tight fist, veins throbbing visibly, Brody finally lowered his hand, spitting words angrily. "You insolent girl! What exactly do you want?!"

Ignoring his outburst, Nicole reclined casually, swaying her leg with ease. Though her posture stayed relaxed, it carried a quiet authority. Her gaze turned cold. "Give me back my shares."

Seeing Nicole's confident demeanor, Cathy felt a sudden stab of fear. What on earth had happened to transform this once pitiful girl into someone so intimidating?

Noticing Marissa near tears, Cathy's heart tightened, prompting her to step forward protectively. "Four years ago, after the company went public, I signed your shares over to your sister. You've had plenty of time to reflect on your mistakes. Yet the moment you're out of that hospital, you start causing trouble? Do you have no shame at all?"

A mocking smile curved Nicole's lips, her voice heavy with sarcasm. "And what reason do I have to give up what's mine?"

Cathy's voice shot up as she snapped, "She's your sister, that's why!"

"If you adore her so much, why don't you marry her off to that noble Moore family instead?"

"You-"

Nicole interrupted swiftly, her voice sharp as ice. "I'll ask only once more. Will you return my shares, yes or no?"

Nicole's fierce tone caught Cathy off guard, leaving her speechless for a moment.

Despite decades of experience in the business world, Brody was also caught off guard and left at a loss for a moment.

Biting her lip anxiously, Marissa jumped to defend her parents. "Nicole, they're your mom and dad. I'm your sister. Why must you act like we're enemies?"

Nicole's gaze slowly shifted toward Marissa as she rose purposefully, stepping forward and towering above her sister with an intimidating presence. "So now you're the one telling me how I should act?"

Marissa faltered, speechless. Five years ago, Nicole wouldn't have dared oppose her.

"I-I was just trying to-"

Without warning, Nicole's hand shot out, delivering a stinging slap that silenced Marissa immediately.

Eyes wide with shock, Marissa clutched her face in disbelief. "Did you just hit me?!"

With a subtle narrowing of her gaze, Nicole's mouth curled into a mocking smile. "So what?"

Instantly, Marissa burst into tears.

Rushing forward, Cathy wrapped her arms protectively around Marissa, whispering comfort. Today, it was painfully clear that Nicole was determined to get her way.

Brody glared, his expression thunderous, fingers twitching violently as if considering another attack. Yet Nicole stood undaunted. She said coldly, "Return my shares immediately, and I'll disappear quietly. Keep stalling, and perhaps the Moore family will find out your little game sooner rather than later."

Brody nearly exploded but, for Marissa's sake, swallowed his pride, forcing his anger down like bitter medicine..

Eventually, Brody gave in and said, "Fine! I'll return your shares. But you're heading straight to the Moores, no more delays!"

With visible reluctance, he pulled out his phone, accessed the company accounts, and began the transfer of Nicole's ten percent stake.

Not long after, Nicole's phone buzzed softly, signaling Brody's confirmation that her shares would fully revert to her within three to five working days.

A satisfied smile appeared at Nicole's lips. "Now, was that so hard?"

Rather than immediately taking her leave, Nicole shifted her gaze toward Marissa, dark eyes glittering mysteriously as she asked, "Marissa, think carefully. What else do you still owe me?"

"What are you talking about?" Marissa asked.

Nicole's voice turned colder, sharper. "Five years ago-remember clearly. How exactly did I end up in bed with that man?"

Marissa's blood turned cold as panic set in. Nicole was clearly accusing her, yet had no evidence. Clenching her jaw fiercely, Marissa swore silently she'd make Nicole pay for this slap!

Avoiding Nicole's piercing eyes, Marissa said defensively, "Wasn't it your own reckless lifestyle that landed you in trouble? Don't pin your mess on me!"

Nicole's face remained expressionless. With a faintly raised eyebrow, she replied evenly, "No hurry. I'll give you exactly two days to refresh your memory."

Marissa trembled involuntarily, unable to hold Nicole's unwavering gaze. Those five years must have dragged Nicole through something horrible to leave her this fierce and unshakable.

Casting a final meaningful glance at Brody and Cathy, Nicole turned gracefully and walked out.

Seated in her car moments later, Nicole glanced again at the confirmation message. Rather than satisfaction, a profound chill deepened inside her heart.

For Marissa's happiness, they were willing to sacrifice anything. Back then, if anyone had cared for her the way they did for Marissa now, her child might still be alive.

Her bitter reverie was abruptly interrupted by her phone's shrill ringing. Checking the caller ID quickly, Nicole answered curtly, bringing the phone close to her ear. "What is it?"

"You've finally resurfaced. A little ahead of schedule."

Nicole's response was cold and direct. "Cut the chatter. Get to the point."

"Just as you planned, everything at the mental hospital is perfectly under control. Those five years were fruitful. The latest batch of orders is already secured."

This didn't surprise Nicole. Calmly, she instructed, "Go straight to the bank and retrieve my belongings from the safety deposit box."

Inside that box rested an emerald thumb ring, given to her by the mysterious man five years ago. It was her solitary lead to finding him, and she would hold onto it at all costs.

Nicole abruptly ended the call and shut her eyes in contemplation.

Suddenly, the car lurched violently to a stop, jolting her forward despite the traffic light glowing green ahead.