His uncle's obsession

"Please... spare my dad, don't..."

In the hospital room, the precise machines beeped rhythmically. A man's hand reached for the ventilator's button, ready to pull it out.

"Hyland Riley, you can do whatever you want to me, but don't hurt my dad! For years, my dad trusted and relied on you. Do you even have a conscience?"

Ultimately, the oxygen tube was pulled out, and she could only watch helplessly as the heart monitor went from double digits to a flat line.

"No..."

Tears flowed uncontrollably as she screamed in despair, unable to move.

Suddenly, Hyland turned around, his face twisted with a crazed smile, holding a short knife as he approached her step by step. "The old man is out of the way, now it's your turn, my dear wife..."

The glint of the blade sent shivers down Crystal Foster's spine, as if she had fallen into a bottomless pit.

"Stay back! Get away! Go away!"

She had to survive, she must survive...

But that terrifying face came closer and closer, and she could almost see the red lines crisscrossing in his eyes."Mommy, mommy, what's wrong, mommy?"

A soft, childlike voice echoed in her ears, accompanied by tiny hands gently shaking her arm.

Crystal suddenly opened her eyes, flailing her hands wildly, "Don't touch me! Get away!"

"Thud."

A dull sound echoed, and the world fell silent.

Cold sweat soaked through Crystal Foster's beige silk pajamas as she gasped for air, feeling as if invisible hands had been gripping her throat for what seemed like an eternity.

Where was she?

Once she shook off the nightmare and looked around, she realized she was in a spacious, bright bedroom, designed in a sunken style, roughly a thousand square feet.

In front of the large floor-to-ceiling windows, lace-trimmed blackout curtains fluttered gently in the breeze.

"Mommy, Otto is sorry. Otto won't do it again. Please don't be mad, Mommy."

It was the voice from earlier.

Crystal turned toward the sound and saw a child crouched in the corner of a single chair.

The child looked about three years old, with a bowl-cut hairstyle, a pale little face, and eyes like black gems covered in a light mist, looking pitiful."Mommy? Why are you calling me Mommy?"

She was only 23 and had never had a child, let alone a three-year-old!

The little one looked up in surprise, furrowing brows that resembled fuzzy caterpillars, and gently placed a soft, tiny hand on her head, cautiously asking, "Mommy, is your illness not better yet?"

What illness?

Crystal was puzzled when suddenly the door was kicked open from the outside. Two men in black rushed in and, without a word, snatched the child from her arms.

"Let me go! Otto wants to be with Mommy! Otto wants to be with Mommy... together!" The little boy kicked and punched in the arms of the man in black, every fiber of his being resisting.

Crystal Foster felt the emptiness in her arms and tried to get up, but a sharp pain pierced her head. She gasped and instinctively clutched her head.

"Otto."

The deep male voice was rich and commanding, making the air in the room feel thin and heavy.

Crystal, dazed and confused, looked up to see a tall, sharply dressed figure. His face was pale and indistinct.

What was happening?

She clenched her fists and knocked on her head, trying to clear her mind. To the men in black, it was a warning sign. "Quick, the Madam is having an episode! Restrain her!"

In a fog, Crystal was dragged back to the bed, her hands and feet bound as if shackled. The hysterical cries of the child echoed in her ears, "Let go of Mommy! Let go! You're all bad people!"

Mommy? Madam?

The unfamiliar titles painted vivid pictures in her mind, scenes that didn't belong to her but to another woman-Sylvia Byrne, Mrs. Riley, Martin Riley's wife...

A woman who had schemed her way into Martin Riley's life, forcing a marriage, and had become mad with unrequited love, suffering from severe bipolar disorder...

How could this be?

Crystal Foster stood frozen in disbelief, replaying memories in her mind.

Could it be that she was already dead?

She had met Martin Riley before; he was Hyland Riley's uncle. And now, she had somehow become Hyland Riley's aunt?!

People came and went in the room, and before long, a doctor in a white coat appeared.

The flashlight made Crystal Foster's pupils contract sharply, and the cold instrument prying her mouth open made her gag.

"Mr. Riley, ma'am..." The doctor hesitated respectfully. Compared to before, Sylvia Byrne's condition seemed much better. She wasn't screaming or resisting the examination, unlike during her manic episodes.

"I'm not crazy," Sylvia said, her eyes clear and calm, her voice steady.

Her long, slightly curly black hair clung to her cheeks, beads of sweat on her pores. Her flawless face was strikingly beautiful, like a delicate sculpture in the morning mist.

The man watched coldly from a distance, his eyes sharp and dark, not caring whether Sylvia was ill or not. His gaze shifted to Otto, who was tearful. "Who let you into this room? And you even locked the door? Hmm?"

Otto's small frame trembled, and he lowered his head as if he had done something wrong, mumbling, "Otto wanted Mommy."

"Want?" The man's brow furrowed, and a chill spread around him. "Haven't you had enough of her hitting you?"

Otto bit his lip and fell silent. He had been hit several times, and the worst was when Sylvia had injured the back of his head, requiring many stitches. But all the other kids had moms, and Otto wanted a mom too.

Today, Mommy was different. She was gentle and even gave hugs...

The man couldn't see the expression on the child's face, only noticing the large, glistening tears falling and landing on the bodyguard's hand, dissolving like raindrops.

He relaxed his brow and personally picked up the small Otto, who seemed even tinier in his arms.

"You're not allowed to be alone with her again," Martin Riley commanded in a tone that left no room for argument. As he walked out the door, he gave Crystal Foster nothing but a cold shoulder. "Sign the divorce papers as soon as possible." Anyone who could harm such an adorable child, like the original Sylvia Byrne, deserved no mercy!

If heaven couldn't tolerate her, then let it take her away.

The family doctor watched Martin leave, flicked the syringe, and prepared to inject Crystal Foster's arm.

Even though she wasn't sick now, Mrs. Riley's medical history was undeniable, so medication was the first step.

"I'm telling you again, I'm not sick," Crystal said coldly, staring at the doctor. "Let go of me. Detaining me without cause is illegal. Let's see who ends up in jail or court first."

The doctor's hand trembled, unsure whether to proceed with the injection.

Crystal wasn't in a hurry. She closed her eyes, pretending to rest, but beneath her calm exterior, her heart was a storm of emotions.

Although they were both part of the Riley Family, Martin Riley, as Hyland Riley's uncle, had long severed ties with the family. He built DreamSource Group from scratch, which now dominates hundreds of industries.

Compared to Hyland, this uncle surpassed him in every way-height, looks, and wealth.

Her father was gone, and the Foster family's pharmaceutical business had fallen into Hyland's clutches. She was determined to settle this score, even if it meant going through fire and water. And using the identity of Sylvia Byrne was the perfect way to do it!

The family doctor eventually decided that there was no need for sedatives. He packed up his things, removed the restraints, and allowed Sylvia to move freely.

Although she wasn't confined to the bed anymore, she still couldn't leave the room. Crystal Foster sat up and casually picked up the photo album from the bedside table. The person in the album was the original owner.

It was an artistic photo, dressed as a French lady, with luscious red lips and seductive eyes gazing at the camera. At first glance, it seemed quite elegant, but there was an undeniable hint of worldliness.

"Knock, knock, knock."

Just then, there was a knock at the door, followed by the soft sound of a key turning in the lock."Ma'am," Henry, the assistant, walked in holding a document folder. He placed it on the coffee table. "This is the divorce agreement. Mr. Riley asks that you review it and sign it as soon as possible."

Crystal Foster glanced at it briefly, turning her back to Henry. "I'm tired. Just leave it there for now."

Divorce? No way. How else would she get close to that jerk Hyland Riley?

Henry didn't say more and reminded her as he left, "Ma'am, Mr. Riley has given you two weeks. After that, he'll proceed with the lawsuit."

It seemed Sylvia Byrne meant nothing to Martin Riley anymore. He had reached his limit of tolerance.

Crystal didn't respond, but she heard a commotion downstairs. "I said I don't want to see him! Grandpa, stop dragging me! What kind of uncle is he? I don't have an uncle like that!"

It was Hyland Riley!

Crystal suddenly felt cold all over. That voice was too familiar. It once whispered sweet nothings to her, then mocked her, and finally, it was the voice that led to her downfall.

Henry was about to close the door when Crystal abruptly sat up. "Wait."

Henry turned to see Sylvia Byrne's expressionless face, her eyes filled with determination. She spoke clearly, "Give me my freedom. In two weeks, I'll sign the divorce agreement."

After reaching an agreement with Henry, Crystal Foster was finally able to leave her bedroom.

Standing at the second-floor railing, she could see the entire spacious living room below.

In the living room, an elderly man was dragging a younger man through the door, scolding him as they walked. "Everything's been cleared up, so what's there to be upset about? You were so dramatic back then, leaving the family. Now you need investment, so why not say something nice to your uncle?"

The elderly man, with his white hair and beard, leaning on a cane and moving slowly, was none other than the patriarch of the Riley Family.

The Riley Family was once a prestigious name in Lotus City. Though they had declined, they still managed to produce talents like Martin Riley. As for Hyland Riley, he was the typical opportunist!

He would do anything for fame and fortune!

"Grandpa, I told you I can handle it. Who does Martin Riley think he is? Just because he has some money? Give me ten years, and he won't even be worthy to shine my shoes!" Hyland boasted arrogantly, full of disdain at the mention of his uncle.

It's a wonder he had the nerve to say such things!

He probably already had control over the Foster family pharmaceuticals, likely through underhanded means!

Crystal knew she needed to investigate the evidence of murder herself. Until then, she wouldn't be satisfied unless she made Hyland pay dearly.

Crystal Foster took a deep breath, suppressing the hatred in her heart, and slowly descended the stairs. "If my dear nephew is so impressive, why bother stepping through this door?"

She emphasized the words "dear nephew," relishing the feeling of asserting her seniority.

Hyland Riley looked up to see a woman with a captivating figure. Even in her simple white loungewear, her casually tousled wavy black hair exuded an alluring charm.

"Tch, who do we have here? Just a public bus trying to criticize me?" Hyland sneered, his disdain growing.

Everyone in Lotus City knew that Martin Riley's wife was once infamous for being a gold digger, attending various parties to snag wealthy men. She set her sights on Martin, and with a baby on the way, she successfully married into the Riley Family.

Crystal, unfazed by the original owner's notorious reputation, gracefully walked down the stairs and sat on the couch. She casually draped her hand over the armrest and glanced at Hyland with indifference. "At least I was properly married to my husband, unlike some who married into the family."

The term "married into the family" was a sore spot for Hyland Riley."You nasty woman, keep talking nonsense and I'll tear your mouth apart!" Hyland Riley's face twisted with anger, his once handsome features now contorted into something grotesque.

Crystal Foster smiled, sipping her rich coffee. "I'm still your aunt, after all. Aren't you afraid of being laughed at for acting so aggressively?"

Mr. Harrington tried to hold Hyland back, but it was too late. Hyland took two quick strides forward, raising his hand to slap Crystal.

"What's going on here?"

A deep voice questioned from upstairs, causing Hyland's hand to freeze mid-air. Crystal's eyes narrowed slightly. In a split second decision, she splashed her coffee all over herself.

The unexpected move caught Hyland off guard. Coffee dripped from Crystal's chin, flowing down her neck and soaking her collarbone. Her silk nightgown was now stained.

"How could you be so reckless?" Crystal stood up abruptly, pointing at Hyland with a trembling finger, both angry and upset.

Hyland didn't expect to be outmaneuvered by her. He rubbed his thumb across his lips, a playful smirk appearing. "You think I'm scared to play your game?"

"Do you think this is a place for your nonsense?" A man descended the stairs, his face stern and displeased. His perfectly pressed suit showed not a single wrinkle, and he rolled up his sleeves with a practiced, mature ease.Hyland Riley let out a cold snort and retreated behind Mr. Harrington.

Mr. Harrington shot Hyland a fierce glare before turning to Martin Riley. Clearing his throat, he said, "Martin, the cause of the boss's death has been clarified. It was an accidental fire, nothing to do with you. Hyland is here today to apologize."

Years ago, the Riley Family suffered a fire, and Martin was the sole survivor. At that time, Martin became the target of blame, with Hyland accusing him of setting the fire that killed his own parents.

Since then, Martin had left the Riley Family, and it had been ten years.

With narrowed eyes, Martin walked into the living room, casting a cold glance at Sylvia Byrne.

With just one look, he withdrew his gaze and scoffed, "Is this his way of apologizing?"

Crystal Foster's eyes brightened slightly. From Martin's tone, it seemed he was displeased with Hyland.

Since things weren't going well, she decided to go along with it and leaned into Martin Riley, affectionately wrapping her arm around his. With a pitiful frown, she said, "Honey, he's bullying me!"

Her soft body pressed against him, and Martin was momentarily taken aback, catching a whiff of her subtle fragrance.

It was faint but unmistakable.What on earth is this woman up to?