Chapter 2
762words
Under the pretext of "visiting her sister," she arrived in an eye-catching Chanel suit with flawless makeup—dressed more for a fashion show than a hospital visit.
The moment she entered, she linked arms with me affectionately, putting on an Oscar-worthy performance.
"Zoe, darling, are you settling in well? The Hawkins family isn't being too harsh on you, are they?"
Before I could answer, a young maid rushed to respond: "Miss Pamela, rest assured, we're all taking excellent care of the young mistress."
This maid, Lily, was the spy Pamela had planted to watch me.
Pamela smiled with satisfaction, her gaze dropping to my simple loungewear, contempt flashing briefly in her eyes.
"Zoe, why on earth are you dressed so... basic? The Hawkins family isn't exactly hurting for cash. You're my sister—Pamela Gray's sister—you can't embarrass our family like this."
As she spoke, she thrust an elegantly wrapped shopping bag into my hands.
"Here, I picked this dress out for you. It's the latest trend. Go try it on—now."
I opened it to find a garishly colored, revealing spaghetti-strap dress.
"Sister, I've only just married into the family. I should probably dress more conservatively," I declined politely.
Pamela's face darkened instantly. She yanked me into a corner and hissed under her breath.
"Zoe, quit the innocent act! You'll wear what I damn well tell you to wear! Think you're really Mrs. Hawkins now? Don't forget, the Hawkins family wanted ME! You're just a stand-in! Your life will only be bearable if you keep me happy and I put in a good word with the old man!"
Looking at her imperious manner, I sneered inwardly while maintaining my timid facade.
"Sister, that's not what I meant..."
Just then, Franklin's voice came from the doorway: "Mrs. Hawkins, the master requests your presence."
Pamela's expression flipped like a switch, returning to her sweet, pleasant mask. She patted my hand. "Run along then. Grandfather surely has something wonderful to give you."
She was convinced Old Mr. Hawkins had summoned me to pass along gifts meant for her.
I followed Franklin toward the study. As we rounded a corner, I casually dropped a question.
"Franklin, that fire ten years ago—it happened in autumn, didn't it?"
Franklin's footsteps faltered as he turned to me with surprise. "Yes, how did madam know that?"
I smiled. "My sister mentioned it in passing. She said the wind was fierce that day, which made the fire spread unusually fast."
Franklin's gaze grew more penetrating. He nodded without further comment.
Yet in Pamela's version, the fire had happened on a stifling summer day.
Old Mr. Hawkins had summoned me to present me with a black credit card.
"This is a supplementary card from the Hawkins family account. No spending limit. Buy whatever you want—don't hold back."
His tone was flat, as though he were merely completing an obligation.
I knew this money was meant for "Pamela Gray"—his grandson's supposed savior.
I didn't refuse, accepting it with grace. "Thank you, Grandfather."
Pamela was waiting anxiously in the living room. Seeing me emerge, she rushed forward, asking eagerly, "What did Grandfather say to you?"
I held up the black card.
Her eyes lit up as she snatched it away, greed written plainly across her face. "I knew Grandpa loves me best! Zoe, I'll hold onto this for now—let me keep it safe for you."
I looked at her and nodded obediently. "Of course."
She left satisfied, but not before warning me to report every detail about the Hawkins family to her.
Lily trailed behind her, throwing me a contemptuous glance.
That evening, I sat beside Ethan's bed as usual.
I pulled out my phone, opened the banking app, and checked the recent transactions on that black card—the recipient was a high-end luxury boutique.
"See what kind of person my sister is?" I said softly to Ethan. "She takes your money to buy gifts for her boyfriend. Today, she dropped two million on a Patek Philippe watch for Leo Lambert."
As I spoke, I gently wiped his fingers with a warm, damp cloth.
"She even ordered me to spy on your family. Says when you die, she'll swoop back in to claim your inheritance."
"Ethan Hawkins, if you don't wake up soon, vultures will pick your family clean."
Just as I withdrew my hand, I felt his finger catch mine—ever so slightly.
The movement was so faint, so fleeting.
I jerked my head up, staring at his sleeping face as my heart suddenly raced.
