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Every headline featured Vincent carrying Lily Ann into the hospital.
Fifteen years of a fairy-tale marriage turned into a sick joke.
The envy I once inspired now sharpened into cruel barbs aimed at the “Queen of the Underground.”
The world whispered I was out of favor,the Gambling King would ditch his old wife for his shiny new toy.
A new friend request popped up. Lily Ann.
Her profile showed two clasped hands. One unmistakably Vincent’s.
I accepted. A photo slammed into the chat instantly.
Vincent Shaw, was on one knee, his head gently pressed against the woman's slightly rounded belly.
Serena, hate to disappoint you, but my baby’s just fine!
Guess I should thank you. Vincent’s been staying with me non-stop, scared you’ll try something.
Won’t even go home when I tell him to!
“You wouldn’t believe how protective he is. But then, you wouldn’t know, would you? Since you can’t have kids!”
“Serena, you’re a barren bitch! And I will drag you off that throne.”
I actually laughed out loud.
Sweetheart, the Queen’s spot isn’t something you hatch your way into.
Lily Ann seemed determined to prove Vincent’s devotion. She bombarded me with photos every morning.
The way Vincent Shaw gazed at Lily’s belly was practically religious.
Kyle’s expression darkened as he saw the photos.
“Miss, should I go teach her a lesson? I'll make sure any... complications are taken care of.”
The front doors crashed open. Vincent stormed in, flanked by his crew. His men started trashing the place.
Vincent’s face was thunderous.
“Serena! I let you off last time! Now you dare poison Lily?”
“You can’t have kids, so no one else can? Is that it? If we hadn’t caught it in time… the baby…” His voice choked.
I stared at him, disbelief freezing me.
Years ago, Vincent’s rivals had broken into our home for revenge while he was away.
By the time he got there… they’d sliced me open. My tiny embryo dumped on the floor like trash.
Three months in ICU. I survived. Barely.
But I’d lost any chance of ever being a mother.
And now… he said I couldn’t have kids?
Kyle stepped in front of me, glaring at Vincent. “Vincent Shaw! You’ve crossed a line!”
“What are you? A dog barking at its master?” Vincent snarled.
Thud! Kyle gasped, clutching his thigh as he crumpled to the floor.
I raised an eyebrow, leaned back on the sofa, and laughed.
I snatched the knife from Vincent’s hand and plunged it deep into his shoulder, twisting hard.
“Poison? You insult me, Vincent.”
“Serena doesn’t get blamed for things she didn’t do. You say it was me? Fine. Let me remind you what my style really looks like.”
For the first time, panic flickered across Vincent’s usually controlled face.
He reached for his phone. It rang before he could dial.
“Boss! It's bad! A group just stormed the hospital and took Lily!”
Vincent whirled around, staring at me in disbelief.
I smiled sweetly. “I told you. I don't accept false accusations.”
The doors burst open. Lily Ann, was dragged in and thrown at my feet.
Vincent whipped out a gun, pressing it hard against my forehead.
“Serena… don’t… push me.”
He was the one holding the gun, but his eyes were red-rimmed.
I gave him a mocking smile. “Vincent Shaw. Shoot me now. Or get ready to bury your bastard.”
Vincent’s hand trembled. His eyes were bloodshot, veins bulging on his forehead.
“Serena… I warned you… don’t push me.”
