Even after Her Death by Rita Bond

Greg gripped the knife, his hand shaking uncontrollably. "Chloe, don't hold it against me. I admit we wronged you all these years and misunderstood you. But can you truly claim to be blameless? Why didn't you tell us the truth after you were reborn? You let Ethan and Jake die for nothing. I know you're taking revenge for the way we mistreated you. To show up so calmly at the Carlyn Residence, you must be working with them, right? If that's the case, then Ethan's death is on you!"

With those words, he thrust the dagger toward my chest.

Alright, so be it.

I had braced myself before coming here. If Dominic wanted to watch us tear each other apart, then I would strike back-for Whitney's sake.

So, he shared the same intent, leaving me with no reason to feel remorse.

I seized his wrist and drove my knee into his stomach. He was too weak to resist, and I effortlessly disarmed him.

Though my self-defense training was minimal, it was more than sufficient to handle someone like Greg, whose life had been riddled with indulgence.

At the Sanders, only Ethan and Jake showed any sign of growth. One was steadfast in maintaining the family business, while the other aspired to expand abroad.

Greg, on the other hand, was nothing more than a burden, draining the family's wealth on food, alcohol, motorbikes, antiques, and women.

Given his frail body and jittery state, he stood no chance against me.

As I kicked him to the ground, Kate crawled over to his side.

"Chloe, let him go! Even if he's useless, he's still your brother!"

This moment feels all too familiar-they show no remorse, yet in their eyes, I've returned as a vengeful spirit. To them, the downfall of the Sanders is entirely my doing.

How absurd. Whether Wisteria exists or not, they've always seen me as an adversary.

"Brother... "I chuckled softly.

Kate only noticed me pushing Greg to the ground, conveniently ignoring the fact that he had just tried to kill me.

Or perhaps, in their minds, I'm still the same submissive Chloe, endlessly patient, incapable of sorrow, and willing to endure their very slight.

Right now, I can't help but long for Carter-he's the only one who would unwaveringly stand by my side, no matter the circumstances.

I'm not afraid to face the world as my enemy, but I can't bear the judgmental stares of those who raised me.

To them, I'm the embodiment of everything wrong, yet the truth is undeniable ... I'm the one who has suffered!

moment, a frail figure

face full of confusion. "Mom, why do you see Chloe this way? She ...

happened in the Sanders.

up!" Penelope snapped, her voice brimming with fury.

to spit out those words. The rise and fall of her chest made her

sound of clapping echoed in my

woman's voice followed, dripping with mockery. "Bravo! It's

recognized the voice,

figure cloaked in black

grown noticeably thinner. Her cheeks were hollow, and her entire appearance resembled a skeleton wrapped in skin. The Sanders stared at her like she was a deranged, rabid animal. Kate, unable to contain her fury,

You lying,

you like family! How could you betray us like

others hurried to pull Kate away, fearing she might act recklessly. Wisteria, frail and gaunt as she appeared, seemed

raised her hand and struck her across the face. The sharp sound of

could rival you, Sanders, when it comes to acting like beasts?" Wisteria said

deliberate. "You should count yourself lucky to

She had witnessed, just as

once carried had vanished, replaced by a noticeable unease

blameless. If it's my life you want, take it, but spare them. They've treated you like a

glare, Wisteria turned to face me. "Don't worry," she sneered.

her subordinates.

far more gently than they had with the Sanders. They

her message-not to act recklessly. The priority

the Sanders had made

as soon as I woke up in the dungeon, already preparing to shield Whitney from causing harm

for Penelope, she was the one person I

being seen as a devil by the Carlyns, she had cared for me throughout half of my life, and I couldn't just stand by

killing my grandparents cruelly but also causing my father to suffer, leaving him with a limp for

have been tainted by

nothing but

young because of

hate you so much? The truth is, I knew about you when I was just a little girl. Dad made sure memorized the faces of all our enemies. The first time

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