Chapter 131

Susan turned to leave. Vincent's tall figure blocked the path ahead. Without hesitation, she veered onto a side trail.

Her back was straight, yet an indescribable loneliness clung to her.

Vincent's chest tightened.

A nameless dread seized him—if he let her walk away today, he might never see her again.

"Susan!" The words burst from his lips. "I'll sing! I'll sing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' for that child!"

The moment he spoke, he froze.

A bitter laugh escaped him.

Since when had Vincent King, heir to the King fortune, compromised like this for a woman?

Candy had begged him countless times to sing, but he'd always refused, claiming he didn't know how.

"What did you say?" Susan whirled around, her voice trembling.

"I said I'll sing." Vincent pulled out his phone to search for the lyrics, clearing his throat awkwardly.

"Twinkle twinkle little star,

How I wonder what you are..."

That voice—so achingly familiar.

Susan's eyes welled instantly.

Memories crashed over her like tidal waves.

In the dungeon, Vincent had cradled a feverish Daniel, singing this song on repeat.

Daniel had loved his voice more than anything.

That time Daniel fell badly, scraping his knees and forehead, crying until he could barely breathe—

Vincent had gathered him close, humming softly as if soothing an infant.

Gradually, Daniel's sobs had softened into even breaths.

Susan walked to the gravestone, wiping her eyes.

Daniel, can you hear?

Uncle Murphy is singing for you.

He fulfilled your last wish. Can you forgive him now?

He just... forgot us.

Vincent's voice abruptly cut off.

He'd never sung this before, yet every note felt unnervingly familiar.

Flashes of hazy images—

A limping man holding something, singing the same melody over and over.

His head throbbed violently.

Gritting his teeth, he forced out the final note, his back drenched in sweat.

"Thank you." Susan smiled, tears glistening. "Daniel must be so happy—"

Blood sprayed from her lips before she could finish.

Crimson streaked down her pale fingers, horrifyingly vivid.

Susan turned hastily, but more blood gushed forth.

"Susan!"

Vincent caught her, trembling fingers brushing her bloodied mouth.

Each wipe revealed fresh red.

An invisible fist clenched around his heart.

Not even Candy's bloodied collapse had terrified him like this.

"To the hospital!"

"No... Home... I need Ethan..."

Even now, she thought of another man!

Vincent shoved her into the car, flooring the accelerator.

"Stop!" Susan suddenly grabbed the door handle.

"Are you insane?" He swerved, pinning her down.

Blood soaked the seats—and stained his vision red.