Chapter 161

The sound of tearing fabric shattered the silence.

Susan Thompson's face turned deathly pale.

Andrew Lucas knew full well that the scandalous "sugar daddy" incident from earlier was a setup, yet he still used it to humiliate her.

In his eyes, she would always be unforgivable.

"Andrew, let go!"

As she struggled, Daniel's furious voice suddenly rang out.

"Monster! Don't hurt Mommy!"

Susan froze.

Thankfully, though her collar was torn, she wasn't exposed.

Andrew clearly hadn't expected Daniel to appear, hesitating momentarily.

Susan seized the chance to break free, stumbling toward her son.

"Does it hurt, Mommy?" Daniel looked up anxiously, tiny fists clutching her clothes.

"I'm fine." She ruffled his hair. "Mommy's strong."

Turning to Andrew, her voice turned icy.

"I'll repay what I owe you. From now on, we're even."

She pulled a wad of cash from her bag and threw it at his chest.

"One thousand now. I'll account for every penny so you can't claim I cheated you."

"Susan!"

Andrew clutched the money, eyes burning crimson.

Those flimsy bills struck his heart like knives.

He sneered. "A thousand? For a million-dollar debt?"

"I said I'll pay gradually." Susan tightened her grip on Daniel's hand. She still owed the research institute and couldn't pay more now.

But this year, she'd work herself to the bone to repay faster.

She refused to leave debts that would shame Daniel.

Daniel suddenly wrenched free and limped in front of her.

"Pick on me instead! Bullying women is cowardly!"

Hatred burned in his eyes as he staggered to the door. "Get out!"

Veins bulged on Andrew's hands.

Guilt surged like a tide at the sight of that frail figure, then was brutally suppressed.

That bastard deserved to die.

"One month to repay." His smile turned cruel. "Or I'll show the world how filthy you are."

Turning, he looked down at Daniel.

"Control your cripple. Anger me, and I'll gladly kill him again."

The door slammed shut.

Susan trembled violently.

Others calling Daniel a cripple she could bear—but from his own father?

A sharp pain stabbed her stomach as she pulled Daniel close.

"Mommy..." His voice shook. "I know I'm lame, but hearing him say it... it hurts."

Her heart shattered.

"Mommy, is he really my dad?" Daniel looked up, eyes glistening. "No, I have no father. He... died long ago."

"The day he fell off that cliff, he died in my heart."

"Daniel!" She crushed him in an embrace. "We have each other."

"Yeah!" He wiped his tears fiercely. "I have the best mommy ever!"

Susan's throat tightened.

What kind of mother was she? She couldn't even promise to watch him grow up.

"You promised to buy me toys!" Daniel suddenly beamed, as if the storm had never happened.

"Let's go now."

Downtown, the mall glittered brightly.

Susan picked up a tiny suit jacket—then turned to find Daniel gone.