Chapter 166

"Vincent, you're insane!"

Susan shielded little Daniel tightly against her chest, her back pressed against the cold wall. The man who once seemed gentle as jade now resembled a raging lion.

"The surveillance footage proves Daniel's innocence!" Her trembling fingers pulled a flash drive from her bag. "Candy fell on her own!"

Vincent's lips curled into a cold smirk. His long fingers gripped her chin, his sharp features cutting through the moonlight.

"My eyes don't lie," his voice dropped dangerously. "This cripple pushed Candy."

"You're blind and heartless!" Susan winced in pain but lifted her chin defiantly. "Candy's a liar!"

Daniel suddenly lunged forward, small hands clutching Vincent's trousers. "Uncle Murphy..." His voice cracked with tears. "You promised to protect Mommy..."

Vincent shoved the child away violently. Daniel hit the floor with a sickening thud.

"Daniel!" Susan struggled to reach him, but Vincent pinned her down. A sharp pain shot through her abdomen as she clenched her teeth.

Vincent's men had already restrained Daniel, pressing a knife tip against the child's tear-stained face.

"Choose," Vincent whispered against her ear, his warm breath ghosting over her neck. "His eyes, or..."

His fingers traced her collarbone. "Be my woman."

Susan trembled violently. In the moonlight, Daniel's pale face glistened with tears as he gave her a reassuring smile.

"Mommy, don't be scared..." His faint whisper stabbed her heart like a blade.

Vincent's lips brushed her earlobe. "Please me."

The neighborhood stood eerily silent. A stray cat's cry echoed in the distance, resembling a baby's wail. Susan clenched her fists until her nails drew blood from her palms.

"I accept," she heard herself say.