Chapter 41

Susan's lips twisted into a bitter smile. Choking her—it was the only move he ever knew.

She closed her eyes briefly before opening them again, her body drained of all strength. All she wanted was to take Daniel home, collapse onto the bed, and sleep.

"Speak!"

Andrew's eyes burned crimson, like a beast consumed by rage, as if he might tear her apart at any second.

"Susan, is that bastard Henry's spawn or Ethan's?!"

His hands trembled, veins bulging on the back of his hands, his entire body radiating terrifying fury.

He had once believed Daniel was Henry's child, but tonight, seeing that face so eerily resembling Ethan's, doubt clawed at him. The thought that she might have been entangled with so many men four years ago made him wish he could grind her bones to dust.

Susan found the question laughable. He would rather believe Daniel belonged to anyone but him.

"Mr. Lucas, since you refuse to acknowledge Daniel, why does it matter whose child he is?"

Her indifferent tone ignited Andrew's fury.

His fingers tightened around her throat. "Susan, that bastard looks just like Ethan—he's his, isn't he?!"

The first time he choked her, it had hurt. But after so much pain, she had grown numb. Even now, struggling to breathe, she felt nothing but exhaustion.

She didn’t know why Daniel resembled Ethan. Maybe fate, maybe coincidence. But she couldn’t be bothered to explain.

"Mr. Lucas, you're overstepping," she forced out. "We're divorced. My life is none of your concern."

"You always told me not to humiliate myself. Now I'm telling you—stop humiliating yourself!"

"When I loved you, you were everything. Now that I don’t, you mean nothing."

"Andrew, I don’t love you anymore. To me, you’re worthless now."

"Susan, say that again!"

She drew a shaky breath. Even in this humiliating position, her innate dignity remained.

"I said you’re worthless. Since you mean nothing, stay out of my life!"

"Let’s go our separate ways and leave each other in peace!"

Bang!

Andrew kicked open the men’s restroom door, sending the occupant scrambling out with his pants half-fastened.

He dragged Susan inside and locked the door.

"Let me go!"

Trapped in the confined space, panic surged through her. She tried to reach for the door, but his iron grip on her wrist left her helpless.

A sharp pain lanced through her stomach, cold sweat drenching her back. She wanted to say she needed to find Daniel, but the agony stole her voice.

Andrew mistook her desperation for Ethan. His rage burned hotter.

"Trying to run to Ethan? Dream on!" He bit down on her lip.

The familiar sensation made her tremble. Every time he tormented her, her clothes ended up torn to shreds. If something happened here, how could she face Daniel?

"We’re divorced! You can’t do this!"

"Divorced?" Andrew sneered. "A woman who sleeps around—why would she care about a piece of paper?"

He pulled out a wad of cash from his wallet and threw it in her face. "Two thousand. More than you’re worth."

The crimson bills scattered like bloodied knives, piercing her heart until it was riddled with holes.

She stared blankly at the money, her face devoid of emotion. No tears, no laughter—just an empty shell.

"Susan!"

Ethan’s frantic voice came from outside the door. Her eyes went completely hollow.

If he saw her like this...

If Daniel was out there too...

The banging grew louder. She closed her eyes in despair, as if she had already died.