I hoped for the sake of our past relationship that he would save my mother.

The butler, who had watched me grow up since I was little, finally felt some sympathy.

"Sir, perhaps you should take some men to check. Miss Cooper wouldn't lie about something like this."

Nathan hesitated for a moment. I seized the opportunity and began desperately bowing my head to him.

My forehead hit the freezing ground with dull thuds.

"Please, please, save my mother!"

Nathan finally spoke, his tone still cold, "I'll take some men to check.

"But, Mia, if this turns out to be something you staged, I'll make you pay for it."

I looked up sharply, a glimmer of hope in my eyes.

No matter what, as long as he agreed to go!

After calling for several security guards, his phone rang at the worst possible moment.

It was my brother.

Nathan glanced at me and put it on speaker.

James’s lazy, cold voice came through.

"Mia didn't come looking for you, did she? Don't listen to her. Someone just used my mom's phone to call and threaten me with murder. It's ridiculous."

I felt like I'd fallen into an ice cave, my blood freezing solid.

I couldn't believe that my brother, who once promised to protect me for life, could be so heartless.

For the sake of a woman, he ignored our mother's safety and turned a deaf ear to my pleas.

Fury and fear mixing together, I screamed at the phone.

"James! Have you lost your mind?! Do we have to die before you'll believe me?! You've seen what happened to Mom and me before!"

He laughed coldly, “That was just your scheme to gain power!

"I asked Mrs. Mendes at home, and everything is fine there.

"You're ruthless and vicious. I won't believe you this time!

"If anything happens to Mom, it's your own fault!"

My heart completely sank.

Mrs. Mendes had gone home on leave a week ago. How could she possibly know what was happening at our house?!

I was about to argue when the line went dead with a beeping tone.

Nathan's expression darkened completely. He looked at me with disgust, “So you were lying! Someone grab her and break her legs. Teach her a lesson!"

Several guards moved forward, preparing to seize me.

Fighting through the intense pain in my legs, I shouted, "You wouldn't dare! When my father returns, I won't let any of you off!"

The guards exchanged uncertain glances, hesitating.

Nathan laughed coldly, casually picked up a baseball bat, and walked over to me.

Looking down at me from above, his eyes filled with mockery and contempt.

"They don't dare, but I do."

I looked up at him in despair. The gentle affection we once shared seemed like an illusory dream.

I couldn't believe he would treat me this way.

I fearfully tried to back away, but he kicked me to the ground.

A sharp pain shot through my stomach, and before I could recover, he viciously struck my already injured left leg with the bat.

"Ahh!"

I screamed in agony, my body shaking violently as the excruciating pain nearly made me faint.

He just stood coldly to the side.

"This is the price for lying to me."

Just then, my phone rang.

He bent down to pick it up, a mocking smile curling at his lips.

"Let me hear who's calling now."

"Hello, is this Miss Cooper who called emergency services?

"We've arrived at your home. The intruders escaped during the struggle, but your mother is in critical condition and needs immediate medical attention."