Phoebe’s hand instinctively tightened on Tristan’s sleeve as I dialed my father’s number and made a call. Her forehead beaded with cold sweat.

The line rang repeatedly, but the only response I received was a cold, automated voice. “The number you have dialed is currently unavailable.”

The crowd around us burst into mocking laughter.

“Who are you trying to fool? Do you actually believe you’re the mayor’s daughter?”

“She’s just putting on an act to scare us, and she can’t even get through!”

“Maybe you should try the public hotline instead. Perhaps that one will actually answer!”

A wave of relief washed over Phoebe. She let out a mocking laugh behind her hand. “Enough with the act. Did you really think you could steal my man by making up some fake identity?”

She took out her own phone and announced loudly to everyone, “Since you can’t get through, let me try calling his secretary.”

The moment she made the call, it was answered almost immediately.

Phoebe deliberately put it on speakerphone. “Sam, is Uncle Victor in a meeting? I tried calling him earlier but couldn’t get through.”

I had been so consumed by anger that I forgot my father was in an important meeting at that hour.

Sam, my father’s secretary, said respectfully, “Yes, Ms. Fields. If there’s anything you need, you can let me know first.”

Phoebe deliberately spoke slowly, “I’m here trying to recover from childbirth, and someone decided to cause a scene. She even accused me of pretending to be the mayor’s niece! You have to stand up for me. Everyone here is watching!”

“Who would dare cause trouble for you?”

Sam’s voice immediately turned cold and stern.

“You’re the mayor’s niece. Everyone in this city knows that. Don’t worry, if anyone is harassing you, I’ll send security over right away!”

I seethed in silence. How could such a two-faced liar have wormed her way so deep into my father’s confidence?!

One of the firefighters rushed over to Phoebe with a fawning smile.

“Our sincerest apologies, Mrs. Wolfe! We never meant to cross you!”

Without even a glance his way, Phoebe cooed into the phone. “No need for security. I’ll teach this madwoman a lesson myself!”

Her sheer audacity made me laugh in furious disbelief. I surged forward and snatched the child from the nurse’s arms.

“Fine! I’m going to find my father right now! We can all have a little chat with him!”

Tristan’s face turned pale. He yelled, “Stop her! She’s trying to harm my child!”

Two firefighters rushed over and grabbed me by each arm.

Like a wild animal, Phoebe lunged at me and scratched my face with her nails.

“You lunatic! How dare you try to steal my child?! I should have you locked away in a psych ward!”

Someone in the crowd shouted, “My aunt runs a mental institution! I’m calling them right now to come and take her away.”

The person pulled out a phone and started dialing. “Don’t you worry, Mrs. Wolfe. We’ll make sure she can never cause trouble again!”

I struggled with all my might, but they forced me to the floor and pinned me down.

Someone used a coarse rope and crudely bound my hands and feet.

My voice was raw with fury and defiance. “Tristan, if you dare to lay a hand on me, your life as you know it is over!”

I turned to Phoebe to glare at her. She was smirking in triumph.

“And you! You stole my nephew! My father will make you pay!”

“Shut your mouth!” Phoebe wrinkled her nose in disgust.

Someone promptly pulled out a stun gun and pressed it against me without hesitation.

A jolt numbed my body. My throat seized, and I could no longer make a sound. I could only watch helplessly as they dragged me toward the door.

The mental institution’s vehicle was already waiting outside. Two figures in white coats approached me.

Just as they were about to reach out to grab me, a black sedan pulled up. Its window rolled down.

“Stop! How dare you touch my daughter!”