I was beaten mercilessly, blood oozing from my mouth as the crowd watched, treating it like a spectacle.

Selene winked at Nora, who discreetly drew the store's curtain.

"Do you know who my husband is?" Selene asked arrogantly as she stood up.

Nora shook her head respectfully.

"Bruce Walsh, owner of the city's largest listed company, which will soon be mine since he's transferred all his shares to me. If you're wise, you'll know how to treat me," Selene sneered.

I wiped the blood from my mouth, shaking at the realization. Before starting my own company, I had saved our family's business from bankruptcy.

Though Bruce was the nominal chairman, I was the real decision-maker.

Some time ago, someone told me that someone was buying a large number of shares, but I knew very well that such a small amount of shares could not surpass mine, so I did not take it seriously. But I never suspected it was Bruce.

Now, beaten and powerless, with only an undershirt on, I watched as Selene stomped on my head, taking pictures with her phone.

"Iltosa University, huh? I guess you won't need to go to school after this. Let your school see what a morally corrupt person you are," Selene taunted, sending the photos triumphantly. My heart sank.

I applied to this university with great difficulty because I wanted to develop in my hometown.

I had worked tirelessly to complete the project. I also liked this direction very much, and it was the result of my hard work.

"Please, don't," I pleaded, moving forward painfully, but was pushed to the ground.

"Now you know shame? Where was that when you were using other people's money?" Selene chuckled.

She picked up a handbag that had been kicked away. "I can't bear to buy this, and you don't even think about your level to deserve this."

"Bruce's sickly wife also likes this thing. It's awful." After saying that, she picked up the scissors and cut it twice fiercely. "What I can't have, no one can!"

"And I wonder when his wife will die," she sighed, turning to the man tying me up. "Jensen, did you tell the doctor all the imported pills were switched with vitamin C?"

"Yes. It has been changed." Jensen nodded.

Sarah was indeed ill, and Bruce's takeover of the company stemmed from her condition. The world didn't know he was a freeloader.

Sarah's health had deteriorated suddenly, requiring long-term medication, and I hadn't realized the extent of the problem.

I struggled hard, but was pushed down again and again.

I glanced at kind-looking Nora, pleading, "Please call the police. I'm not a mistress. He's my father."

"Father? You're quite playful. You must call him dad a lot." Nora smiled while covering her mouth.

Selene snorted, "Don't bring your bed stuff to me, who are you screaming for? How much do I have to pay you for screaming?"

My heart sank as I stared at her.

"How dare you look at me like that?" Selene shouted, slamming my head into the counter. "And your hair's in the way."

She grabbed scissors and cut my long hair, saying, "College students rely on their looks to seduce. Let's see who wants a bald person in bed calling for Daddy."

Tears streamed down my face as I felt utterly powerless.

Being tied up by these people, I was unable to escape, like a fish ready for slaughter.

I dodged with all my strength, and Selene's scissors stabbed straight into the bag placed in the middle of the counter.

That was the treasure of the store, and Nora gasped.

"What are you panicking about? My husband is rich." Selene glanced at her unhappily, "You will all be fired tomorrow."

Nora quickly agreed, "It's only fair for you to teach the mistress a lesson. We're here to support you."

"Can't you see? She's the mistress. Why are you siding with her?" I cried, desperate for them to understand.

"Girl, having money means having a good outlook on life. Look at her, she has the temperament of a legitimate wife," Nora laughed lightly.

Selene shot me a look. "You all did poorly. How can she still say that? You didn't hit her hard enough."

"Hit her hard."

Suddenly, a group of strong men surrounded me, punching and kicking. I felt my ribs threatening to break.

In despair, I glanced at the door, hoping Bruce would appear. Just when I was paying, he said that someone scratched his car in the underground garage and he went to check.

"You've messed with the wrong person. Normally, it's just a matter of time, but on Valentine's Day, you dared to steal my man from me," Selene said calmly, sipping her coffee.

I wanted to retort, but I couldn't utter a word.

Bruce didn't come, but a group of onlookers came.

The store's gauzy curtains failed to shield against prying eyes.

"This is the place from the video where that little girl was beaten badly."

"Tsk, look at her figure. No wonder she's a mistress."

"Thank goodness this got exposed. Otherwise, people like her could still be doctors, ruining our society."

Selene listened to the gossip with a smug expression, stepping toward the crowd.

"Don't worry, everyone. I'm a messenger of justice and won't let this scum go unpunished."

She brandished a bill. "I'll make her repay every cent."

The crowd murmured, "She spends money like water. Her supporter must be rich."

Those words echoed in my mind, and I felt too defeated to argue.

I managed to cover myself with a rag, but Jensen yanked it away. "Are you still ashamed?"

"How can you not be ashamed in a man's bed?"

"Is it okay to play with you for free?"

I frowned as I listened to these insulting remarks and kicked him.

Jensen grabbed my leg in pain and was about to slam my head against the wall. Selene approached, giggling and swaying her hips.

She placed a hand on Jensen's chest. "Just take the loss, she won't survive anyway."

Selene leaned in closer, showing me her phone.

"Iltosa University has announced your doctoral qualification is revoked due to your misconduct."

I stared at the screen in disbelief, tears streaming down my face.

This was all my hard work. It meant that all my efforts had come to nothing.

It hurt more than being labeled Bruce's mistress.

"Luna Reeds, right?" Selene sneered. "How come you have the same surname as that sickly woman at home? What bad luck."

She waved for the men to release me. "That's it. I'm going to rest."

In a good mood, she handed her credit card to Nora. "Charge the damaged items at full price."

I struggled to stand, disregarding my clothes, and grabbed my phone to call for help.

After totaling the bill, Nora reminded Selene to confirm, but she dismissed it.

Moments later, Nora said in embarrassment. "Your card balance is insufficient."