A Heart Imprisoned by Compassion

I did not withdraw the lawsuit. The court hearing went on as scheduled.

However, with the transfer agreement in hand, Wayne had no trouble helping Alma win the case.

When the hearing ended, Wayne stopped me.

He asked tentatively when he saw the cold expression on my face, “Didn’t I tell you to drop the case? Are you still mad?

“It’s not that I’m playing favorites. Alma was my junior in high school when I studied abroad. We were close. I can’t help but feel sorry for her, seeing her like this now. That’s why I…

“There’s a new waterfront development I checked out. Its location and environment are even better than the old house. I’ll buy two units and give them to you. We can go take a look later. Consider it your compensation. I already promised you that from now on I’ll…”

Wayne had yet to finish his sentence.

Persistent as ever, Alma approached in her electric wheelchair and interrupted, “Jocelyn, I was just about to look for you!

“Wayne said he was worried I’d be bullied after coming back, so he’s hosting a party at the house tomorrow. It’s kind of a housewarming party, as well as a way to give me more legitimacy.

“Why don’t you come too, since you’re moving out tomorrow anyway?”

The moment Alma spoke, Wayne eagerly agreed.

“Exactly. Alma’s situation is awkward enough. If you’re there, it’ll help legitimize her.”

I frowned and could not help but sneer.

“Legitimize her? How, exactly?

“Her age and background speak for themselves. She was born while my parents were still married. If she’s not a mistress’s child, then what is she?”

Then, I turned and walked away.

Alma’s face flushed red with anger.

She swallowed back the curses at the tip of her tongue, turned around, and put on a fragile, pitiful look as she faced Wayne.

“Wayne, is Jocelyn still mad at me?

“It’s all my fault. I should’ve stayed overseas and been a useless cripple. It would’ve been better if I had just died instead of coming back to make people hate me.”

Wayne patted her shoulder to comfort her.

“What right does she have to be angry? I’ve already compensated her more than enough.

“Stop overthinking. I’ll handle things for you tomorrow.”

Handling things?

That was a veiled threat toward me.

While I directed the movers in the backyard, the party in the front yard was in full swing. Wayne pushed Alma through the crowd, patiently introducing her to everyone.

Even their formal outfits were carefully coordinated in matching colors.

From a distance, anyone would have thought they were the real engaged couple.

I let out a bitter smile and looked away. I never once stepped into the front yard, focusing only on urging the workers to finish faster.

At some point, Wayne came up behind me.

His voice was sharp with displeasure.

“I sent you so many messages last night. Why didn’t you reply to a single one? She’s already lost her legs. Is it really necessary for you to make sure she won’t survive in this circle?”

When I refused to even look at him, Wayne stepped directly in front of me and handed me his tablet.

On the live surveillance feed, a group of men were gathered around my mother’s grave, holding shovels and chisels. Their intentions were obvious.

“Jocelyn, if you’d just been a little more obedient, I wouldn’t have needed to go this far.”

I looked at Wayne, who stood in front of me.

The pain had gone so deep it turned numb.

Grave‑digging?

He had really gone to such lengths.

Of course, only a person who once loved you knew exactly where to stab to hurt you the most.

I could not even summon anger anymore. It felt like disappointment had hollowed me out completely.

My heart felt empty.

What I hated most was my own helplessness.

“There’s no need to make such a spectacle, Mr. Stone.

“It’s just a few words. Don’t disturb my mother’s peace.”

I handed the tablet back to him.

Suddenly, he grabbed my hand and demanded, “Why aren’t you wearing the engagement ring I gave you?”