System Unbound: The Scum Mom's Bitter Regret

My mother spent three hundred million dollars to build a fake ancient city. She tricked my father into going inside by telling him it was a time‑travel experience.

Inside, people sold him to an entertainment house. They broke his legs, and he lived as a slave for three years.

Three years later, my mother removed her human‑skin mask.

She looked down at him as he knelt on the ground and smiled.

“Three years ago, you sued for divorce and had people online smear Sean as 'the other man'. You almost drove him to suicide from depression. How did it feel to live as a slave all these years? Did you learn your lesson?”

My father pressed his forehead to the ground. His voice sounded flat.

“Everything is up to you, madam.”

My mother paused, then smiled with satisfaction.

I cried and threw myself into my father’s arms.

He held me tightly. His tears fell against my neck as he whispered,

“I’m sorry, Jayden. Dad has to go. I’ll make sure everything is arranged for you before I leave.”

I thought he was only speaking out of anger. Anyone who went through something like that would break.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and cried.

“Dad, where are you going?”

He did not answer right away. He wiped my tears first, then spoke in a soft voice.

“You might not understand what I am about to say. Dad came into this world through a book. I was bound to a wife‑blessing system to help your mom build her company. Once her company went public, I would be able to go back. I planned to wait until you grew up before leaving, but now…”

He paused and did not continue.

I did not understand what a book or a system meant. I understood one thing clearly.

If he left, I might never see him again.

“Can I go with you?”

Before my father could answer, footsteps came from behind us.

My mother still wore that ancient costume. She held her phone and looked as if she had just walked off a film set.

“The car will be here soon.”

She placed her hand on my father’s shoulder. Her tone sounded gentle.

“Talon, I remembered your kindness to me. As long as you behaved, I would not let anyone take your place. Go back home and get along with Sean properly. We would still be like we used to be.”

My father lowered his head and bowed slightly.

His eyes looked calm, like a dry well. There was no emotion at all.

“Do not worry, madam. I knew my place.”

The car arrived.

My father limped toward the door. He walked very slowly, dragging his injured leg. The sole of his shoe scraped the ground with a faint shuffling sound.

My mother looked back and hesitated for a moment. Then she walked over and lifted his arm onto her shoulder.

His body stiffened as he pulled away.

“That was against the rules.”

“The act is over. You do not need to follow those rules anymore.”

She supported him as they continued toward the car.

I tugged on my father’s sleeve and followed behind them.

He used to walk so fast that I had to run to keep up. He would turn around and call out, “Jayden, hurry up!” Then he would smile, wait for me, and take my hand.

Now he could not even walk steadily.

We arrived at the villa.

Sean stood at the entrance, holding a six‑month‑old baby in his arms.

He was my uncle, my father’s younger brother.

Three years earlier, he moved in and wore the best clothes and used the best things. The servants in the house all called him sir.

The baby in his arms was his and my mother’s illegitimate child.

He smiled and looked my father up and down.

“Talon’s back?”

My father’s gaze landed on the baby. His hand tightened at his side, but his eyes stayed lifeless.

He dropped to his knees. “Master.”

Sean froze for a moment. Then, when he realized what he heard, he laughed.

My mother’s face darkened. “Talon, you are back home now. You are no longer a slave.”

Sean’s smile stiffened as a flash of hatred crossed his eyes.

“Yes.” My father kept his head bowed.

My mother let out a helpless sigh. “Go inside.”

In the living room, Grandpa and Grandma sat on the sofa.