What Was Buried That Night

I was in San Aria Bay with my mom, enjoying a quiet, sunlit getaway, when my phone suddenly lit up with a string of messages from my husband's ever-arrogant secretary.

She sent a photo.

The woman in it had been stripped naked, her body covered in blood, the sight almost unbearable.

A voice message followed, her tone dripping with disdain.

"Jeannie, do people like you always take advantage of others like this?

"Mr. Smith just bought this house, and you already had your mother move in for free? As his chief secretary, it's my responsibility to remove anyone living off him."

"This is what your mom gets for breaking into someone else's house!"

I froze on the spot, my whole body going stiff. I snapped my head up and stared across the room. My mom, Amy Wallace, was sitting there calmly, sipping coconut water like nothing had happened.

Frowning, I looked closely at the bloody photo on my phone. When I saw the details clearly, my heart skipped a beat.

Wait… wasn't that my mother-in-law?

Rage exploded in my chest. I immediately dialed Linda Rogers.

"Linda, have you lost your mind? The woman in that picture is my husband's mother!"

On the other end, she let out an icy laugh, completely unfazed.

"Mr. Smith said it himself. Your mom is your mom. His mom is his mom. He's never considered your poor excuse of a mother part of the family."

Then the crazy woman hung up on me.

That involved a human life. I did not dare waste even a second. While frantically booking a return flight and rushing toward the airport, I called Nash Smith.

"Nash, something terrible happened! Mom was attacked by Linda in your new villa. She's badly hurt. You need to get people over there now…"

"Enough. Drop the act." Nash cut me off calmly, his voice dripping with disgust.

"I think Linda did the right thing. She got what she deserved."

I was stunned. "Have you lost your mind? Do you even hear yourself right now?"

He let out a long sigh, sounding completely fed up.

"Jeannie, yeah, we're married. However, that doesn't mean your mom gets to ignore basic social boundaries. Don't think slapping the title 'mother-in-law' on herself gives her the right to keep eyeing my wallet, mooching off me, and freeloading everywhere."

My throat went hoarse from panic. "You've got it wrong! The one who got hurt is your…"

"Shut up!"

Nash snapped impatiently.

"So what if it is your mother? I'm not obligated to tolerate her greed.”

"She sneaks into my villa today to live there for free. Tomorrow she'll show up at my company's finance department asking for a check.”

"Linda was just teaching her a lesson for me. Setting some rules so she doesn't go out and embarrass herself in the future. It's for her own good."

His words hit me like a bucket of ice water, drenching my already anxious heart until it went cold.

My mom, Amy, had spent her whole life tied to a small patch of land, but she was honest to the core. She would never take advantage of anyone, not even a little. When it came to Nash, she gave him everything.

Back when he started his business and needed capital, Amy did not hesitate for a second. She handed over her entire life savings to support him.

She knew he had a sensitive stomach. No matter how exhausted she was, she would still cook all kinds of nourishing meals herself and sit through dozens of hours on a long-distance bus just to bring them into the city for him.

Yet, that woman who treated him like her own son had, in his mouth, turned into some shameless, greedy parasite who deserved to be beaten.

My heart went numb. Even my voice turned icy.

"Nash, the person in that photo is seriously injured. She might not make it. I suggest you call an ambulance immediately. After all, she's the one who raised you. That wasn't easy."

He exploded instantly.

"Jeannie, are you out of your mind? When did your mother ever raise me? Is she even worthy of that?”

"No wonder Linda couldn't hold back. With a daughter like you spouting nonsense all the time, that old woman totally deserved that beating.”

"My real mom is flying back from overseas soon. I'm busy planning a top-tier surprise party and a welcome banquet for her. I don't have time for your ridiculous drama."

With that, he hung up.

On the way to the airport, I scrolled through Nash's social media.

There was only one line, written like he thought it was deeply emotional:

"The queen is finally returning to her palace. I finally get to show what a devoted son I am."

Expressionless, I tapped the like button.

I was honestly curious.

'What will that "devoted son" look like… when he realizes the woman Linda nearly killed is his own mother?' The thought lingered.