Chapter 3
Once the door was shut, he kicked me again. “Do you know what you did wrong?“]
Normally, even after a beating like this, I would never admit fault.[]
But this time, I trembled like a frightened rabbit and immediately surrendered. “I was wrong, Dad. I shouldn’t have said that about my sister.”
Even then, he remained unsatisfied. “Are you still calling the police?“]]
“No, I won’t, I won’t.“]
After my repeated apologies, his anger finally subsided. I even groveled to my mother and sister, seeking their forgiveness.[]
Mom sneered. “Enough. Go make dinner–I’m starving.“|
I obeyed, putting on an apron and heading to the kitchen.[]
13
Just then, my sister’s phone pinged with a notification. She checked it and let out an excited scream.[]
M
“She’s dead! Mary is dead! I need to get to the hospital and comfort Thomas!”]
Ecstatic, she ran to her room to change, putting on makeup and high heels before rushing out the door.[]
Worried about her safety at night, my parents grabbed the car keys and left with her.[]
The moment they were gone, I packed my belongings and prepared to leave this house for good.
Outside, I ran into a neighbor. Seeing the bruises on my face, he frowned. “Your parents hit you again?“]
His eyes flickered to the suitcase in my hand, and he clicked his tongue, “Good. Get out of here. If you stay any longer, you’ll end up
dead.”
I thanked him and walked away, hailing a cab.[]
The radio was broadcasting breaking news: the wealthy socialite Mary had died in a car accident.]
Thomas was offering a reward–ten million dollars–for any leads on the hit–and–run driver.[]
The driver clicked his tongue in pity. “Damn, that guy must have guts. Running over someone that powerful? They’ll hunt him down like a dog.”
I hummed in agreement.[]
The driver continued, “I heard that Thomas used to be in the underworld before he became a CEO. He turned over a new leaf after meeting his wife. Now that she’s dead, who knows how many people are going to suffer.“]
I nodded in agreement[]
Unfortunately, the one who would suffer the most still had no idea of her fate.[]
Over the next few days, the internet was flooded with two kinds of news–one was about Thomas offering a huge reward for clues
Now it’s Payback Tube
Chapter 3
about his wife’s death, and the other was about my sister’s heroic act
A video of her, dressed in white and drenched in blood, kneeling on the ground performing CPR, went viral. Millions of people shared it, calling her a goddess.[]
Another video showed her silently crying in the hospital. Facing the reporters, she said, “I’m heartbroken that I couldn’t save Mrs. Lee. I must not have tried hard enough.“[]
Behind her, Thomas stared at her with a complex expression.[]
She proudly shared the video in our family group chat.[]
“Look at Thomas’s gaze. He’s obviously interested in me.‘ 0
My parents immediately agreed, and the three of them began fantasizing about her marrying into wealth.[]
I was the only one who commented:[]
“He is interested, alright. Looks like he’s interested in killing you.“[]
My words immediately provoked my sister’s anger.[]
She sent me several screenshots of her chat with Thomas. Over the past few days, they had exchanged hundreds
She kept comforting him, and he responded, saying her words were a great source of comfort.
His tone was ambiguous, seemingly affectionate.
She gloated: “See? Do you still think he doesn’t have feelings for me?”
of
messages.
I couldn’t help but warn her: “Have you considered the possibility that he’s just trying to get information out of you? Thomas can have any wornan he wants. Why would he choose you?“[]
My sister flew into a rage: “Jennifer, I haven’t even settled our last score. Are you asking for it?”
My father chimed in: “Where have you been hiding these past few days? Don’t think we can’t find you.“]]
The three of then took turns cursing me out again, ending with a final warning: if I dared to go to the police, they’d kill me.[]
I put away my phone and glanced outside.[]
Since leaving home, I had rented a small apartment. With no money, I could only afford a place in the outskirts.[]
Ironically, it was close to where Mary had died.[]
Every day after work, I saw Thomas’s assistant going from shop to shop, checking surveillance footage.[]
Two days later, my sister shared another chat screenshot in the group.
Thomas had invited her and my parents to his estate as a show of gratitude.[]
She tagged me.
“Jennifer, do you see my charm now? This isn’t just a visit–it’s meeting the parents!“]
Chapter 3
I didn’t respond.
She was so focused on seducing Thomas that she hadn’t noticed something strange.
News about Mary’s death had vanished from the internet.[]
The police were no longer investigating.
Even Thomas’s assistant had stopped visiting the area.
This wasn’t a thank–you banquet.[]
It was a death trap.]]
They had finally pushed themselves into a corner.
