Chapter 2

Half an hour later, the drug made my whole body limp. Woodrow carried me to the bed.

"Hedda, don't blame me."

"Your family's arms partners only recognize the Taylor family. Behind my back, many people say I became Godfather only because of you and the Taylors."

"But you know that I also secured this position through my own ability."

"Susanna is gentler than you, and more obedient. I found a skin-grafter. Susanna will take on your face, and from now on, she will wear your face and take your identity."

"But don't worry. Even without a face, I will support you and care for you for the rest of your life. Nothing will happen to you..."

He held me and repeated, "Nothing will happen to you," as if trying to convince himself.

Using all my strength, I let out a scornful laugh.

"Woodrow, I, Hedda, have been married to you for seven years. I exhausted every effort to help you secure your position, and you want to skin me?"

"My family searched for suitable arms for you, and you want to move against them?"

"You found someone to replace my identity. Your real purpose is to wipe out the Taylor family, isn't it?"

He clenched his fists but did not turn around.

"You should know there is no room in my eyes for any threat."

With that, he strode away.

I did not dare imagine what would have happened if I had only been Hedda and not the skin-grafter.

A taste of blood surged into my throat.

Footsteps sounded outside again, and Susanna, exquisitely dressed, walked in.

"Hedda, none of your people are here. No one is coming to save you."

"The Godfather originally said you should disappear forever. I was the one who told him to spare your life."

"Even if you become a cripple, you must live well. Watch me become you and take everything from you."

"Once I have a child of my own, I'll have your son killed. How does that feel? Despairing enough?"

Her seductive face twisted with malice.

I closed my eyes, too tired to bother with her.

Tomorrow

Once we reached the hidden chamber, I would make sure she could not die even if she wanted to.

"Mother."

The next second, my five-year-old son, Kyle, called to me from the doorway.

"Father said you were ill. I came to see you."

Susanna immediately bent close to me.

"Keep lying there. I'll go deal with your son first."

I snapped my eyes open and shouted toward the door, "Kyle, go back! Don't worry about me!"

But the sound I made was almost inaudible.

Susanna went out and deliberately raised her voice.

"Kyle? The Godfather said the Godfather's wife is ill and forbade you from coming near. How dare you disobey?"

"Since you find it so uncomfortable to stay in your room, then get down to the basement and kneel there. Beg God to let your mother die quickly."

"You lot, drag him to the basement. Do not turn on the lights!"

Kyle had been afraid of the dark since he was little.

My heart burned with panic. I used all my strength to crawl up, but the moment I got off the bed, I fell flat onto the floor.

Outside, Kyle roared,

"You are an outsider, and you dare stop me? You dare shout in my mother's room? I'll go find my grandfather right now and have him deal with you!"

Kyle's voice was childish, but every word rang firm. After speaking, he turned and ran.

I smiled in relief, while Susanna's voice trembled with rage as she ordered the servants beside her.

"Quick! Go tell the Godfather!"

Then she turned back to look at me, sprawled on the floor.

"Oh my, Hedda, what are you doing? Crawling on the floor like a dog. How ugly."

"To tell you the truth, that little thing won't be seeing the old Godfather."

"Ever since Woodrow became Godfather, he has slowly replaced everyone around the old Godfather."

I clenched my fists.

Let them enjoy their triumph for now.

After tonight, I would be the only one playing with them.