Chapter 8

The Lincoln family was not one of the top families in Adams City, but they were quickly climbing the social ladder.

So, naturally, my first birthday party drew quite a crowd from high society.

Guests arrived in a steady stream.

Since the Lincolns and the Smiths were connected through marriage, the Smith family showed up early.

Leading the Smith family was a young man with a smug look, like your typical rich playboy.

After a quick greeting with Felix, he bent down, trying to pat me on the head.

I immediately clung to Felix’s neck and turned away, making it clear I wanted nothing to do with him.

“Kids are often afraid of strangers,” Felix said with a polite but dismissive smile.

The man chuckled, unfazed. Leaning in, he said softly, “We should get our families together more often, don’t you think?”

That voice…

I buried my face deeper into Felix’s chest, trembling with fear.

Felix gently patted my back, but I couldn’t stop shaking.

I remembered that dark, dingy bathroom. His