Chapter 2

It was so hot that I could barely breathe. My skin was literally searing because of the insane heat.

I begged pathetically, "Please let me go! I'm willing to give you my properties and all of my savings!"

My mom just grinned maliciously. "Just die! Once you're dead, all of your assets will go to me and Nicholas! We get to kill two birds with one stone if we let you die! That way, you won't be able to cause trouble for us ever again!"

Nicholas was cursing me out as well. "Since you no longer are of any value to us, you should just hurry up and die already! Stop wasting our time!"

Millie added, "Rest in peace, Tamara. May you have better luck in your next life."

Mr. Welkin stood amidst the Kennedies, his expression smug. "Now that the pesky fly is gone, we can finally reunite as a real family!"

Just like that, I was scorched to death by the temperature, which rose rapidly throughout the day.

To think that I only got to see my mother and Nicholas' true colors during the final moment of my life…

…

I snapped out of my hate-filled trance, only to realize that I was already in a cab.

After winding down the car window and feeling the scorching heat from the bright sun, I was finally conscious that I was reborn.

It was an extremely hot day. Then again, we were in the middle of summer right now, so the temperature was still within the tolerable margin.

Today happened to be the very day I came back to Chernia and went home. It was also the week before the pyro-calpyse's arrival.

This time, I told the cab driver a different destination. Some time later, I checked into a motel with my luggage in tow.

But I had already called home when I came out of the airport, which meant my mom already knew I was back. If I didn't go home, I'd rouse her suspicions.

I spent some time settling down in the motel room. This time, I chose to go home with only a sling bag. My explanation was that I was back in Chernia on a business trip, so I'd like to drop by for a quick visit before leaving. In fact, I had a colleague waiting for me downstairs as I spoke.

I did all this just to prevent the Kennedies from drugging me and imprisoning me like what happened in my previous life. My so-called colleague was a person whom I hired earlier.

My mom stole a glance at the first floor, soon noticing a tall and burly man waiting at the apartment's entrance. She was instantly wary of me, so she was a lot more polite to me now.

"It's rare for you to visit home. Why don't you have a meal with us before leaving? Millie, be a dear and go grocery shopping, will you?" My mom instructed Millie right away.

Millie aimed a kick at Nicholas before clutching her stomach on purpose. She whined coquettishly, "Oh dear, I'm still in my first trimester! I'm pregnant with your grandchild, Mom. The doctor told me to rest as much as I can. I can't carry heavy stuff, you know!"

My mom was instantly concerned about Millie. "It's my fault for forgetting about your pregnancy! Nicholas, go buy some groceries!"

Nicholas just sat before his computer, clearly immersed in a game. He had no intention of getting up and buying groceries.

I pretended to be surprised by the news. "I didn't expect you to be pregnant, Millie! What wonderful news! In that case, you shouldn't bother yourself with cooking, Mom! I'll treat all of you to a nice meal at Sealestia Hotel to celebrate the pregnancy!"

Sealestia Hotel was the best hotel in town. Of course, Mom and Millie were immediately intrigued by that idea. They acted courteously before me for a few moments before dragging Nicholas out of the apartment.

I told them to head to Sealestia Hotel first. My reason was that I had already reserved a private room and a feast for ourselves via a phone call earlier. I'd join them at the hotel once I was done sorting out everything with my colleague.

Of course, Mom and the others didn't doubt my words. They were quick to head toward the hotel right away.

Now that they were gone, I pulled out the surveillance equipment I had bought in advance from my sling bag and began installing it in various hidden corners of the apartment.

I was an outstanding science and engineering student in the past. In a way, I was considered a pro when it came to handling electronics. After grabbing a wrench from my bag, I dismantled the air conditioners, fridge, freezer, as well as the electric fans and tinkered with specific parts. That way, they'd only function for another six days before breaking down.

Once the time was up, all of the electronics in this apartment wouldn't function at all, save for the oven.

After that, I headed to Sealestia Hotel to have lunch with my family. I found out that my mom had invited Mr. Welkin over. The excuse she used was that he had been our neighbor for so many years and had helped us out far too many times, so he was like family to us. That was why he was here for the celebration.