Chapter 1

I had barely been discharged from the hospital when Mom’s anniversary approached.

However, suddenly, Dad announced he’d be flying overseas for an important business deal. Seeing how downcast I looked, he patted my head.

"I’ll be back in two days. I promise.”

Since Mom passed away, Dad had been constantly on the move, working hard to pay for my treatments. Over the years, he’d built a business empire worth billions, ensuring I had the best care possible.

However, the more successful he became, the busier he got. Now, he might even miss Mom’s anniversary.

I could only nod.

Dad was so busy with work. I didn’t want him worrying about me, too.

When the day arrived, I heard a loud commotion at the door.

"Mr. Johnson hasn’t been seen in two days. Let’s see which little vixen thinks she can steal his attention behind my back!”

“Exactly! She needs a lesson. Let her see what happens when you mess with Mr. Johnson.”

“Agreed. She should know who Mr. Johnson truly cares about!”

Their voices echoed through the closed door. Before I could react, a loud bang sounded as the door was kicked open.

Leading the pack was a woman, her eyes zeroing in on me in my wheelchair. She took a deep breath and said, “So, you’re the cripple who’s trying to seduce Mr. Johnson?”

I blinked, unsettled by how much her face resembled my mom's. “Who are you?”

She sneered, “Who am I? I’m the one here to put you in your place!”

Her expression turned dark as she glared at me. “Do you even know who Mr. Johnson is? Did you think you could just charm him?

“I’ll show you what happens to delusional brats like you!”

I frowned, searching my memory for who she was.

Then, it clicked. This was Marion Smith, Dad's new secretary.

I had seen her picture when Dad was hiring her. Her resemblance to Mom had struck me immediately.

Dad's previous secretary, Joanna Lively, had even warned me before leaving.

She’d told me to watch out for Marion, hinting that she might have plans for Dad. However, I’d ended up in the hospital and hadn’t had a chance to meet her.

Realizing this was trouble, I kept my tone calm. “You’ve got the wrong idea. Things aren’t what they seem—”

Before I could finish, she slapped me hard across the face. “Did I say you could speak?”

My head snapped to the side. A ringing filled my ears, and my stomach churned.

“Who do you think you are, talking to me like that?”