Chapter 2

2

I spent a massive amount of time, energy, and money to raise my niece. Instead of gratitude, Logan's family just gave me cold words and complaints whenever things weren't perfect.

After my niece grew up, Cecilia started spreading rumors. She told everyone I had snatched her daughter away because I was a lonely woman with no husband of my own.

Over time, my niece grew to resent me. Once she found out I had a huge savings account, she teamed up with her parents to murder me.

This time, I'm cutting that tragedy off at the root.

Lily is their child. Why should I be the one stepping over the line to raise her?

I showed up at the three-month celebration as invited.

Cecilia took my gift envelope and felt how thin it was. Her face darkened instantly.

I pretended not to notice. I walked straight into the hall like any other guest.

From a distance, I saw Cecilia pull Logan aside. She pointed at my envelope and whispered angrily.

Logan got furious and immediately went to find Martha.

A moment later, Martha marched toward me, looking like she was ready for a fight.

"It's your niece and nephew's big day! How could you be so shameless to bring such a small gift?"

Logan and Cecilia followed behind her, nodding and accusing me of being a cheapskate.

The other guests started gathering around to watch the drama. They began pointing fingers at me as well.

I snatched the envelope back, tore it open, and started counting the bills in front of everyone.

It wasn't a huge amount, but it was still more than what the other guests had given. I loudly asked everyone how much they had put in their envelopes.

The guests all lowered their heads and went silent, awkwardly shuffling away.

I wasn't going to be a pushover like in my last life. I immediately started crying loudly, venting about all my sacrifices over the years.

I talked about how I started working early to support the family. I lived frugally and sent most of my paycheck home every month.

I listed every cent I had spent on Logan's education, his jobs, and his wedding. I pointed out that he had never even mentioned paying me back.

Before I could even finish, the three of them couldn't stand the embarrassment. They cut me off harshly.

They dragged me to a corner, complaining that I was talking nonsense and making them look like a joke.

I straightened my clothes and looked at them with a fake innocent face. "God is my witness, every word I said is the absolute truth!"

Since the party was full of friends and relatives, Martha was afraid of losing more face. She had to let it go.

Logan and Cecilia looked at me with pure hatred, like they wanted to eat me alive. I didn't care. I focused on the food, making sure I ate enough to make up for my gift money.

When they came to my table for a toast, Cecilia tried to act casual. "Avery is at that age where she's still single. What will she do when she gets old?"

I raised my glass.

"My life isn't your concern, Cecilia. I'm healthy, I make good money, and I can enjoy myself. My future is secured."

I paused and spoke again before she could interrupt.

"The twins are still small. You should focus your energy on your own kids and stop sticking your nose into other people's business."

Cecilia was stunned. Her hand holding the glass froze in mid-air, and she couldn't find a single word to say.

Seeing this, Logan quickly jumped in. "Avery, you're getting older. If you don't want to marry, you at least need a child to take care of you. Why don't you…"

"You're right. I'm actually planning to adopt a little boy. It'll be my way of doing charity and helping society."

Logan panicked the second I said that. His voice jumped several octaves.

"Other people's kids will never be loyal to you! They're outsiders! How could you leave your money to an outsider!"