Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 99

Lawrence's tears had stopped, but his face was still wet. "You have no idea what it was like, those bullies making me kneel, mocking me for being nothing. When I got home, my mom would treat my wounds with wild herbs because we couldn't afford medicine. She'd cry while doing it, apologizing over and over."

"She'd say if she had been more capable, if she had earned enough to keep us fed and clothed, I wouldn't have been ridiculed by those students. She blamed herself for my suffering. Sometimes I wonder why life is so unfair. Why do those people, knowing how hard our lives are, still make things so difficult for us?"

"So, I swore to myself that I would work hard, step by step, by any means necessary, to climb to the top and make everyone look up to me."

Lawrence's last words were spoken through gritted teeth. "Kyle hates me, looks down on me. Do you know why? Because he saw through my facade so easily, pointing out all my darkness. That high-and-mighty attitude of his is exactly what I despise. He has never experienced the hardships we have. How could he understand the effort it took for me to leave the countryside? I've worked so hard, yet he still looks down on me."

I sneered at Lawrence. "My dad hates you and looks down on you because you deceived his beloved daughter. You manipulated my feelings, had ulterior motives, and still expected him to respect you? How could you even say that?"

Lawrence was at a loss for words. He took a deep breath, trying to control his emotions, and earnestly pleaded, "Yes, it's my fault! Blame me, not my mom. She's suffered because of me, including the incident with the drugs. I forced her into it. Considering all the hardships she has endured, please show some mercy and spare her. I'm willing to take all the blame."

Since he admitted to causing my parents' deaths, drugging me, and transferring assets, if these were proven, his life would be over.

I could guess Lawrence's mindset. If I hadn't mentioned Clara, he might still think she could help reduce his sentence. Now, he probably felt there was no hope left.

I shook my head. "No way."

Lawrence's eyes widened. He used to think I was so naive and kind-hearted, easily swayed by his sob stories. He never expected me to refuse so firmly.

Suppressing his anger, Lawrence continued, "Melinda, can't you show some compassion? My mom has suffered so much and has many health issues. If she stays in prison too long, I'm afraid she won't survive. I'm begging you."

I narrowed my eyes at Lawrence. "Don't threaten me. What does your mom have to do with me? Frankly, considering everything you two have done to me over the years, the fact that I'm not kicking you while you're down is already merciful. You want me to help her? At most, I'll send her some warm clothes so she doesn't freeze to death immediately. That's the extent of my kindness."

Lawrence shook his head. "No, Melinda, when did you become so cold and heartless?"

I laughed at the absurdity. "Isn't this thanks to you? How can you even ask me that?"

With that, I turned to leave.

Seeing me walk away, Lawrence panicked. He banged on the iron bars, shouting, "Melinda, come back! Don't go! You promised me..."

I paused. As Lawrence looked at me with hope, I said, "Do you know who the man was that night at the hotel? If you can tell me, I might consider your request."

Lawrence's face stiffened. A surge of anger washed over him, and he spat out, "You spent one night with him, and you can't forget him? You really want to know?"

I ignored Lawrence's anger and said calmly, "It seems you don't know. Never mind, the deal's off."

I turned to leave again.

Lawrence's eyes darkened, but he called out urgently, "I know who the man was that night. But he's someone neither of us knows. If I tell you, you have to promise to drop the charges and let my mom go, so she can live out her days in peace."

People like Lawrence couldn't be given an inch. The moment one gave them a chance, they started making demands.

I shrugged indifferently. "How do I know you're not lying? You could just name anyone. Besides, you're asking for too much. Do you really think I care that much?"

I showed a nonchalant expression.

Lawrence frowned and replied, "Trust me, if I tell you, it will be the truth. I have a video of that man entering the hotel room that night. So if you agree to drop the charges against my mom and let her go, I'll tell you. Otherwise, you'll never find out who he was."

I looked at Lawrence and tested him, "You've kept this secret so tightly. If you knew your girlfriend was with another man that night, you wouldn't have let it go. If you really have a video, but never confronted him, it must be because he's someone powerful you don't dare to offend, or there's some other reason you don't want me to know."

My words seemed to hit a nerve. Lawrence's face turned grim, though he quickly masked it, but I caught it.

Lawrence tried to argue, "No matter what, you want to know, right? So you have to listen to me. And don't think you can use the police to force me to talk. You know that night has nothing to do with my other crimes. It's a personal matter. If I don't want to talk, no one can make me."

Even now, Lawrence hadn't grasped reality. He still thought he could manipulate me.

I was amused by his delusion. "Lawrence, you still don't get it. I asked about that man out of curiosity, not necessity. If you don't tell me, I don't care. But seeing you so angry and unable to hide it is just funny. You deserve this."

Lawrence's eyes turned red with rage, teetering on the edge of losing control.

Now that his true nature was exposed, he couldn't hide his emotions anymore and was becoming increasingly agitated.

I decided to give him one last blow. "I was going to let it go, seeing you in this state. But seeing you unrepentant, I'll tell you something more. Clara said your pursuit of her was disgusting. Your groveling, undignified behavior was the cheapest. If it weren't for wanting to get back at me, she wouldn't have given you a second glance. Isn't that pathetic?"