As soon as everyone laid eyes on Esther, an impulse to kneel before her surged within them. She was as beautiful as a fairy who descended to the mortal realm. Even just a fleeting glance felt like a desecration of the celestial being.
Thus, when Bradley bellowed, they frowned and gave him disapproving looks.
Everyone there was captivated by Estherâs presence. Seeing her unmatched beauty, they all thought she could do no wrong. If she did anything wrong, they assumed she had no choice.
Estherâs high heels made a crisp sound on the marble floor as she walked toward Bradley.
It was only then that Esther saw Bradleyâs white hair. Disdain appeared in her eyes, accentuating the charm of the small red mole below her eye.
âBradley, you seem quite disappointed seeing that Iâm not dead?â
Bradleyâs icy gaze swept the surroundings. The employees who had been watching instantly dispersed like a receding tide.
âEsther, youâve picked up quite a few tricks after spending five years in prison!â
Bradley hadnât expected Esther to be skilled at using disguising makeup. Her effective disguise had fooled the villaâs service staff, enabling her to escape from his grasp.
âThank you for personally sending me to prison, Mr. Warner.â
Estherâs demeanor held a hint of aloofness. Her current gaze toward Bradley lacked the past tender affection and deep anguish.
Her look was now distant and indifferent.
As Bradley recognized the shift in Estherâs eyes, his heart jolted without explanation. An evil gleam flickered in his intense gaze.
âThis time, Esther, I wonât let you slip away again.â
Standing before Bradley, Esther had let go of all her previous love. She now understood that her former infatuation was built on an illusion.
The man she had invested her emotions in hadnât gifted her a beautiful romance but unending agony.
Her awakening was complete. She would cease loving Bradley-forever.
âBradley, Iâm not here to listen to your words. I only want to know: where is my daughter?â
Estherâs question furrowed Bradleyâs brows. He was utterly puzzled. But his response was a handful of salt rubbed onto Estherâs already wounded heart.
âCurious, arenât you? Get down on your knees and plead.â
Bradleyâs haughty tone pushed Esther beyond her limits. Her hand rose, delivering a resounding slap.