Chapter 6

A chill swept through Claire, freezing her to the core.

She couldn't understand how Marissa-an obvious impostor-had managed to pass the DNA test. But one thing was clear-from this moment on, Gavin would never believe another word she said.

Marissa squeezed her hand with fake concern. "Claire, are you alright? I know you've never liked me. You blame me for stealing away your brother's love. You don't have to worry. I won't disturb your life anymore. In a few days I'll move back to my hometown; after all, I lived there for more than twenty years. I'm used to it."

"Get away from me! Don't touch me!" Claire shouted, jerking her hand free.

But Gavin caught Marissa's hand gently, his tone leaving no room for argument. "No. You can't leave. This is your home."

Tears streamed down Marissa's face. "But she'll never accept me. I don't want to ruin your marriage. If I'd known my return would cause all this trouble, I would've stayed away forever."

Gavin pulled her into his arms, coaxing her softly while cutting a cold glance to Claire. "She's not well. I'll have her treated."

In that instant, dread crashed over Claire. For the first time, she regretted walking back into this house of her own accord.

"I'm not unwell!" she screamed. "The two of you are insane! Graham turned traitor, and Gavin-you're too blind to see you've welcomed a snake into your home. You're the biggest fool alive!"

Looking worried, Graham stepped forward, seizing her wrist in an iron grip. He leaned close, his voice a poisonous whisper.

"Claire, stop struggling. Do you really want to end up like Nina? You've always been the obedient one. And surely, you don't want Mom and Dad's graves dug up and desecrated ten years after their deaths, do you? We're family. I'd never hurt you; I love you too much for that."

Claire froze. Graham seized the moment to pull out his phone. Onscreen played a chilling video-several men stood around her parents' grave, tools in hand, staring straight into the camera.

Her eyes widened with fury. She thrashed violently. "You despicable coward! You ungrateful bastard!"

As if on cue, a team of doctors in white coats filed in, medical kits in hand. Nurses pinned her arms and legs. A masked doctor drew a syringe from his case.

Claire nearly lost her mind. She twisted around and sank her teeth into a nurse's wrist.

With a cry of pain, the nurse slapped her hard across the face. "Behave!"

Instead of stopping it, Graham pinned her arm faster, driving his knee into the back of hers until she buckled and fell to the floor. "Don't be scared, Claire. It's just a sedative."

"Get off me! All of you-get off!"

Somehow, she fought with the strength of desperation. Not even three people could hold her down.

Gavin's eyes darkened. He ripped off his tie and bound her tightly to the leg of the table.

"You idiot," Claire spat at him. "You deserve this-you deserve to be tricked and toyed with by these two pieces of trash!"

The needle pierced her arm-and at that moment, the front doors slammed open with a deafening crash.

A squad of black-clad men stormed in, weapons drawn, encircling Graham and his crew in seconds.

Marissa shrank behind Gavin, trembling. "Gavin, I'm scared."

Gavin pressed his lips into a thin line, stroking her head in comfort. "Don't be afraid. I'll protect you."

The next second, a cold gun barrel pressed against his forehead.

"Protect her?" a voice sneered. "Then you can die together."