Chapter 4

Adeline moved fast.

Within a day, my younger sister was bound and dumped in a deserted outskirts area. Around her lay piles of wood, drenched in pungent gasoline.

My sister struggled frantically, but the ropes held her tight.

Then Adeline appeared, dressed in a striking red gown.

For a brief moment, my sister's eyes lit up with recognition—then quickly shifted to terrified concern. "Adeline! What are you doing here? You have to run—it's dangerous here!"

Her first instinct was to protect Adeline.

She had no idea that the woman standing before her was no longer the sister-in-law who once doted on her, but the architect of her nightmare.

Their eyes met. Adeline pulled out a lighter and spoke, her voice flat and cold.

"Spare me the tearful act. I'll give you one chance. Tell me where Samuel is..."

My sister was sharp. The color drained from her face as the truth hit her. She'd already gotten the news about our parents that afternoon.

"Adeline... did you do that to Mom and Dad? How could you? Why?!"

Adeline let out a contemptuous laugh.

"Why? You can thank your dear brother for that. But I can see you're the type who won't believe it until you've got no choice left. Fine then. Let's see if Samuel can stand by and watch his precious little sister burn alive."

She flicked her wrist.

The lighter arced through the air and landed on the kindling.

At the same time, she pulled out her phone and went live—broadcasting what she called a "punishment execution."

Surrounded by flames, my sister screamed in despair.

"Adeline, my brother loved you so much! How could you do this to our parents?!"

But all she got in return was a cold, mocking smirk.

The fire consumed her.

I watched it all, clawing desperately at the flames like a madman—

But I was just a ghost. I couldn't do a thing.

Soon, the livestream was cut off due to graphic content. I could still hear my sister's screams echoing in my ears.

Adeline smiled—a victorious, satisfied smile.

She finally called it off.

Her men dragged my sister from the inferno. Adeline grabbed her by the chin, gripping her burnt, reddened face.

"Let's see if your heartless brother shows up now.

"But my patience is wearing thin. He'd better surface before Nicky and I tie the knot—or the three of you can reunite in the ground."

Nicky...

The wedding...

So they were getting married.