Chapter 3

But my face was in too much pain. I misjudged my jump and crashed hard onto the floor.

Little Pops stared at me, a bit dazed. He was just about to help me up when my parents suddenly pushed the door open and walked in with Sharon.

"Sweetheart, once the surgery is over and a success, I'll treat you to a big feast!" my mother cooed.

She and Jack spoke to Sharon with voices sweet as honey. But when they looked over at me, their faces instantly darkened.

Jack snarled, "Trying to run, huh? You stole Sharon's place as our daughter and all the love that should've been hers. What's wrong with giving a little back? How can you be so selfish?"

He lifted his foot and stomped down hard on my left leg. There was a sickening crack as my bone split.

My scream got stuck in my throat. Pain arched my whole body off the floor, and I couldn't stop trembling.

"Still thinking of running?" He raised his foot again, aiming for my right leg.

Little Pops frowned and stepped in front of me. "The doctor's here."

At the end of the hallway, a tall, slim figure in a white coat was walking toward us. My eyes lit up at the sight of him. It was Second Pops, the smartest person I knew. He would definitely recognize me!

My parents and Sharon hurried over to him, their faces full of fawning smiles.

Second Pops took the surgery order and casually flipped through it. His expression went cold almost immediately. "A brain transplant? Who accepted this case? Are you out of your minds? This surgery is extremely difficult, and there hasn't been a single successful case in the world. I can't do it."

Emma quickly pulled a black card out of her bag. "Dr. Slater, you're the top surgeon in the world. We consulted many specialists, and they all said that only you can perform this surgery. The price is negotiable. As for the risk, we only need you to guarantee my sweetheart's safety."

She glanced at me, then lowered her voice. "As for her… it doesn't matter what happens."

My whole body burned with pain, but my heart turned ice-cold.

Second Pops lowered his eyes and looked at me.

I hurriedly lifted my fingers and tapped out the Morse code he had taught me. "Hurry… Save me… It's me, Mai—"

Second Pops frowned slightly.

But right then, Emma noticed what I was doing. Her high heel came down on my fingers without the slightest hesitation.

I let out a bloodcurdling scream, but she still wasn't satisfied. She ground down on all ten of my fingers, one after another.

"I knew it. You've been acting weird ever since we stepped into the black market. You were trying to get someone to save you, huh? Don't bother. We paid a fortune for this, so we're big clients here. They won't help you.

"You'd be better off behaving yourself and obediently giving your brain to Sharon. Maybe we'll treat you a little better in the future if you do."

Sharon leaned in, her voice full of smugness. "Yeah. I carefully picked out a really good brain for you, you know. I know you're jealous of me, but as long as you behave and do what you're told, Mom and Dad will like you, too."

She pretended to help me up, but her nails dug viciously into the soft flesh at my waist.

Not that it mattered. I was already numb from the pain. I let out a cold laugh, then suddenly lunged at her and clamped my teeth down on her ear.