A Daughter’s Ordeal

I put my six-year-old daughter in my mother-in-law’s hands as I was busy with an overseas project. Every month, I would send her 20,000 dollars in allowance, not including holiday cash gifts. My mother-in-law would always talk about how well my daughter ate and slept during every video call. In the video, a feast was always laid before my daughter. So when her teacher claimed that she had fainted out of hunger during class, my first thought was that she must have called the wrong number. I rushed back home and headed straight to the hospital. The doctor said that my daughter was suffering from long-term malnutrition and her weight was far below the average. She also had severe post-traumatic stress disorder with suspected autism. The homeroom teacher looked begrudgingly at me with furrowed brows. “Ms. Mason, this isn’t the first time Natalie fainted out of hunger during class. “She only brings one cold plain bun to school for lunch every day. Sometimes, she doesn’t even have that bun. “Each time I ask her about things at home, she refuses to speak.” I was utterly confused by the teacher’s questions. How could my child go hungry when I was sending over 20,000 dollars in allowance every month? Chapter 1 After seeing Ms. Chapman off, I returned to the ward. Natalie was sleeping peacefully on the hospital bed, her lips pale, her small body drowning in the oversized hospital gown. The doctor told me that Natalie didn’t just have low blood sugar. She also had moderate anemia and gastric mucosal damage, and many of her vitals were lower than usual. Such a level of malnutrition was almost certainly not a result of missing a couple of meals, but long-term starvation. Aside from that, the doctor also found many old bruises on her arms, back and thighs. The doctor asked tactfully if the child has been subject to any physical punishment. My mind blanked out at his question. Natalie had been living with my mother-in-law. Could she have been abusing her? The mere thought of it felt unbelievable. Over the past six months, I would video-call home at least three times each week. Every time I called, there would be a feast laid before Natalie: Grilled salmon, pork ribs, poached shrimps… My mother-in-law, Olivia Smith, would keep aiming the camera at the food laid out on the dining table and telling me all about the dishes, as though worried that I wasn’t able to see them clearly. “Wanda, look. I prepared pork ribs for Natalie today. “She’s really picky and only eats the food I cook. “But don’t you worry. Her appetite has been great recently, and she had a huge bowl of pasta just now.” I occasionally did realize that Natalie had become much quieter than in the past. Whenever I asked her if she was happy at school and if she missed her mommy, she would just bow her head and keep silent. Olivia would always smile and explain things on her behalf. “She’s grown distant from you. Naturally so, since you’re gone for half a year. It’s easy for a child to forget things. She’ll be fine once you come back and keep her company for a few days.” Whenever she said that, guilt would fill my heart. It only drove me to work even harder. I wanted to give Natalie a good life and an opportunity to grow up without worrying about anything. Yet now, it seemed like Natalie wasn’t having a good time. I called Olivia, and she only picked up after a long while. “What’s the matter, Wanda?” It was very noisy on her end, and I could hear the sound of children laughing and playing. “Mom, Natalie fainted at school. Did you know that?” She paused for a moment before exclaiming exaggeratedly, “What? How did that happen? Is this how the school takes care of its students? Did the PE teacher overexert her or something?” She anxiously pushed the blame to the school, using the exact same words she used in the past. “Ms. Chapman said that Natalie only brings one plain bun to school every afternoon. Mom, what’s with that?” I asked, my voice cold. Olivia fell silent for a few seconds before sighing. “So it’s because of that. “Wanda, you have no idea. Natalie has become so picky as of late. I’d prepare food for her and she’d refuse to bring it to school, insisting that she prefers eating plain buns. “I can’t force her to bring food if she refuses to, can I? “As for the malnutrition, it might be because she’s been going through a growth spurt recently. Coupled with the possibility that her body might not be absorbing the nutrients well, that’s why she looks a little skinnier.” Her explanation sounded reasonable at first, but on second thought, it was filled with loopholes. No matter how picky a six-year-old got, a child couldn’t possibly just eat plain buns every single day for a few consecutive months. Even if Natalie refused to bring food to school, Olivia could have contacted her teachers or prepare some other food instead of causing Natalie to faint from hunger. What’s more, Ms. Chapman clearly said that the first person the school contacted was Olivia. They called her three times, but she never answered any of their calls. Olivia was lying. Chapter 2 When I realized that was the case, I didn’t immediately expose her. Instead, I asked innocently, “What about Caleb? Natalie is hospitalized. I called him dozens of times, but he picked up none of my calls.” “He went on a business trip overseas,” Olivia replied to me, her answer coming swiftly. “Work has been very busy for him recently. You clearly know about it. I can care for the child. Don’t keep going to him for every trivial matter and affect his work.” I didn’t say anything in response. Before I called Olivia, Caleb Johnson had already replied to my text with something dismissive. [At a meeting. Mom is taking care of Natalie, she’ll be fine.] Even upon knowing that her daughter was hospitalized, he didn’t ask whether her condition was severe or even promise to come visit. It was as though his daughter’s hospitalization was no big deal. How did I never realize how cold and heartless he was to Natalie? “Wanda, you’re still overseas now, right?” Olivia probed. “I’m at the hospital.” “What?” Her voice turned up a notch higher. “You’re back already?” She didn’t sound surprised. In fact, she sounded panicked. She hung up even before getting my answer to her question. Less than an hour later, the door to Natalie’s ward was pushed open. Olivia barged in, panting hard. She threw herself onto the bedside and grabbed Natalie’s hands, tears falling down her cheeks as if on cue. “My darling, how did you end up fainting in school? I even made you eat one more egg this morning, and you refused to listen. Was the food in school not to your liking?” My brows furrowed as I listened to her. Natalie was resting, and all the noise she was making might wake Natalie up. As I had expected, Natalie opened her eyes, looking bleary. The moment she got a good look at who it was right before her, there was a slight change in her expression. She instinctively pulled her hand away from her grandmother’s grip. Olivia’s sobs halted abruptly as she looked guiltily at me. She then stood up and said dotingly to Natalie, “Natalie, did you faint because you didn’t eat the breakfast I prepared for you this morning?” Natalie bowed her head, biting her lips hard. “This child is getting more and more disobedient,” Olivia said as she looked helplessly at me. “I cook so much good food for her, and she refuses to eat them. I ask her why and she doesn’t tell me, either. “Even at my age, my life practically revolves around her, fearing she might injure herself or have something untoward happen to her. Yet, this still ended up happening to her.” She looked greatly indignant. “Wanda, you don’t think I’m not taking good care of her, do you?” I stared at her for a few seconds before shaking my head. “Why would I?” She heaved a sigh of relief and started blaming the school, the teachers, and the hospital, completely forgetting about blaming herself. When we left the hospital, Olivia kept fussing over Natalie, but Natalie replied to none of her questions of concern. After we reached home, Olivia immediately stepped into the kitchen and started preparing a soup. The fridge was filled with fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables. There was even a half-eaten cake on the table. Everything seemed normal. In fact, it looked like they lived a relatively comfortable life. Very soon, Olivia served Natalie some chicken soup and patiently coaxed her, “My dear, I’ve cooled it down and it’s not hot anymore.” She started feeding Natalie, spoon by spoon, looking every bit the tender, loving and perfect grandmother. If it weren’t for the medical report that was still in my bag, I would have doubted myself for overthinking things. At night, while in bed with Natalie, I asked her softly, “Natalie, tell me. What do you usually eat at home? Does Grandma beat you?” Her body stiffened up. I gently patted her through the blanket and comforted her tenderly, “Don’t be scared. I’m here. I’ll protect you.” She looked at me for a long time before her lips finally moved. Just then, Olivia barged in with a warm glass of milk in hand. “Wanda, you must be tired after the long flight. Do rest early.” She placed the glass of milk on the bedside table and looked at Natalie. “Natalie, be good and don’t disturb your mom from her rest.” There was a smile on her face when she said so, but Natalie’s body trembled under the covers. Chapter 3 That night, I didn’t sleep a wink. The next day, I contacted my friend who does security systems. While Olivia was out buying groceries, I seized the chance to have hidden cameras installed in every nook and cranny at home. After all was done, I packed my bags and told Olivia with feigned helplessness, “Mom, something cropped up with my project. I have to go back to work tomorrow.” “Natalie was just discharged, and you’re leaving?” she asked. I bowed my head, looking guilty. “I have no choice. This project concerns the company’s development over the next three years. I’ll have to rely on you to take care of the home.” Olivia sighed. “Go ahead and don’t worry about us. Natalie is my darling granddaughter. I wouldn’t mistreat her, would I?” That afternoon, Olivia sent me to the airport in person. While I put on my shoes at the door, my daughter stood right next to me with her head bowed. Her hands grabbed the hem of my shirt tightly. I crouched down and hugged her tight, whispering into her ear, “I’m not abandoning you. I’ll be back real soon.” She finally looked up, with a light in her eyes that had been gone for a long time. After entering the gates, I deliberately took a picture of myself in the lounge and posted it on my social media with the caption: [A fresh start.] However, I didn’t board the plane. I took the exit through the side gate and stayed at a friend’s apartment. I had everything settled regarding my overseas project and had my assistant clock in at work on my behalf. At two in the afternoon, I navigated to the surveillance software in my phone and saw Olivia at a call in the living room. “She left. She really left. I saw her go through security checks with my own eyes. Pack your things and come over.” Half an hour later, the door to our villa opened. A woman decked in branded clothes and accessories walked in with a boy who looked about seven to eight years old. I recognized her. She was Tina Sherwood, a marketing manager in Caleb’s company. Over the years, I often see her in photos taken at team bonding activities held by the company. Caleb mentioned that she was rather capable but divorced. It wasn’t easy for her to be a single mom taking care of a child, which was why he would show her more concern. But now, Tina was pulling out a pair of slippers from the shoe cabinet as though she had done it millions of times. The boy rushed into the living room, throwing his bag on the couch. “Grandma, I’m hungry!” “I bought you some lobster and your favorite wagyu,” Olivia said, her eyes twinkling. Natalie heard the commotion and walked out of her room. When she neared the living room, the smile on Olivia’s face faded. “Who called you out of your room?” Natalie stopped in her tracks, looking hesitant and fearful. At the sight of my daughter behaving as though she were an outsider in her own home, my throat constricted. “What are you doing just standing there? Can’t you see? Hurry up and bring your brother’s bag in!” yelled Olivia. Zephan Johnson lifted a leg and kicked his bag toward Natalie. “Hurry up, loser!” As Natalie bent over and picked it up, Zephan suddenly shoved her. Her back hit the wall so hard her face paled from the pain. Olivia stood right by her side. Instead of stopping Zephan, she pinched Natalie’s ear. “You can’t even pick up a bag properly. What’s the use of having you around? I get so annoyed looking at you, a useless good-for-nothing. No bun for you today. Go lock yourself up in the utility room!” Natalie seemed to have gotten used to such treatment and quietly headed upstairs. Tina sat on the couch, helping herself to some fruits as she said irritably, “Mom, didn’t you say that you’d send her to boarding school? She’s at home everyday, it’s irksome.” Olivia poured her a cup of tea. “Don’t be anxious. Caleb said that once Wanda Mason clinches the overseas project and gets her hand on the next round of financing, he’ll find a way to make her sign the Power of Attorney. We’ve got to keep the child around for now.” “I just think it’s unfair for Zephan,” Tina said with a scoff. “He’s the grandson of the Jackson family, but he can’t see the light of day.” “Don’t you worry. Once Caleb gets his hand on the company, he’ll divorce Wanda,” Olivia coaxed. “When that happens, both this villa and her money will be yours and Zephan’s.” Chapter 4 I sat in front of the screen, my head buzzing. Just then, the door to the villa opened once more. and Caleb walked in with a gaming console in hand. “Son, miss me?” The doting look on his face was something I had never seen him give Natalie. Tina walked over and took off his jacket like it was the natural thing to do. Meanwhile, Olivia served them more fruits. The four of them sat in the living room, looking like a family. My daughter, on the other hand, was locked in a windowless utility room. Zephan hugged the gaming console and ran around the house, yelling proudly, “Dad, is this the latest version? Only two of my classmates have this!” “But of course,” Caleb said, rubbing Zephan’s head affectionately. “Whatever other people have, my son must have it, too.” I once heard him say something like that. When Natalie turned four, she saw her classmate owning a pink piano. She went home and cautiously asked Caleb if she could have one as well. At that time, he said with furrowed brows, “Must you have whatever other people have? What would become of you in the future if you already know how to compare such things with other people?” Eventually, I bought it for Natalie. Caleb blamed me for spoiling her. As it turned out, it wasn’t that he disliked the idea of spooling children. He just didn’t want to spoil Natalie. Tina leaned into Caleb’s embrace. “You’re staying tonight, right?” “Wanda just went overseas and won’t be coming back so soon. I’ll stay the night tonight.” Caleb patted Tina’s bottom with a lustful look in his eyes. Olivia’s smile deepened. “You two really should spend more time with each other as husband and wife.” If they were husband and wife, what did that make me? A cash cow to earn them money? Caleb looked at his phone. “It’s your 60th birthday next week, and Wanda previously transferred me 30,000 dollars. I’ve booked the hotel and informed all our relatives.” Olivia broke into a grin. “That’s my filial son!” “We’ll make it a grand affair and let all our relatives see how well we’re doing now.” Tina suddenly asked, “Will Wanda come back for it?” “She only cares about work,” Caleb sneered. “What’s more, she just left. She wouldn’t fly back just for the celebration. Once the overseas project is running, the company’s value will at least double. “I’ll find a chance to make her sign a funding document that’ll transfer her voting rights to me. Once I own the company, a divorce won’t be up to her.” I shut down the surveillance software and sat in the dark, unable to move for a long time. I had no idea when the marriage started rotting from the inside, but I knew that now wasn’t the time to rush back and interrogate them. My fury would only tip them off. I needed evidence as my weapon. Over the next two days, I contacted Beatrice Turner, a well-known divorce and corporate attorney. “I want a divorce, to fight for custody of my child, and to take back shared marital assets that have been transferred away.” Beatrice told me that the surveillance footage I had wasn’t enough. I needed bank statements, the company’s financial data, and also confirmation of Zephan’s identity. I contacted my confidant in the company to secretly send me the company’s financial records over the past three years. It was even more frightening than I had imagined. Over the past three years, Caleb had transferred a total of 14 million dollars to a company owned by Tina in the name of market expansion, customer retention, and consulting services. The 20,000 dollars I gave Olivia every month were mostly spent on Zephan. Even the deposit for the apartment under Tina’s name, worth over three million dollars, was paid using a joint account between Caleb and me. Not only that, I even found proof of Zephan’s birth. Although the field under ‘Father’ was empty, his birthday coincided with when I was seven months pregnant myself. During that period, Caleb cooked soup for me every day and accompanied me at all my gynae appointments. Everyone envied me for marrying a good husband. As it turned out, while the daughter I had been excited for was born, his other child had come into this world earlier than her. I started making preparations. I changed the core systems permissions, applied for assets preservation, and even made an appointment with a psychiatrist for Natalie. I also engaged someone to urgently prepare a special birthday present. I returned to the country earlier than expected, on the day of Olivia’s birthday celebration. The banquet hall, filled with tables worth 30,000 dollars each, was bursting at the seams with guests. Olivia was dressed to the nines and adorned herself with a jade necklace. She was resplendent in luxury and basked in everyone’s praises. Just then, I opened the door to the banquet hall. Behind me, two staff members were carrying a huge bamboo basket. There was no gold or jewelry in the basket. Instead, 120 cold plain buns were stacked up in them.