At about 12, Larissa went back to the Wilson's with a faint smile.

But before she could take off her shoes, a furious yell came from inside, "You're finally back? Where did you go last night? Come clean!"

This was Larissa's step-mother, Nicole Barrie.

Ages had scarcely left any trace on that enchanting face. At least, from the distance, she was still graceful and beautiful.

But in Larissa's eyes, Nicole had a mean and bitchy look which disgusted her very much!

Nicole approached and went on shouting, "I'm asking you! Don't let me see your lifeless face again! It spoils my mood!"

Usually, Larissa just put up with it.

Otherwise, Nicole would beat her. With powerless arms and legs, Larissa couldn't rival that woman in strength and often got badly hurt as a result.

But now, everything had changed. With Glen's help, she saw no need to flinch anymore!

So she said calmly, "Aunt Barrie, I'm back to pack up my luggage. I'll live somewhere else from today on."

Secretly, she swore that she would drive Nicole and her daughter out of here one day!

Nicole snorted. "You want to go? You've offended Mr. Steven and messed up my arrangement! Do you think you can escape?"

Larissa lifted her chin slightly and gave a faint smile. "Aunt Barrie, I'll live with Glen Lake from today on. I'm his woman now."

As if it was a big joke, Nicole burst out laughing. "Glen Lake? You mean the president of the EMC Group? How could he take a fancy to someone like you?"

After saying that, she poked Larissa's head rudely. What a naive girl!

Larissa didn't bother to argue. She walked past Nicole to the stairs, but this time, she was blocked by Ellen Barrie.

With contempt in her eyes, Ellen crossed her arms and raised one corner of her upper lip. "Larissa Wilson, what do you mean by Glen Lake's woman? Did you sleep with him?"

"Didn't you say you would marry only Mason? You even refused the blind date arranged by my mom because of him. What's going on now? You've given your heart to another man?"

All of a sudden, Larissa's eyes became red. Hearing that name, she felt as if the blood was burning and boiling inside her!

He was the first man she had a crush on and bared her heart to, but the result was painful.

Who Mason Tomas liked was exactly the one standing in front of her, unrelated to her by blood, Ellen Barrie!

"That's enough!" Larissa pushed Ellen hard, and that struck her forehead against the banister.

Seeing that, Nicole strode over, and without a word, she slapped Larissa's left cheek with strength!

Larissa's face suddenly turned red with searing pain. Silently and coldly, she glared at the wicked woman.

To vent her anger, Nicole raised her hand again and gave a loud slap on Larissa's right cheek!

"How dare you push my daughter? I warn you, Larissa Wilson, I'm the master of this family now! You'd better be obedient to me! Without my permission, you can't step out of here!" She showed an utterly vicious look. Before the board meeting, she must stop Larissa from making any trouble.

No servant dared to speak for Larissa.

Without saying anything, Larissa went back to her bedroom.

...

At midnight, Larissa packed up some necessities and sneaked downstairs with a suitcase...

Suddenly, she was kicked hard by someone from behind her!

"How dare you disobey me? You want to sneak away?" Nicole was wearing pajamas and slippers, with a furious expression on her face.

Larissa stumbled and fell onto the ground. In pain, she growled, but she glared at Nicole without fear. "You wicked woman, my dad was so blind that he married you!"

Hearing that, Nicole was utterly irritated. She walked fast up and pulled and tugged Larissa's hair like mad!

She even tore Larissa's knit coat until half of her back was exposed in the frigid air!

Then, with her crimson-varnished sharp nails, she scratched Larissa's back mercilessly and left many scarlet marks there...

With tender arms, Larissa couldn't defend herself against the violence at all. Helpless, she could only bear it until it was over.

"The board meeting is going to be held next month. Aunt Barrie, don't forget that I also hold some shares, though they're not many. Do you want me to... attend the meeting like this?" She panted hard, forcing her tears back.

The hideous face in the darkness was frozen for a moment. Eyelids drooping, Nicole looked at Larissa narrowly, lost in thought.

Indeed, the board meeting was the top priority at present. Even if she let Larissa go, this stupid penniless girl would have nowhere to escape.