Chapter 43

"No, don't talk nonsense," Susie said, hurrying away.

Nora sighed. "Alas, my mother is too cowardly. She really infuriates me."

Selina remained silent. She'd heard whispers from Trevon about Susie's family—Susie was an orphan, adopted at six. The family hadn't been unkind, providing for her needs and education. In high school, Susie discovered her passion for cooking, resolutely choosing a culinary school in Frehar for college. She worked part-time, secured scholarships, and supported herself. After graduation, she interned, then, with exceptional talent, rose from kitchen grunt to assistant chef in just three years, becoming a head chef within five. She even held a chef position at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant. At twenty-nine, she met the divorced Samuel and, after marrying him, became a housewife.

Susie's marriage to Samuel had faced considerable criticism and opposition from the Brady family, largely due to her background. They felt she wasn't good enough for him, especially considering she'd earned significant wealth before marrying into their family. Her adoptive family periodically sought financial assistance.

"Selina," Nora pleaded, clutching Selina's hand, "you're so strong. Can you help my mother? I can't bear to see her suffer. Ever since I was a child, every visit from Uncle David brings trouble—a crime, a loan he can't repay, gambling debts..."

"Nora, I understand," Selina replied, "but this is Mrs. Brady's family matter. I can't interfere."

Just then, they heard a heated argument at the door.

"Oh my God! Uncle David's here!" Nora exclaimed, rushing to Susie's aid. Selina followed.

Susie stood facing a man in his forties, a man who looked like a scoundrel. Her face was flushed with anger.

"You gambled again!" she shouted. "You said you needed money for Mom's medicine! Let me be clear, David, I won't give you another cent! Even if loan sharks kill you in the street, it's none of my business! I will never acknowledge you as my brother!"

"Susie! I'm your brother! Without my parents, you wouldn't have married into the Brady family! You owe me! You've been with Samuel for years, you must have plenty of money. Give it to me! I need to win back my losses!" David yanked Susie, causing her to fall, striking her head against the door. A bruise appeared instantly.

"Mom!" Nora cried, rushing to Susie's side, shielding her. "Mom, are you alright? Uncle David, you've gone too far!"

"I… I didn't mean to… She wouldn't give me the money. Those loan sharks will kill me if I don't get it! Give me the money so I can win it back at the casino!" David showed no remorse, even attempting to search Susie's pockets, convinced she'd eventually give in, fearing the consequences of involving the police.

Selina swiftly intervened, delivering a kick to David's stomach, quickly subduing him. With a sharp twist of his arm, a sickening crack echoed as his bone broke. David's face contorted in agony as Selina pinned him to the ground.

"David," Susie began, but Selina interrupted. "Mrs. Brady, if you find my actions intrusive, I'll reset his arm and leave immediately."

Susie's heart pounded at the sight of Selina's unwavering gaze.

"Mom, Uncle David needs a lesson! Stop protecting him! You've done it for decades. Isn't that enough?" Nora urged. "If this continues, he'll never change, he'll only keep asking for money, and you'll suffer."

Finally, Susie conceded. "Thank you, Selina. Let him go."

Selina released David, then effortlessly snapped his arm back into place. A cry of pain erupted from David, quickly followed by a desperate flight.

"Susie, you dared to collude against me! Just wait until Dad and Mom find out! You're the wife of a Brady son, and you refuse to help me, even as I'm threatened by loan sharks!" He fled.

Susie collapsed to the ground, weeping silently. Nora comforted her. "It's alright, Mom. If you continue to help him, Uncle David will never improve."

"I know… I know…" Susie sobbed.

Trevon and Samuel arrived. Samuel's sharp eyes narrowed, sensing danger as he saw Susie's injury.

"Susie, what happened to your head? Who hurt you?"

"Dad, it's—"

"It's alright, Nora. I'm fine," Susie interrupted, standing with Samuel's help. She looked at Selina with gratitude. "Selina, I'm sorry you had to witness this. Thank you for helping me. I truly didn't know what to do."

"Mr. Brady," Selina replied, "as Trevon's stepmother, you're like a mother to me. I'm an orphan; my family never wanted me. Now that I'm Trevon's wife, you and Mr. Brady are like parents. I'm glad you said that." Her sincerity was evident.

Trevon gazed at Selina, captivated. Under the moonlight, she seemed ethereal.

"You're a good girl," Susie said. "Trevon's incredibly lucky to have you." Samuel later spoke with Selina about the events, assuring her that Susie was recovering.