Betrayed by My Trash Husband, Surrender Myself to the Devil-Chapter 29: Vulnerable

Claudia POV

I had to admit that seeing the photo of my daughter in a separate ward and far from Clarissa was a relief after a long, grueling night.

Last night had become a complete nightmare for me, especially after Clarissa sent the picture of my daughter, complete with the text:

’Feeling bored. Maybe I should play with your daughter.’

That sentence broke me instantly. I was restless and wanted to go straight to Ray’s room and beg him to save Aurora.

However, I tried to control myself, knowing that Clarissa wouldn’t be able to do anything to my daughter while the investigation was still ongoing. If she dared to hurt her, then she wouldn’t be free from becoming a suspect as well.

I didn’t want to worsen Ray’s mood, especially after our fight last night and how I called him a heartless bastard once again before he entered his home office.

I kept hugging Aurora’s elephant doll until dawn, thinking of a way to please Ray so he would help me this time.

After all, in this situation, Ray was the only one I could trust. And despite his prickly behavior and his crazy shenanigans of imprisoning me in this penthouse, he should be able to fulfill my request.

But... was I ready for the price I had to pay to make a deal with the devil?

The elephant doll in my hand had lost its shape as I hugged it tightly overnight, thinking of the risk I had to take.

But in the end, no risk was greater than Aurora’s safety. So I went to the kitchen at dawn and started making pumpkin soup for his breakfast from scratch, knowing that Ray was one of those ultra health-conscious men, unlike Miles, who couldn’t care less about maintaining his appearance after we got married.

I was on edge the whole time and accidentally burned my palm once and cut my fingers twice. I simply fixed them with band-aids without complaint and continued working despite my nervousness.

When I was done with the pumpkin soup, I rushed to Ray’s room in the morning and tried to act nice in front of him, hoping that he’d be pleased with my effort and help move Aurora away from Clarissa.

I should’ve known that Ray wasn’t the type of person who would compliment me. I became even more on edge and discouraged seeing his lukewarm reaction. Even when I told him about my worry, his first reply was to tell me that Aurora would be safe.

How could she be safe when she was in the hands of that crazy bitch?!

Clarissa might snap at any time and kill my daughter—the only person I cared about in this world and my only family!

I had told myself many times in the past not to cry in front of others, because showing weakness meant it would be easy for them to exploit a woman without backing like me.

But I broke down at that moment, crying my heart out and begging Ray to save my daughter, as it was my only request, even if it might cost me my life, or my freedom in this case.

Luckily, my tears actually helped me this time, even if I had to humiliate myself in front of Ray.

Still, the problem persisted, how am I supposed to visit her at the hospital when I’m not allowed to leave this penthouse?

That question lingered in my mind as I washed my face and calmed myself down.

Ray wasn’t the type to go back on his word. Since he wanted me to stay, I had no choice but to remain in the penthouse until I found another way to salvage the situation for me and Aurora.

Maybe I could find a way to leave and go to the hospital later, but to challenge him right after he helped me wasn’t a wise move.

As I finished changing my outfit, I heard the front door open.

I thought it was Ray, though it was strange for him to come home so early, since he told me on the phone that he still had many things to do.

But when I peeked into the living room, I saw a small Asian woman walking into the house. Had she not been wearing a blazer and a rather formal knee-length black skirt, I would’ve thought she was a high school student who had somehow wandered into the penthouse.

"Excuse me, but who are you?" I asked as I walked toward her.

The Asian lady was surprised at first before smiling at me and extending her hand for a handshake.

"Ah, you must be Miss Claudia Reed. My name is Jane Jiang. I’m Mr. Gatlin’s secretary, and from now on, I’ve been moved to work here as your assistant."

I was baffled that this woman addressed me as Claudia Reed instead of Claudia Hoffman, since Reed was actually my maiden surname. She even addressed me as Miss instead of Mrs., even though I hadn’t divorced Miles yet.

Not that I disagreed. I was actually quite pleased with it, since I didn’t want anything to do with that scumbag anymore.

Other than that, I also had a question in mind.

"... Assistant?" I frowned while accepting her handshake. "I am currently unemployed. Why would I need an assistant?"

"Of course you need one, Miss. You’re now living in the penthouse and aren’t allowed to leave, so you’ll need me if you ever need anything, right?" Jane maintained her formal smile. But I noticed that her smile turned slightly crooked, as if she couldn’t help to show the true purpose of her visit. "I’m also tasked to make sure that you’re comfortable here, so you won’t feel the need to leave, Miss Reed."

"... So you were sent by Ray to watch over me, making sure I wouldn’t escape, right?" I asked bluntly, and Jane nodded as her smile slowly vanished.

"Yes. Mr. Gatlin told me that you have the tendency to break the rules he sets. So I have to make sure you stay put, at least until he comes home every day."