Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 1277

It's just such a tragedy. A complete tragedy..."

Even though Sabrina had accepted the reality of the divorce, she still felt they had been robbed at the finish line.

They had been mere inches from absolute power and wealth.

And now, it had all gone up in smoke.

Getting a massive divorce settlement was a good consolation prize.

But if they somehow failed to secure it, they would be left with nothing.

The thought alone was infuriating.

Bella, however, was no longer consumed by the fear of the divorce.

If the ransom money came through today, her financial crisis would instantly vanish.

Leaving her with nearly two hundred million dollars in cold, hard cash.

With that kind of war chest, she would have the leverage to drag Sebastian through the most agonizing divorce battle imaginable.

She had absolutely no intention of letting him walk away unscathed.

Of course, Sebastian would fight tooth and nail to protect his empire and keep her from getting a single dime.

Who would ultimately come out on top was still anyone's guess.

"It's not a tragedy, Mom. Your face..."

Bella trailed off, finally noticing the bruising on Sabrina's cheek.

Sabrina gingerly touched her swollen face. "What do you think? That madwoman hit me.

She's completely lost her mind. She's attacking everyone.

She hit Brandon yesterday, and today she even slapped Martin. It's like she has endless energy.

It makes me sick. I don't know how much longer we can survive this nightmare."

"It'll be over soon," Bella said quietly. "Very soon."

All she needed was the money.

"Mom, I have some things to take care of. I'm fine, don't worry about me.

Have a maid put some ice on your face so it doesn't scar."

"I'm leaving it exactly like this," Sabrina spat. "I want Martin to see it when he gets home.

I want him to feel guilty. Otherwise, he'll think making me kneel and apologize is no big deal."

Bella didn't argue. Her mother had always been a master manipulator; she knew exactly what she was doing.

She walked into her room and opened the message.

It was a photo from Lucas.

A perfectly normal-looking cardboard box, sealed tightly with packing tape.

It looked exactly like any other piece of mail.

As long as it wasn't scanned or torn open, no one would ever suspect that inside rested two severed human fingers.