Eclipse's eyes were dark and lifeless, like an endless void in the starry sky, firmly fixed on Mrs. Rocelyn.
The coldness in her gaze made Mrs. Rocelyn freeze, fear creeping into her heart.
She could feel her spine stiffen, her face going pale.
Eclipse, with a chilling smile, spoke in a soft, almost gentle voice. "Since you love dogs so much, Mrs. Rocelyn, I'll make sure you have a place where you'll never be apart from them. For the rest of your life."
Mrs. Rocelyn shuddered at Eclipse's words.
Her adopted daughter now seemed like a complete stranger, someone she no longer recognized.
Uneasiness swirled within her as she realized Eclipse wasn't the same person she thought she could control.
Meanwhile, at the top of the grand staircase, Jessica Rocelyn stood, watching the scene unfold.
She was wearing a striking watermelon-red dress, the kind that stood out on purpose. In her hand, she carried a matching bag.
Every inch of her was polished—her makeup perfect, her hair meticulously styled.
Her beauty was carefully crafted, but her eyes betrayed her—filled with jealousy as they focused on Eclipse's face.
Though Jessica was undeniably pretty, she lacked the natural grace and delicacy of Eclipse.
Jessica's features were softer, and her long, willowy eyebrows framed a pair of misty eyes that always looked like they were on the verge of tears.
It was a carefully crafted look, one that made people want to protect her.
Her hazy, innocent gaze had fooled so many.
Jessica's smile, however, was bright but poisonous. "Sister," she began, her voice sweet, but with a bitter edge. "Do you think I look pretty in this outfit? The dress and bag are both Chanel's exclusive designs, you know, specially sent by Brother Robert to make me happy."
There was a twisted sense of satisfaction in her eyes as she spoke. "It's such a shame about the wedding, though. You almost became Brother Robert's wife. But because of what happened... well, you know how these things go. But don't worry, sister. Even though you can't be with Brother Robert, I'll make sure to help you find a good match so you won't be alone forever."
Eclipse didn't flinch, didn't react to Jessica's bragging. She remained silent, indifferent.
Her eyes were blank, devoid of emotion, as she watched Jessica prance around like some kind of clown performing in a show.
Jessica, noticing the lack of reaction from Eclipse, felt a flicker of frustration.
Where was the pain? Where was the despair she so desperately wanted to see?
The more calm and collected Eclipse appeared, the more Jessica's jealousy deepened, and her malice grew stronger.
Her smile faltered for a brief moment, but then she quickly regained her composure, pretending to be concerned.
"By the way, how did you recover so fast, little sister?" Jessica's voice was honeyed with false sweetness. "I wasn't that badly hurt, but Brother Robert was so worried, he rushed me to the hospital and made sure I had a VIP room. He even looked after me personally, making sure I had specially tailored meals, and he wouldn't even let me go outside for fresh air."
Eclipse didn't reply for a moment, her eyes remaining fixed on Jessica.
Then, out of nowhere, she asked a question, her voice calm and almost casual. "How much did you sell me for?"
Jessica's smile froze on her face, and for a second, something like fear flashed in her eyes.
But she quickly regained her composure, looking confused. "What are you talking about?"
Eclipse ignored the question and continued, her voice lowering. "It happened on my birthday, you know. I waited for Robert at the hotel, just like we planned. I waited the whole day. But he never came. Do you know why?"
Jessica's eyes flickered, but she remained silent, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"It was because you were sick," Eclipse said softly, but the coldness in her tone was undeniable. "And Robert rushed to your side instead. While I waited for him, heartbroken and alone, I got drunk. Later that night, some men broke into my room. I was barely conscious, but they... they tried to..." Eclipse trailed off, her fists clenching at her sides.
Jessica swallowed hard but kept her expression innocent, though her heart raced with guilt.
She knew exactly what had happened that night.
Eclipse's voice sharpened. "I managed to escape, but not without consequences. A photo of me, running in the street, was taken. It spread like wildfire. They called me all sorts of things—scandalous, shameful, a disgrace. And you, Jessica, you just stood by and watched as my life fell apart. You didn't say a word to defend me. You let it happen."
Jessica opened her mouth, ready to deny everything, to continue playing the innocent victim, but before she could speak, Eclipse interrupted her with a cold, emotionless stare.
"How much did you sell me for, Jessica? How much was my reputation worth to you?"
Before Jessica could respond, the door opened, and Robert Jade stepped into the room.
Jessica immediately switched gears, transforming into her usual helpless, pitiful self.
Her eyes filled with tears, and she reached out toward Eclipse with trembling hands.
"I'm so sorry, sister," Jessica whimpered, her voice thick with guilt. "It was my fault that day. I shouldn't have gotten sick, shouldn't have taken Brother Robert away from you, shouldn't have ruined your birthday. If I had known... I would never have..."
As her hand reached out for Eclipse, the same hand that had caused so much pain in the past, Eclipse's heart hardened.
Every time that hand reached out, it was to take something away from her.
Every time, Jessica used that hand to gain sympathy while pushing Eclipse down into the dirt.
Without hesitation, Eclipse struck.
A loud crack echoed through the room as she slapped Jessica's hand away with all her strength.
The force was so strong that Jessica's hand turned bright red, and she let out a sharp cry of pain.
Tears spilled down her cheeks as she cradled her hand.
Before anyone could react, two angry voices boomed from behind Eclipse.
"Jessica! Jessica!"
Mrs. Rocelyn and Robert rushed forward. Seeing the large swelling on Jessica's wrist, Mrs. Rocelyn's face turned crimson with fury.
She stormed up to Eclipse and slapped her hard across the face. Her long nails scraped against Eclipse's cheek, leaving a bloody scratch.
"You ungrateful wretch!" Mrs. Rocelyn spat, her voice trembling with anger. "Your father was going to throw you out after everything you've done, but Jessica begged him to give you another chance. And this is how you repay her? You have no heart, no gratitude. You're a disgrace!"
Eclipse stepped back, her cheek stinging from the slap.
She licked her lips, tasting the blood from the scratch. Her eyes darkened as she looked back at Mrs.
Rocelyn, the woman who had raised her only to tear her down at every opportunity.
"Get out of here! Get out right now!" Mrs. Rocelyn screamed, her face twisted in rage.
Robert held Jessica close, his eyes filled with anger and hatred as he glared at Eclipse. But when he looked at her face—at the woman standing before him—he froze.
For the first time in years, he saw the real Eclipse.
The girl he had once known was hidden beneath layers of heavy makeup, her natural beauty concealed.
But now, standing there with her bare face and slightly curled long hair falling over her slender shoulders, Eclipse looked stunning, like something out of a dream.
"This... this is Eclipse?" Robert muttered in disbelief. He hadn't remembered her being so beautiful.
Jessica noticed the way Robert was staring at Eclipse, and her heart filled with jealousy and hatred.
She quickly wiped her tears and said softly, "Mom, Brother Robert, please don't blame my sister. She didn't mean to hurt me. She's been through so much, and she's just not in a good mood. We should be more understanding."
Mrs. Rocelyn's eyes blazed with fury. "Jessica, stop making excuses for her! We all saw what happened. This girl has no decency, no shame, and no hope. She deserves everything that's coming to her."
Eclipse raised an eyebrow. In her eighteen years, she had never met anyone as skilled at playing the victim as Jessica.
She was a born actress, using her tears and sweet voice to manipulate everyone around her.
But Eclipse wasn't going to play the game anymore. She had more important things to focus on now.
As Eclipse turned to leave, Robert's voice stopped her.
"Eclipse, apologize to Jessica!"
Eclipse paused, then turned around slowly. Her gaze locked onto Robert's, her eyes colder than ice.
She gave him a chilling smile and uttered two simple words.
"A pair of dogs."