Chapter 1943

Erica's mother, Barbara Mathis, was a hopeless romantic.

Erica had grown up hearing the love story between Barbara and Hunter.

Even years later, people still talked about it, but now, their words dripped with mockery.

Barbara knew she'd screwed up. She'd sworn to cut ties with the Houstons to be with Hunter, who was a bodyguard back then.

She thought it was a fairy-tale romance, but it was just a youthful rebellion.

Hunter was good-looking, with sharp features and soulful eyes. When Erica was little, her parents got along well.

But over time, Hunter's true colors showed. He used Barbara's status to gain power, money, and control of the Mathis Group.

Then he started living it up, doing things like partying and cheating. When Barbara caught him, he'd beg for forgiveness at first. But soon, he cut her off from the outside world.

Eventually, he was brazen enough to bring women home. They mocked and humiliated Barbara.

Erica and Barbara struggled through those days.

Barbara tried to escape, but Hunter beat her to death.

For the crime he committed, he had lived in constant fear. If the Houstons discovered the truth, he was done for. For more chapters visit find⸺novel.net

He panicked, but it was too late.

When Caleb sent people to surround the Mathis Mansion, they found Erica hiding in a cupboard.

Hunter thought he was screwed, but Caleb spared Hunter's life, telling Erica something she still remembered to this day.

If she wanted revenge for Barbara, she'd have to do it herself.

Since then, she had trained relentlessly, believing women could outshine men. Only by being the best could she avenge Barbara.

Then Randy entered her life.

At first, she just saw him as a sneaky kid. He always slacked off, tailing her and watching her kick posts.

He thought she didn't notice, but she did.

Later, she and Randy talked about their childhood.

"I thought you were such a goof back then," she said. "I didn't want to call you out since we weren't close. But once we got to know each other, I realized you weren't just goofy with me. You're just plain goofy."

Randy's face darkened. "Didn't you ever think I was strong or cool?"

Erica thought hard, then shook her head. "You and 'strong' don't go together."

"What did you think of me? Pretty..."

"What?"

"Pretty good."

"I wasn't thinking about that stuff. All I cared about was revenge," Erica said, shaking her head. "But I remember you always getting picked on by bullies. I had to step in every time. I wondered how someone could be that bad at fighting. I even questioned if you were really an Osborne."