Over the next two days, Liu Guifen kept dropping subtle hints, probing my stance. She went on and on about how wonderful surrogacy was, claiming it was a solution that benefited everyone involved.

I played along, pretending to be persuaded, even voicing my “excitement” at the thought of a new baby joining the family. But every time she tried to push me to agree to the surrogate plan, I skillfully dodged the question, deflecting her advances with ease.

“Oh, a baby! How lovely, I can’t wait!”

Surrogacy? No way.

Pay 100,000 yuan? No clue what you’re talking about.

In short, I refused to budge an inch. It drove Liu Guifen absolutely livid. I let out a cold, mocking laugh.

The house and savings my parents had left me after their car accident were my foundation, my lifeline—not a dowry to fund someone else’s lavish lifestyle. Unfortunately, in my past life, I’d never realized that. I’d bared my heart, soul, and wallet to them, only to end up dying a miserable death on the streets.

Qi Zhaoxing and I had met through a relative’s introduction. I’d been touched by the warmth he’d shown me, and we’d gotten married soon after. After the wedding, I’d let him and his mother move into my house, providing them with food and shelter without hesitation.

I’d been too kind to them, cared for them too deeply. My indulgence had made them lose sight of their place. My lack of vigilance had turned their initial kindness and warmth after the wedding into arrogance and condescension. My goodness—no, my cowardice—had only emboldened them and Liao Ying, fueling their greed for things that never belonged to them.

In my past life, I’d been subjected to years of emotional manipulation, believing every word that came out of their mouths. Even after the baby was born, to “compensate” Qi Zhaoxing for his so-called “sacrifice” of sleeping with another woman, I’d added his name to the house deed. Later, as I’d devoted myself wholeheartedly to raising the child, Qi Zhaoxing and Liao Ying had taken full advantage of me, eventually kicking me—the rightful owner—out of my own home. I’d been left homeless, and my life had ended in tragedy.

But now? I’d walked through the gates of hell and come back to claim what was mine. A vengeful ghost risen from the dead had no room left for mercy.