Reeking Devastation
Tuesday, Continued
As Lu Jinhu’s cold, cutting words echoed in her ears, Anna felt tears stream down her cheeks. In that moment, she realized her life would never be the same. Staying here would only deepen her pain and strip her of any remaining dignity. She lowered her head, shoulders slumping, avoiding eye contact with anyone.
She turned to leave, hoping to salvage what little pride she had left, when Jinhu’s sugary voice rang out behind her.
“Oh, by the way, there’s something else I need to tell you.”
The words froze her in place. Anna stopped and turned back to look at him, her heart sinking. She tried desperately to suppress her tears, unwilling to let him see how deeply he had hurt her. His expression—smug and triumphant—told her he had more to say, and it wasn’t going to be good.
“Forget about your assets in Australia,” Jinhu said, his tone chillingly casual. “A few weeks ago, after I obtained my Australian citizenship, I made sure all the assets in your name were transferred to me, including your retirement savings. You own nothing now. It’s all mine.”
Anna’s stomach dropped, but he didn’t stop. His words became sharper.
“I made sure every detail was airtight. The documents all bear your signature—on paper, it looks legitimate. Even if you tried to fight it, you’d lose. And let’s face it, you don’t have the money to take me to court. Oh, and the loans tied to those assets? Those are still in your name. You’ll be paying for them while I enjoy the benefits.”
He paused, then continued with a venomous smirk.
“And don’t think you can go after my assets here. The law’s on my side. Since you’re not a citizen and our relationship wasn’t recognized locally, you have no claim to anything I own.”
Anna was stunned into silence. Her mouth moved, but no sound came out.
Yang Lin stepped forward, her tone dripping with mockery. “Thanks for the lovely apartment. We’ll enjoy it—without the financial burden. Oh, and don’t bother trying to come back. Your personal belongings have been packed and moved. We’ve changed the locks. You’re not welcome.”
Anna managed to whisper, “Why?”
Jinhu’s laugh was cold and cruel.
“Why? I needed someone gullible, someone who would trust me blindly. You fit the bill perfectly. Thanks to you, I secured Australian citizenship—something critical for my family’s business interests. Now that I have what I need, I don’t have to keep up the act. I can marry the woman I’ve always loved: Yang Lin.”
He took a step closer, his voice laced with finality.
“You have one minute to get out of here. My in-laws—government officials, by the way—are ready to have you arrested for being in the country illegally if you don’t leave immediately.” He tossed a plane ticket onto the floor at her feet. “Here’s a return ticket. You’re on a flight tomorrow morning. If you’re still here after 24 hours, don’t blame me for what happens next.”
Yang Lin laughed, pulling a wad of cash from her purse and throwing it at Anna’s feet. “Here’s your payment. After all, even a wh*re deserves to be paid. And don’t think you have any other money—Jinhu already cleared out your accounts.”
Tears streaming down her face, Anna bent to pick up the plane ticket. Her voice trembled as she said, “I won’t take your money.”
Jinhu’s words were as cold as ice.
“You’d better. That’s all you’re going to get from me.”
