The Boss Behind the Mask Was My Father Chapter 04

Mom went rigid the second the words left his mouth. “Teddy Payson! Nadia is your daughter! Have you lost all humanity? What happened to your vows? How could you do this to our daughter?”

Teddy cut her off coldly. “Don’t bring up the past. You abandoned me when I was dying. You have no right to bring up old vows.”

Mom took a shaky breath, agony etched across her face. “What if I told you… I was the one who saved you?”

Teddy let out a mocking laugh. “Do you really expect me to believe that? I know full well it was Ivy who saved us.”

His gaze drifted to the pendant around Mom’s neck. “Speaking of which, Ivy has been suffering from insomnia lately. Give her that pendant you wear. All her troubles are your fault, so it’s the least you can do for her.”

Mom froze completely. That pendant was a sacred amulet Teddy had traveled all the way to Sacred Mountain to retrieve for their engagement.

Mom’s adoptive family lived at the foot of Sacred Mountain, and they had an old rule: any man who wished to marry her must journey to the Sacred Mountain and obtain one of these blessed pendants. Only those pure of heart could receive one, and only a single charm was blessed each year.

Teddy had climbed the entire mountain on his knees, praying before the gods to earn the right to marry her. This pendant was not just a talisman to keep Mom safe—it was the symbol of their love.

I had watched Mom trace its surface countless times, telling me stories of how Teddy had crossed mountains and hardships to be with her.

Now he wanted to give this precious token to Ivy.

Mom swayed unsteadily, her voice dry and broken. “Teddy Payson… I truly regret saving you.”

Teddy ignored her despair, sneering. “You still try to steal Ivy’s credit? Have the past two years of punishment taught you nothing? We’ll continue this lesson until you stop coveting what belongs to others.”

Ivy put on her best forgiving act, eyes glistening with tears. “It’s alright,
Teddy. I’m used to this. If this eases her anger, I don’t mind suffering a little.”

Teddy’s heart softened with pity for her. “I won’t let you endure any longer. I’ll make sure she learns her place.”

He ordered the bodyguards to lead Mom to a newly built film set. I saw the cunning light flash in Ivy’s eyes.

“Teddy, I’ve got a new idea for the final scene,” she said sweetly. “How about a fire scene?”

“A fire?” Teddy frowned. “Isn’t that too dangerous?”

“Don’t worry,” Ivy assured him quickly. “I’ve arranged professional rescue teams. The flames won’t hurt her at all. I can even test it myself to prove it.”

She pretended to step toward the set, and Teddy pulled her back at once. “We’ll do as you say. I trust you completely. This will be the final lesson for her.”

I watched Mom walk into the rigged set like a hollow shell. She turned to me and smiled faintly, a look of pure relief on her face. Flames erupted instantly, swallowing her figure whole.

“Mom!” I screamed. “Don’t leave me!”

I ran straight into the burning building. Just as the fire surrounded me, I heard Teddy’s terrified roar from behind.

A deafening crash echoed out as the structure collapsed into a sea of flames.