The President’s Mistake A Tale of Love and Regret

"Although I have no hard evidence, I do know who in this world wants me dead the most," Frey said with a calm yet piercing gaze. "Who's shameless, who's self-destructive, and who lacks humanity? Justice will prevail," she continued. "Excuse me, Ms. Abigail." Abigail's expression faltered, her eyes darting towards the ward, guilt flickering across her face. Did Frey know something?

The expressions of the patients and staff around them shifted as they looked at Abigail.

Biting her lip, Abigail quickly exited the building. Her hurried steps faltered, and she fell hard. A nursing home staff member tried to help her up.

"Get lost!" Abigail snapped, shoving the helper aside as she stumbled to her car.

By the time she returned to Hill Mansion, it was late. She sought comfort in alcohol, trying to drown her anxiety. She could manipulate many things, but not Nathaniel's feelings.

She entered the living room to find Michael sitting in the shadows on the sofa. The household staff had all disappeared, likely dismissed by him.

Fear gripped Abigail as she saw her father's stern face.

"Dad!" she greeted cautiously, moving to sit beside him. "Why are you still up?"

Michael's cold gaze fixed on her. "What did Nathaniel say?" he demanded. "Is the wedding still going on?"

Abigail's heart pounded. "Dad, Nathaniel said he would transfer one-fifth of his property to me, but he won't marry me."

"What?" Michael's voice grew sharp.

"Dad, it's all that wretched Frey's fault," she cried, her eyes welling with tears. "She ruined both our engagement and our wedding!"

Suddenly, Michael slapped her hard across the face. The force of the blow sent her sprawling to the ground, her cheek swelling rapidly. She clutched her face, staring up at him in fear, though hatred simmered beneath her expression.

"I didn't adopt you out of pity," Michael hissed. "You were the smartest among the beggars in Buranda, which is why I took you in."

"You've failed at everything I asked you."

"Is it Frey's fault? Or is it because you're incompetent?"

"I don't believe you weren't involved in the car accident or the fire."

"I told you to be patient with Frey. There are many ways to deal with her later, but you've made a mess of everything!"

"If you don't marry Nathaniel, how can we legitimately claim the Morgan's wealth?"

"And you think one-fifth of his property is enough to dismiss you?"

"No," Michael's eyes gleamed with cold determination. "I want everything."

Abigail held her tongue, knowing better than to argue. To the outside world, she was the eldest daughter of the Hill family and Nathaniel's fiancée. But she knew the truth, she was just a pawn in Michael's game.