For someone as heartless as Joseph, it didn’t seem to matter that I had died. His eyes flickered briefly, but then he regained his composure, smirking. “Mom, sometimes you’re too biased toward Catherine. Do you really need to help her fake an illness?”

“Melissa is about to give birth. I need to be with her. I’ve already ordered some of the latest designer jewelry and bags—they should be arriving at the house soon.”

As Joseph’s company grew larger, he started buying me plenty of gifts—designer jewelry, handbags, anything I wanted. I used to love them, but what Joseph didn’t know was that it wasn’t the gifts I cherished. It was...