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A clear, crisp voice rang out, cutting through the commotion.
Calista turned around and looked over. She peered through strands of her hair and saw the warm and gentle face of the familiar person.
“Dr. Lester?” She leaned against the wall and got to her feet.
Alexander glanced at the spot where her knee was scraped red. He extended his hand before withdrawing it and stuffing it into his coat’s pocket.
Clarice scoffed. “Do you see why I call you a born homewrecker? You’ve only been hospitalized, yet you still ended up seducing someone. You’re really something, Calista.
“Rebecca, you sure have raised a real piece of work.”
With the hospital security guards holding her back, Clarice couldn’t do anything but vent her anger with sharp words.
Rebecca was so mad that her breathing came out ragged. Clutching her chest, she stepped forward unsteadily and stopped in front of
Clarice.
“I know you’re upset, but you don’t have the right to say that about Calista. Plus, this is a private matter. Let’s take this back to the
room.”
She had been widowed young, relying on nobody but herself for decades as she raised Anthony and Calista.
In those days, Rebecca single–handedly kept the entire Cannon family afloat, despite the nasty rumors. Naturally, her strength of character was nothing short of impressive.
That was why she didn’t want her family to become the laughingstock of onlookers. As she spoke, she grabbed Clarice’s hand, intending to lead her back to the hospital room.
However, Clarice wouldn’t have any of it, and she swatted Rebecca’s hand away.
“What’s the matter? Finally feeling ashamed, are we? Why don’t you try to see where I’m coming from, then? Have you seen how the people on the internet insulted and belittled me?
“They’re calling me a bloodsucker and femme fatale! What have I ever done to wrong your family?” Clarice’s heart swelled with bitter grievance.
Calista couldn’t let Rebecca suffer Clarice’s rage alone. So, she hurried over and shielded her foster mom.
“Clarice, I’m sure that the rumors on the internet appeared for a reason. But it’s definitely not Anthony’s or my idea. We should get inside first and not disturb the other patients.”
Clarice scoffed disdainfully. “Are you worried about disturbing the others or about being found out that you’re shameless? I’m not-
She was about to lose it again, but Alexander, who had been standing to the side, finally spoke up.
“Miss, perhaps you should do as they say and take this to the hospital room. Otherwise, I’d be forced to have the security guards remove you from the hospital premises.
“You shouted hysterically and made a commotion in public. Calling it disorderly conduct isn’t too far–fetched, wouldn’t you say?” Alexander maintained a calm expression as he spoke. He was as graceful and refined as ever.
“Who the hell do you think you are? Do you own this hospital? Open your eyes and read the freaking room. I’m the victim here!” Clarice was so agitated that she pulled half her clothes out of place, looking utterly disheveled. She was nothing more than a mindlessly furious shrew.
Alexander let out a deep sigh. He adjusted his glasses and said, “If you insist on doing this, I don’t mind giving this elderly woman here a complete health check–up. Based on what you did to her, it’s a safe bet to say that you have caused some serious, permanent harm to her. What do you say?”
“Why, you!” Clarice instinctively turned around and looked over. Rebecca looked miserable, and she genuinely looked unwell. The sight was enough to make her feel diffident.
“Fine. We’ll take this to the hospital room. Dear Lord. Seems like every nobody thinks he’s some kind of hero these days.” Clarice walked through the door, grumbling and cursing.
The Cannons finally relaxed a little, and Calista also let out a sigh of relief. Before she entered the hospital building, she turned and gave Alexander a slight nod, silently thanking him for helping them out.
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Once the room’s door swung closed, Clarice raised hell once more, recounting how she had given Anthony a son and the sacrifices she had made for the family. In short, she dug up old, unimportant matters and ran through them again.
Eventually, she named her terms. “Anthony, we’ve been married for a long time. So, I’m just going to cut to the chase now. I want 300 thousand dollars as compensation for emotional distress.
“Sign the acknowledgment today, or I’ll keep Justin away from you forever.” In her blind fury, Clarice went so far as to use her own son as a bargaining chip.
Anthony immediately flew into a rage and shot up from his chair. However, Clarice had nothing to lose. Lifting her chin, she thrust her face out defiantly.
“What’s the matter? You still want to hit me, don’t you? Sure. Have at it.
“You had better make sure I don’t walk out of here alive today. Otherwise, I’ll expose just how vile you and your whole family really are to Justin. I’m going to make him resent you forever and never reconcile with you.”
Clarice’s words completely stumped the Cannons. While this was happening, the hospital bills arrived yet again.
During the earlier scuffle, Rebecca’s cell phone fell to the floor. Calista had it with her now. Just as she was about to speak up, it vibrated. Lowering her head, she glanced at the screen. It seemed that the hospital was urging them to clear their payment.
Worried that the situation would get out of hand if a hospital staff member came and pressed for payment in person, Calista soothed them with a few words before hurrying over to the payment counter.
“Hi, may I request the final billing amount for Room 706?” Calista leaned over a little and gave the hospital staff the room number. A moment later, the bill was handed to her.
“The sum is 49 thousand dollars. We need you to clear it in one go. The previous balance has been overdue for days. If you fail to pay the required amount, I’m afraid that we’ll have to free up the bed.” The hospital staff member spoke expressionlessly as she typed away on the keyboard, her voice flat and detached.
“Oh, sure. Please give me a moment.” Calista’s eyes were fixed on the figure, her chest tightening as she felt overwhelmed.
Right then, a certain someone showed up once more.
“Ms. Marchand, do you need help?”
