Chapter 58
Astrid’s voice didn’t carry the slightest hint of warmth.
Calista frowned. It was clear how unhappy Astrid was with her. “Come over right I need to talk to you.”
“Fine,” Calista replied just before Astrid hung up on her.
Calista took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.
Sometimes, she wondered if she really was Astrid’s biological daughter.
If Astrid disliked her so much, then why bother bringing Calista back to the Marchand family in the first place?
“Ms. Marchand, Mrs. Marchand is waiting for you. You’d better hurry.”
The housekeeper had clearly been eavesdropping. Hearing Calista get scolded, she could barely hide the smirk tugging at her lips.
Calista glanced at her. So this was what a petty person looked like when they thought they’d won.
She couldn’t be bothered to argue with her. After all, Astrid was still waiting for her at the hospital. If she were to show up late, she’d
surely get another scolding.
She hailed a cab, and following Astrid’s instructions, made her way to the second floor of the hospital.
“What is it?”
“Take these. Elia still has a few more tests she has to get done. I have to head downstairs to collect her reports and settle some payments. I really can’t handle everything on my own. Just stay here and take good care of her, got it?”
Astrid was just about to make her way out when Calista finally snapped back to her senses.
“What did you say? Take care of who?” Calista met her gaze. Just as she said this, Ophelia was led into the room by a nurse.
Ophelia was usually full of energy, but now she looked completely drained, and her face was ghastly pale.
“Elia, quickly sit down and rest.” The moment Astrid saw Ophelia, all hostility melted from her face, and her expression softened with
warmth and tenderness.
Calista watched the scene before her with a cold, detached gaze.
She had never dared to hope that Astrid would treat her the way she treated Ophelia. But now, witnessing their affectionate display, she couldn’t help but feel that the Marchand family was downright cruel.
“Calista, there aren’t many tests left–perhaps just a few more. You’d better not screw anything up.” Astrid’s tone was no different from how she usually ordered the maids around at home.
“Take care of her yourself. If you really can’t manage, hire a caregiver.” Calista immediately turned her down. She truly couldn’t stand being in the same room as Ophelia.
“What did you just say?” Astrid’s expression darkened, her smile instantly fading.
“Mom, forget it. I’ll be fine on my own.” Ophelia didn’t make things difficult, but her indifferent demeanor made it hard not to think she was enjoying the show.
“Elia, just rest. You don’t need to worry about anything else. It’s my fault for not raising her properly,” Astrid said gently before turning to Calista. “I haven’t been teaching you right, but I’ll fix that today. Calista, Elia ended up like this because of Fenwick Group’s mess.”
Astrid was about to launch into a full–blown lecture, but Calista seemed completely calm and unbothered, as if nothing could stir her
emotions.
“So? Do you want me to take care of her on behalf of the Fenwick family?” Calista glanced up at Astrid.
Astrid scoffed, her gaze carrying a hint of mockery.
“Cali, I already told you. Your position as Mrs. Fenwick is only temporary. You’re just keeping the seat warm for Ophelia. One day, you’ll have to give it back. Now, it’s your duty to take care of her.” Astrid’s tone was sharp and condescending.
Before Calista could speak, she continued, “Don’t worry. I know your adoptive family is currently facing some problems and struggling financially. As long as you take good care of Elia until she recovers, I promise you’ll be well compensated.”
With that, she retrieved a stack of cash from her purse and stuffed it into Calista’s hands.
Chapter 58
212
“This is part of the living expenses.”
Calista glanced down at the money in her hands. She loosened her grip, causing it to
all over the floor.
The money felt just like her dignity–something others could trample on without a second thought.
Everyone kept telling her she should be grateful for the life she now had. She had reconnected with the Marchand family, and they had acknowledged her as their daughter. She had even married into the Fenwick family and assumed the title of Mrs. Fenwick.
But who actually envied her?
No one did!
Apart from Serena, everyone else simply looked down on her.
Before Calista had time to react, Ophelia, seated in a wheelchair, slowly rolled forward and began gathering the scattered cash from
the floor.
The two of them rarely had moments alone like this. Lucien was almost always in the picture.
They had always been the central pair, while Calista forever remained a mere background character. She was a laughingstock that anyone could mock.
“Pride won’t get you anywhere. Since it’s from Mom, you should just accept it,” Ophelia said as she lifted her head to meet her gaze.
Even though she looked unwell, she still exuded an air of elegance.
Calista cast her a glance, then closed her eyes and sighed.
Ophelia asked, “Aren’t you curious why I’m here at the OB–GYN department?”
“If you’re really pregnant, the Fenwicks won’t be the only ones to thank you. I would, too.”
Calista knew what Ophelia was implying.
Perhaps it was for the best. At last, she could finally let go.
Ophelia studied Calista carefully, as if searching for any signs of pretense on her face. But her efforts were in vain.
“Let’s go.” Ophelia withdrew her gaze and waved her hand, motioning for Calista to push her wheelchair.
“Can’t you walk on your own?” Calista asked flatly.
Ophelia replied lazily, “I just had a gastroscopy. My body is still numb, so I can’t really walk yet.”
Seeing her unyielding stance, Calista had no choice but to wheel her into the elevator.
The two of them remained completely silent the entire way.
Chapter 59
