Chapter 18
SMACKI
Dutside the operating room, Hosea slapped Hedy hard across the face, her voice filled with disat
“How did I end up with a daughter like you? |
disappointment||
Hody’s mother had always assumed her daughter’s wildest actions would be something like drugging Lance. She never imagined Hedy would push someone
down a staircase!
If Fred hadn’t angrily investigated Hedy’s past after this incident, Hoses would never have discovered her own daughter had attempted arson and murdert||
Hedy kept her head down. covering her stinging cheek. After a long silence, she finally mumbled. “Isn’t this what you taught me. Mother?
When Hedy was six, Hosea had divorced her alcoholic, abusive husband. She’d left with nothing but custody of her daughter.|||
Life as a single mother had been brutal. After years of struggling, Hoses managed to marry Fred Rhodes, transforming herself into the new lady of the Rhodes household.[]
The privileged lifestyle had finally allo
finally allowed Hosea to relax. With time on her hands, she’d focused on grooming Hedy.
She’d passed on all her hard–earned wisdom, teaching Hedy exactly how to marry well and secure a comfortable future.
“Yes, I told you to use whatever means necessary to catch a good man,” Hosea hissed, trembling with rage, but I never told you to break the law”
She raised her band for another slap
“Thats enough” Fred’s sharp command cat through the tension as he emerged from signing paperwork, interrupting Hosea mid swing
Hosea’s eyes immediately welled with tears as she approached Fred. “Darling, this is all my fault“]]
A single tear slid down her cheek before she could finish
This manipulation tactic, which had worked countless times before now seemed to have minimal effect. Still, Fred’s expression softened slightly
She was, after all, his wife of many years
Without responding to her, he simply instructed Hosea to accompany him to Anthea’s hospital room to apologize to the Orlando family
Bat the Orlandos wouldn’t even let them through the door.
“Please leave now,” Toby Orlando stated firmly, locking the doorway with an unmistakably cold expression. Were not influential enough to deal with your apologies.”
Hed thought his daughter’s divorce from Lance would be the end of their troubles, never expecting this new nightmare
Though the Orlando family couldn’t match the Rhodess‘ influence. Toby showed absolutely no deference. His daughter’s welfare was all that mattered to him
Fred, knowing they were in the wrong, could even get angry. He could only inquire politely about Anthor’s condition.||
Thanks to Lance’s body breaking her fall. Anthea hadn’t been seriously injured and would recover after a few days of rest
Hearing this, Hogea finally relaxed. Though genuinely angered by her daughter’s actions, she hadn’t wanted another death on Hedy’s hands.]
Aller repeated apologies to the Orlandos, Hosea and Fred finally lett.||
One more thing.” Toby’s voice stopped them in the hallway, though they didn’t turn around
“I never want to see Lance Rhodes again.”
The message couldn’t have been clearer
Tred said nothing and continued walking away Hosea, but Toby knew he would comply.
Three days after falling i
in a coma, Lance finall
finally regained consciousness.
After Fred checked on his health, he told him the decision about what to do with Hedy was up to him. Though Hosea felt heartsick for her daughter, she didn’t wast Hedy continuing down this destructive path, so she remained silent.
After a moment of silence, Lance spoke quiedy. Theed to talk to her.”
In the hushed hospital room. Lance observed Hedy, who couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze.
His mind drifted back to their first meeting.
That afternoon, a young Hedy in a pink dress had grabbed his hand, smiling brightly. “So, you’re my brother now?
How had that innocent, sweet had transformed into
this
venomous woman?
“ways 1
Lance’s voice barely broke the silence, and after what felt like an eternity before Hedy finally spoke. Her voice barely above a
Tlove you too much. I couldn’t accept seeing you with anyone else 1
