Chapter 13
Elena shook her pale face, whispering, “I can’t eat.”
Julian Bennett heard this and grew even angrier. “Elena Bennett! Don’t you dare take my patience for weakness! Yes, we forgot yesterday that you’re allergic to seafood, but that doesn’t give you a license to act out. I told you to eat-so eat. Don’t make me use force!”
Elena didn’t move. A wave of nausea churned in her stomach as though her guts were about to revolt.
Adaline, too, looked thoroughly disappointed this time and made no move to defend her.
Annabelle Bennett protested, “Sis, how could you behave like this? Mom remembered every single thing you like, got up at dawn, and cooked with Mrs. Woods. Yet you won’t even appreciate it. I know you don’t like me, but you can’t trample on Mom’s kindness just because of that, can you?”
Lawrence Bennett barked, “Annie thinks of you in everything, and you still can’t stand her! Your mother slaved away in the kitchen and you repay her with disrespect-have you no conscience at all?”
“Seems a whole year taught you nothing-you’re even worse than before,” Julian snarled, eyes dark. “Do you need me to teach you how to eat?”
Elena shook her head, gagging, and rose, intending to leave the table.
She had barely straightened when Julian shoved her back into her seat.
“I’m warning you-lose that corpse face! You’re finishing this meal today; let’s see what act you’re putting on!”
With that, he slammed her head toward the bowl.
Elena clenched her teeth and held her breath as greasy broth smeared across her face.
Julian picked up a chunk of meat and jammed it at her lips.
Her complexion drained to chalk; her eyes flew wide while a violent spasm ripped through her abdomen.
She fought with everything she had, but Julian pinned her down. A metallic taste flooded her throat, and a mouthful of fresh blood burst out.
Before anyone could understand what had happened, Elena’s eyes rolled back and she slid off the stool onto the floor, unconscious.
Adaline rushed over in horror. “Elena! Elena! What’s wrong? My daughter, how could this happen? Hurry-get her to a hospital!”
Stunned, Julian stared at his own hands. They trembled; the chopsticks clattered to the floor. He dropped to a squat and scooped Elena into his arms.
Blood ringed her lips, bright and shocking.
Lawrence demanded nervously, “How does a simple meal end with her coughing blood? Start the car-hospital, now!”
Watching their frantic scramble, Annabelle silently balled her fists.
So Mom and Dad still cared this much for that counterfeit daughter. How heartbreaking.
Julian tore the car out of the garage while Lawrence sprinted outside with Elena on his back.
Annabelle pasted on a look of worry. “Mom, I’m coming too. If Sis doesn’t pull through, I’ll never forgive myself.”
Even in panic, Adaline paused to comfort her younger daughter. “Silly child, none of this is your fault.”
Hospital.
Annabelle watched as Lawrence, Adaline, and Julian huddled anxiously around the doctor.
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Chapter 13
Adaline pleaded, “Doctor, how is my daughter? Why would she suddenly spit blood?”
Holding the lab report, the doctor eyed them gravely. “Are you certain the patient is your daughter?”
Adaline froze, not understanding the question.
“We’re not related by blood,” she explained, “but we’ve raised her since she was little.”
The doctor swept another doubtful glance over them. “She’s severely malnourished, and her stomach is full of foreign debris. What exactly does she eat
at home?”
