Chapter 25
A flicker of guilt flashed in Heide
exwhen the beard Monica i
She had been so focused on making things right with Nicole that day that, admittedly, she had overlooked Monica.
But Monica had been the center of affection for years. Heidi figured that missing net omone gift shouldn’t have made her feel hurt.
Heidi explained, “Monica, you have the card I gave you, and you always buy what you like on your own. You have your own tastes
Monica’s eyes welled up with tears, het voler thick with quiet hurt. “So you really did forget about me?” she glanced at Nicole and added, “Micole, I know what you’re thinking, but did it have to be so obviom?”
Nicole’s expression remained calm, her brow lifting slightly without saying a single word, she reached into the gift bag and handed Monica a necklarn
Monica immediately recognized the brand -Burberry. An idea formed inbermind.
As Nicole extended her hand, Monica reached to take it. But the moment Nicole let go, she intentionally loosened her grip ever so slightly
A sharp, metallic clatter rang out as the box hit the floor, followed by Monica’s surprised gasp. She stared at Nicole, her expression a mixture of disbelief, hort, and pity “Was that on purpose?”
Turning to Heidi, she cried, “Moin, if Nicole can’t stand having me around, I’ll leave. I’m not ever your real daughter anyway.”
Nicole’s lips twitched. She’d noticed Monica’s digs over the past few days–quietly delivered, but clearly deliberate
Then, she recalled what Audrey had said that the medical director and department beads had been so harsh to her because someone powerful was pulling strings behind the scenes
At first, she had suspected Jacob. However, she didn’t know what connection be had with the Boyd family to be so fixated on Kenneth’s issue.
Nicole hadn’t wanted to believe that Monica was behind it, but the hostility was becoming too blatant to ignore.
Monica spoke of getting along, but what if she was the one striking in secret? Was Nicole expected to just stand there and take it?
Moreover, Nicole hadn’t missed the flash of sadness in Monica’s eyes. Burberry was the latter’s favorite brand, but her scheming ran too deep for her to truly appreciate the gift.
Nicole’s voice was calm as she spoke. “For someone with butter fingers, you sure know how to escalate the situation. It’s a shame that you don’t have an acting Carrer, Monica “
“Mom, see? She hates me.” Monica sniffled
Heidi’s expression darkened, bertemples starting to throb. With a sigh, she took out her phone and transferred money to Monica
Nicole caught a glimpse of the screen. The amount transferred was 50 thousand dollars–more than she would earn in years.
Heidi muttered, “Monica, I really did overlook you today. Take this money and buy whatever you want, okay? Nicole has had nothing all these years, and I just wanted her to have something nice.”
But Monica turned her fare away, her words sharp. “Mom, it doesn’t matter anymore. You forgot about me from the start. What’s the point of trying now? I know I don’t matter. After all, I’m not your biological daughter.”
“Monica, how could you say that?” Heidi asked.
“Mom, I’m tired I’m going to rest,” Nicole blurted, interrupting the escalating tension. She then gave Heidi a polite nod, picked up her things, and headed
upstairs.
Heidi bit her lip unconsciously as she watched Nicole’s retreating figure. As soon as Nicole was out of sight, Monica flung herself into Heidi’s arms. “Moto, I know I’m not as good as Nicole, but please, don’t abandon me.”
Heidi gently nubibed her back, her brow furrowed with concem. “silly girl, when have ever said that I don’t love you a along.”
anymore? I just want you and Nicole to get
