Chapter 14
Vera was too confident. She didn’t see Courtney as a threat anymore.
Courtney had lost her parents, leaving her with no support. The person she once relied on, Austin, was no longer in a position to fully stand by her side. Therefore, Vera looked down at Courtney, exuding the attitude of a victor.
The meeting hadn’t satisfied anyone, so it ended quickly and uneventfully.
Lorraine walked out of the conference room and stood by Courtney’s side. “James said no one’s compensation will exceed 200 thousand dollars.
A life lost, five years of hellish suffering, and the compensation was merely 200 thousand dollars
“What about Mark?” Courtney didn’t care about the compensation, she wanted to know how the hospital would handle Mark’s sacrifice.
Mark had died trying to save others; he deserved recognition, and Courtney hoped the hospital would honor him.
“James only mentioned a compensation of 400 thousand dollars for his family. He didn’t mention anything else,” said Lorraine.
As soon as Lorraine finished speaking. Courtney stormed into the room. She lost control and grabbed James by the collar, her eyes filled with rage.
“Mark sacrificed himself! He’s a hero!” Courtney’s fingers trembled as she gestured, but when she saw James didn’t understand, she pulled out her notepad and wrote, [Mark is a hero! The hospital should honor him.]
Mark’s mother was crying weakly, resting in his father’s arms. Courtney couldn’t bear to look at them, her gaze fixed solely on James
“The honor you’re talking about is decided by the government, not me. Besides, no one knows exactly what happened in Weidan. Based on just your word…” James was dismissing her. It was clear that he wouldn’t report it to the authorities.
Courtney lost control, shaking him, her sorrow and anger making her body tremble violently.
“Courtney, don’t cause trouble here. Mark’s family has agreed not to pursue it further. What are you even doing here? And what’s your relationship with Mark? Why do you care so much?” Vera rolled her eyes, mocking her.
Austin, still caring for Courtney, stepped forward and tried to hug her. “Courtney, we’ll talk about this after. Please, calm down.”
Courtney pushed Austin away, her eyes filled with defiance as she stared at James.
Lit
Her eyes made it clear to James–if Mark didn’t receive the honor he deserved, she wouldn’t let it go.
James looked livid. His voice low and reluctant as he finally said. “Fine. I’ll report it.”
Only then did Courtney release her grip, collapsing to the floor in exhaustion.
“Courtney… Austin patted her on the back, trying to comfort her. “Courtney, don’t get too worked up Breathe deeply. You can’t let take over; it’s not good for your recovery”
Courtney didn’t move, nor did she acknowledge Austin.
your
emotions
James shot Austin a look, his expression grim. With a huff, he turned and left.
Vera gripped her hands tightly, her teeth clenched. “Austin, Phoebe says she misses you. You’re not on night duty tonight, so go home and see her.”
Austin looked at Courtney, then at Vera. “You take care of Phoebe. I’ve arranged for Jack from the psych department to help Courtney with her inability to speak.”
“Austin, I’m your wife!” Vera snapped, her anger rising.
Lorraine stood at the door with a cold laugh. “Courtney was there before you. Have some shame, Vera. Yo
You’re just the other girl.”
Vera gritted her teeth, shooting a hateful glance at Courtney. “Courtney, just wait.” With that, she stormed off in anger.
“Austin, how could you do this after so many years with Courtney? She’s only been missing for two years, and you remarried so quickly,” Lorraine questioned Austin, as the room now only held the three of them.
pregnant and secretly gave birth to the baby. At
Austin gently held Courtney’s hand, speaking in a low voice. I’m also a victim in this. She… she was preg that time, Mr. Lewis was also pressuring me. If I didn’t marry her…”
He didn’t finish his sentence.
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Chapter 14
Maybe what he said was true, but it was clear that James had promised him some benefits. In the end, Austin had compromised for the sake of his
own interests.
Lorraine opened her mouth but said nothing further. “You’ve been apart for five years. Go spend time together and rebuild your relationship. I’ll go now. But you take care of Courtney–if she is unwell, I won’t forgive you.”
Lorraine gave Courtney a concerned glance, but she couldn’t intervene too much in her relationship. Reluctantly, she left.
Courtney sat on the floor, watching as Austin held her hand. The feeling was so strange almost repulsive.
“Courtney ” Once the meeting room was empty. Austin finally exhaled, gently lifting Courtney into his arms, “The floor’s cold.”
Courtney tried to push him away, but he held her tightly. He clung to her, as though making sure she was really there in his arms.
Austin sat on the couch, just like before, holding Courtney in his arms. She was so thin that he could hold her with one armL
Austin hugged her tightly, his voice rough with emotion. “Courtney, it hurts me to see you like this?
Courtney remained numb, held by him. Once, she loved being held by him like this, comforted by his embrace. But now, she just wanted to throw
The thought of Austin spending these years with Vers, and having a child with her, made her sick.
“I’ll divorce Vera. You’re my wife, Courtney Just give me some time, please, Austin promised.
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