Chapter 3
The sharp scent of disinfectant hit her nose first.
Without opening her eyes, Tamara knew she was in a hospital.
Ever since she moved overseas eight years ago and joined the Xavier family, she’d trained relentlessly. To please George. To help Darwin gain footing in the family. Day after day, living at gunpoint–this hospital had long become a familiar place.
Her subordinate, Evelyn Rowan, stood guard by her bedside. From her words, Tamara pieced together what happened after she passed out.
It was Darwin who brought her here. But not long after, he got a call from Bella and rushed off.
“Tamara! I swear that woman did it on purpose! Look at her–glowing like nothing’s wrong. She’s probably faking it!
“She’s been provoking you again and again. I seriously wanna put a bullet in her head!”
Compared to Evelyn’s fury, Tamara was much calmer.
“How’s the prep for going back to the States?” she asked.
Evelyn finally stopped cursing and replied, “Almost done. George’s people are moving faster than we expected. Shouldn’t take more than a month.”
“Good.”
Chapter 3
Tamara nodded lightly.
“Tell everyone–if anyone wants to leave with us, they better get ready.”
As soon as she finished, the door swung open.
Darwin stood at the entrance, his face complicated.
Beside him was Bella.
“Leave? Tamara, where are you planning to go?”
Tamara stayed composed. She glanced at Darwin and said flatly, “Nothing. Just talking about the next shipment.”
Darwin didn’t press further.
He walked in, looked at her, and sighed.
“Why didn’t you tell me you got hurt? The doctor said if your shoulder. injury keeps dragging on, it might leave permanent damage.”
As he spoke, he leaned in and gently hugged her.
“Honey, why do you always make me worry, huh?”
So fake. Tamara looked at him, disgust churning in her stomach.
Her shoulder injury was obvious. The only reason Darwin hadn’t noticed was simple.
He didn’t care.
He never cared whether she was hurt or not.
So why bother putting on this act now?
Tamara coldly pushed him away.
“I’m fine.”
Just then, Bella opened the thermos in her hand and carefully brought it over. Her voice was soft and timid. “Ms. Saunders, yesterday was my fault. I didn’t mean to upset you.
“I made this bone broth myself. I hope you don’t mind.”
Tamara had no interest in watching her little show. She neither spoke nor reached for it.
The air grew tense.
Darwin finally broke the silence.
“Tamara, don’t waste her good intentions.”
His voice was calm, but there was a warning hidden beneath it.
Thinking of her mother lying in that hospital bed, Tamara had no choice. but to reach out.
But just as her hand was about to touch the thermos, Bella suddenly let
- go.
The scalding broth spilled straight onto Tamara’s injured shoulder, not a drop spared.
A cold sweat broke out instantly. Tamara bit down hard, forcing back the
scream.
Yet Bella looked pitiful, her face pale, eyes filled with silent grievance as she stared at Tamara..
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Chapter 3
“Ms. Saunders… I really just wanted to apologize. Please don’t be mad.”
Before Tamara could respond, Darwin’s face darkened. He stepped forward, gripping her hand tightly.
“Do you know? Bella’s been up since morning, busy in the kitchen just to make this for you. Is this how you repay her kindness?”
His face turned cold, his eyes sharp as ice.
Under his glare, Tamara almost forgot the pain in her shoulder. She murmured, trying to explain, “I didn’t… She let go.”
But Darwin only sneered.
“Not only do you trample on someone’s effort, now you’re trying to blame her? Tamara, I really misjudged you.”
He flung her hand away viciously.
“Apologize.”