Chapter 44 Hidden Efforts
Chapter 44 Hidden Efforts
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“This time, it’s been over three days since her last delivery!” Eleanor huffed. “Brother, is she holding it over Mom on purpose? Even if she’s throwing a fit, she can’t mess with Mom’s health!”
Edmund went quiet before asking, “She’s been delivering it for years?”
“Yeah, at least two,” Eleanor said.
“I’ve dragged Mom to every famous doctor, but nothing helped. What’s in that stuff Vivienne brings?” Edmund asked.
“No idea. She said it’s traditional medicine from an old doctor. Mom had it checked, it’s safe. But those headaches go back decades; it’ll take years to cure completely.”
She grumbled, “Vivienne probably thinks we’re desperate for her supply, so she’s acting out!”
Edmund paused. “Got it. I’ll make her deliver it soon.”
“Hurry, Mom can’t wait!” With his assurance, Eleanor hung up.
After leaving Lillian’s ward, Vivienne took August to disinfect his wound. It was scabbing over, but his tender skin made it look stark. She applied the medicine gently, asking if it hurt.
August shook his head. “Ms. Everest, it doesn’t hurt. It’s just a scratch.” He hesitated. “Theo didn’t mean it.” Learning he was six months younger, August had taken to calling Theo “Brother“, unfazed by his hostility. Vivienne paused, looking at him. “You don’t blame him?”
“No. Since he’s Ms. Everest’s son, he’s my brother. I won’t hold it against him. He was just scared you’d be taken away.”
Vivienne’s heart twisted with faint irony. Theo feared losing his full–time nanny, like a kid whose toy was snatched, possessive but not loving.
“Don’t blame him either, Ms. Everest,” August added. “That bad woman egged him on.”
“Bad woman?” Vivienne blinked.
“Yeah, the one in the hospital bed,” he said gravely.
“You don’t like her?” Vivienne asked, surprised. Lillian’s damsel act usually won kids over.
“She framed you. I don’t like her,” August declared.
Recalling the video, Vivienne softened. “Thank you, and Mr. August. If you hadn’t shown up, they wouldn’t have let me off easy.”
“No big deal,” Dante said breezily. “But you, straining things with your husband and son like this. Is that okay?”
“You’ve seen how they treat me,” she replied evenly. “No matter how much I give, it doesn’t change a thing. Besides… I’ve decided to divorce.”
16:32 Tue, 25 Mar NN.
Chapter 44 Hidden Efforts
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Dante’s smile deepened. “Winning a divorce from Edmund won’t be simple. Need a good lawyer? I know
someone.”
She considered it. “Thanks, Mr. August.”
An amicable split seemed impossible now, and with the Harrington family’s clout, a legal win would be tough.
August’s eyes sparkled. Great, once Ms. Everest’s divorced, she can be my mom!
The next day at noon, Vivienne was about to head out when Edmund called. She hesitated but answered, thinking it might be about the divorce.
Before she could speak, his curt voice cut through. “Mom’s headaches are back. Bring the medicine now.” “No,” she replied coldly, hanging up. When he called again, she rejected it.
She thought to herself, The Harrington family only remembered me when they needed something. Pathetic. They begged yet acted entitled. I’d been too accommodating before.
16:32 Tue, 25 Mar
Chapter 45 Tangled Ties at Lunch
