Chapter 31
Rosemary’s head shot up, eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at me.
“Laurel, I know you hate me, but you can’t just slander Austin like this,” Rosemary said, anger flashing in her eyes. “Even if you want to get back at him, you shouldn’t joke about elders.”
I tilted my head slightly and let out a cold laugh. “Please get out. I’m tired.”
Without waiting for a response, I lay back down on the hospital bed.
The doctor standing nearby finally spoke up. “Both of you, the patient hasn’t fully recovered yet. Please don’t disturb her rest.”
Austin reached down and helped Rosemary to her feet. As they walked out, he shot me a final look of disdain.
The moment they left, I shut the door and collapsed onto the floor, feeling utterly drained. That feeling of helplessness and fear just now–it almost swallowed me whole.
Austin was even scarier than Rosemary when he lost it. Figured. A family like theirs wouldn’t raise two completely different people.
Then I let out a long sigh, but deep down, I knew Austin wouldn’t let this go. All this over a breakup? Did it really have to turn into a full–blown war?
Austin had a point, though. If I hadn’t married Alex, cutting ties with Austin wouldn’t have been easy. Not that it was any easier now. Even if I told people I had married Alex, no one would believe me. I should start carrying my marriage certificate around.
Twenty minutes later, Angela pushed the door open, but it didn’t budge.
When I finally got up and opened the door, Angela gave me a sharp once–over. “Laurel, what happened?”
I shook my head and clutched my stomach. “I was about to starve to death waiting for you.”
Then I reached for the food and coffee in her hands, but the moment I took a sip, Angela snatched the cup away. “Eat something first.”
I smiled and nodded, making sure not to let anything show on my face.
Angela’s gaze suddenly landed on my chin, her tone turning serious. “What happened to your face?”
Did Austin leave a mark when he grabbed my jaw?
“It’s nothing,” I replied quickly, waving her off.
Angela clenched her fists and grabbed my arm. “Was it his mom again?”
I shook my head and denied it immediately. “No.”
Lifting my gaze, I found Angela staring at me, her brows tightly knitted.
Sometimes, I often thought that if there was someone in this world who knew me best, then it must be Angela.
Meeting her eyes, I spoke casually. “Austin and Rosemary showed up. Those two just won’t quit, huh?”
“Those two bitches are really persistent, huh?” Angela took my hand, her expression dark with concern. “Did they do something to you? I’m so sorry. I should’ve stayed with you.”
I said softly, “I’m fine. Really.”
“Yeah, right.” Angela scoffed. “Your chin is red.”
“He’s strong. I’m used to it,” I blurted out without thinking. The moment I realized what I’d said, it was too late to take it back.
Angela’s jaw tightened. “Laurel, don’t worry. I’ll make him pay.”
My heart clenched. I grabbed her hand quickly. “Angela, this is between me and the Herrera family. Stay out of it.”
The Adarns family might be one of the wealthiest in Nifelheim City, but they still couldn’t compare to the Herreras.
And crossing Austin meant going up against his entire family. Not to mention, the Adams family and Herrera Group had ongoing business ties.
Then Herrera Group was essentially their biggest client–pissing them off wasn’t an option. Besides, wealthy families had their own set of rules.
Most importantly, Angela’s parents didn’t have the best relationship. After her mother lost her second child to a miscarriage, she could never get
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Chapter 31
pregnant again. She threw herself into work, leaving Angela to fend for herself.
Angela’s father used to dote on her, but as his business grew and with two traditional grandparents in the house, things changed. So Angela didn’t have an easy life in the Adams household.
税抜
When Angela went abroad years ago, it was because her parents were going through a nasty divorce. And her father’s mistress had shown up at the house, demanding recognition.
Angela’s mother, desperate to keep things quiet, sent her overseas.
The mistress thought having a child would secure her place, but she underestimated the complexity of high–society marriages.
And Angela’s father? His entire career had been built on connections and money from his wife’s family. Even the Adams family company had more of her mother’s shares than his.
In the end, the divorce never happened. But Angela still ended up with a half–brother.
I had to admit, I admired her mother’s patience and endurance–staying in a marriage like that just to keep up appearances.
Maybe that was why I could never bring myself to face my own father. I didn’t even like mentioning him.
Angela was the only one who knew he was still alive. Even Austin had no clue about my father’s situation. All I had was an old photo of him with my mom and a last name–Parks.
Angela held onto my arm, her voice soft with frustration. “I’m not just going to stand by and let them bully my best friend.”
I patted her hand and comforted her. “It’s fine. I got a few hits in, too. I kicked Austin pretty hard–he won’t be touching any women for at least two weeks.”
Angela’s eyes widened in shock. “What did he do to you?”
“He tried to force himself on me.” I sighed heavily. “No idea what the hell is wrong with him. And Rosemary? She came in and begged me to take him back. Tell me they’re not both insane. Now, I’m still scared.”
Angela’s jaw tightened. “And you’re scared now?”
“Not of them,” I muttered, pressing a hand to my chest as a chill ran down my spine. “I’m wondering if Alex would be even scarier if he lost it.”
Angela looked at me seriously, considering it for a moment before nodding. “Laurel, listen to me. No matter what, do not get into a fight with Alex. He’s still your husband. If you hurt him too badly, he will make you pay.”
I nodded firmly, then suddenly grabbed her shoulders. “Promise me you won’t tell my mom about me fighting Austin.”
AD
