Chapter 14
Tobias stopped toying with his cigarette and smiled, “What do you think?”
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Barry didn’t hesitate. “Playing hard to get. Absolutely. She’s doing this to capture my attention and spark my desire to win. I know she’s playing games, but I’m eager to play along. It’s more fun this way.”
Tobias just gave a half–smile, not quite convinced.
Mandy slipped out of the buffet restaurant and made her way to the garage. She’d arranged for a quick bike repair and then pedaled home. After a refreshing shower, she started drafting a treatment plan for Tobias.
Before she finished, Simon and Fiona walked in, Emma trailing behind them. Fiona’s eyes widened when she saw Mandy. “Hey, what are you doing home so early?” she asked, her voice laced with surprise. “I thought you had that emergency at the office.”
Mandy looked up from her laptop and gave a nonchalant shrug. “I got there just as everyone was finishing up. I took care of the last few things and headed back,” she replied, her tone casual.
Fiona shook her head, a smile playing on her lips. “I was expecting you to be working late again,” she said. She plopped down onto the couch and glanced at the laptop on the coffee table. “So, what’s keeping you busy?”
Mandy’s eyes flicked back to the screen. “Nelson’s treatment plan,” she said matter–of–factly.
“Oh, right. You were treating him today,” Fiona said, her voice thoughtful. “Mandy, if Nelson can afford to live in Phoenix Villa and handle Spencer like he did, he’s definitely someone with connections. Do you think he could help us find your mom?”
Mandy nodded slowly, her expression serious. “He could. But only if I cure him first,” she said, her voice steady.
Fiona playfully punched her shoulder. “So you’ve had this plan all along, huh?” she teased.
Mandy smiled, a hint of pride in her eyes. “Yeah,” she admitted, her mind drifting back to the past three years.
The Jones family had held her mother hostage, forcing her to maintain ties with the Lambert family to serve their interests. She was sick of living under their control, but she couldn’t break free–not with her mother still in their grasp.
When the car had pulled up to Phoenix Villa to take her to Nelson, she’d known this was her chance. Phoenix Villa was the most exclusive neighborhood in Westbay, home to the city’s elite.
Even before she met Tobias, she’d hoped he could be the key to saving her mother. After seeing how swiftly he’d dealt with Spencer, her resolve had only grown stronger. But first, she had to heal him.
So, during today’s acupuncture session, she was as nervous as he was.
Mandy thought, ‘If I can cure Nelson, I can use his influence to find Mom, reveal the truth about the marriage, break free from the Lambert family, and finally live my life. I can tell everyone Emma’s my daughter. No more hiding, no more secrets -just freedom.“‘
A wave of determination washed over her. She was closer than ever to reclaiming her life.
Mandy kept her thoughts to herself, but Fiona could sense the weight of them. The mere idea of escaping the Jones family’s grip was enough to bring tears of relief to Fiona’s eyes.
She wiped them away quickly and pulled Mandy into a tight embrace. “Those jerks have had their day,” she whispered fiercely. “Their reign is finally over.”
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Chapter 14
Mandy’s face was cool and composed, but her eyes were rimmed with red. “I won’t let them get away with what they’ve done,” she said, her voice low and steady. “I’ll make sure they pay for everything they’d done to me and my mom.”
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Simon came out of the bathroom with Emma, freshly washed and ready for bed. Emma saw Fiona and Mandy hugging and grinned. “Mommy, Aunt Fiona, you’re having a group hug?” she asked, his eyes wide. “Emma wants in too!”
Emma hopped onto the couch and wrapped her chubby little arms around Fiona and Simon. Mandy, who had been holding back, felt a tear slip down her cheek at Emma’s innocent gesture.
“Mommy, why are you crying?” Emma asked, her voice tinged with concern. “Did someone hurt you? Tell me, and I’ll go talk to them!”
Mandy didn’t say anything. She just held Emma tighter, her grip a silent promise. Fiona, who had been trying to hold back her own tears, felt them spill over again. She hugged Emma and Mandy closer, not caring about the wetness on her cheeks.
Simon had overheard the conversation and walked over, wrapping his arms around the three of them. His voice was thick with emotion as he spoke, “Mommy isn’t hurt, Emma. She’s just really happy. Because she’s going to see your grandma soon.”
Mandy had spent most of the night working on Tobias’s treatment plan, finally calling it quits around two in the morning. She was exhausted but determined to give him the best chance at recovery.
Simon, who had noticed her late–night efforts, couldn’t bear to wake her when the alarm buzzed. Instead, he quietly slipped into her room, turned off the alarm, and gently picked up Emma, who had been sleeping beside Mandy.
Mandy was a light sleeper, and when she blearily opened her eyes to see Simon, he whispered, “Sleep a little longer. I’ll call you when it’s time.”
In her half–asleep state, Mandy managed a sleepy smile and a thumbs–up before rolling over and drifting back to sleep.
Simon knew Yaxley was supposed to pick Mandy up from the hospital at nine, so he let her sleep until 8:20. Breakfast was ready by the time she stumbled out of bed, freshened up, and quickly ate before rushing out the door on her bike.
When Mandy arrived at the hospital, Yaxley was already waiting. She gave him a quick nod before heading to Tobias’s villa. When she walked in, Tobias was lounging on the couch in a loose gray tracksuit, scrolling through his iPad.
It was a rare sight–Tobias usually looked sharp in his tailored outfits. Today, he was dressed down, clearly to make it easier for Mandy to work on him.
“Good morning, Mr. Lancaster,” Mandy said, walking over to him.
Tobias looked up and gave her a nod. “Morning, Dr. Jones.”
Mandy pulled out the treatment plan she had printed the night before and handed it to him. “Here’s the plan, Mr. Lancaster.”
Tobias took it and quickly skimmed through the pages. It was an incredibly detailed three–month plan, covering acupuncture, herbal medicine, therapeutic baths, hot springs, rehab exercises, massage, and even dietary and sleep recommendations. The types and effects of each herb were meticulously listed.
It was clear Mandy had put a lot of thought into it.
After a quick read, Tobias looked up at Mandy. “If I follow this plan, will I be able to stand in three months?”
Mandy’s voice was filled with confidence. “If you follow my plan, Mr. Lancaster, I promise you’ll be standing in three
months.”
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Chapter 14
Tchans didn’t how bright follow grew lead for other months
The acuprennictim toy carly an hour, just like pesterday. As soon as Mandy finished, she headed straight frother to m
she werely had time to turn on the favors when Yaxley host it, breadless “Tobias, Barry’s brought Mr. Richard Lambert over he said, his voice r
This glanced up from the chur, his expression can bet woreadable. Yaxley helped him to his feet and handed him a stack of papers. DNA reports from there different labs,” be explained
Todas barely glanced at the papers before setting them aside. Instead, he slowly started buttoning his shirt.
“Don’t you wanna see them now? Varley miked.
Tobias arched an eyebrow, his expression a silent question: Was there any doubt left? Clearly, in his eyes, the whole thing was a foregone conclusion. There was no need to pretend anymore.
Yazley knew that Tobias had something important to discuss with Richard. He hesitated and asked, “Mr. Lambert wants to meet Dr. Jones and wants to thank her in person. Should I let them meet? Or should I take Dr. Jones out the back way?”
Tobias paused, considering He had plans with Richard, but this wouldn’t take long. “Let them meet,” he finally said.
Mandy emerged from the restroom, surprised to see Tobias already seated in his wheelchair. “Mr. Lancaster, shouldn’t you rest a bit more?” she asked, her voice gentle.
Tobías shook his head. “I’ve got a visitor,” he said simply.
“Should I leave? Mandy asked, unsure of the protocol
“No, come with us,” Tobias replied, wheeling himself out of the room. Mandy and Yaxley followed closely behind as they took the elevator to the first floor.
As the elevator doors slid open, Barry’s laughter echoed through the hallway. “Richard, that suit looks amazing! Who made it? You’ve got to introduce me to the tailor. I need one for my dad,” he joked.
“My daughter–in–law made this,” Richard replied proudly, making Mandy’s heart drop.
Richard and Barry were sitting on the sofa, their back to the door. But Richard’s voice was unmistakable, and the suit he wore was one she had sewn herself.
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