Chapter 76
“Enough!” His eyes burned with fury. “Isn’t this just because you’re bitter about her accidentally pushing you this morning? Using this security guard. Incident to get your revenge?”
I opened my mouth to explain, to defend myself, but he cut me off with brutal efficiency.
“Audrey, I used to think your grace under pressure was genuine. I thought that was your true nature. His lip curled in disgust. Now I see it was all an act You’re actually this petty!”
f
The words lodged in my chest like shards of ice. How perfectly Laurel had orchestrated this turning my attempt at justice for the guard into proof of my own vindictiveness.
The sound of an ambulance siren filtered in from outside, its wail growing steadily closer.
“Blake darling,” Laurel’s voice quavered perfectly. “I feel so faint… Can you take me to the ambulance for oxygen?”
As they passed me, it happened so quickly I almost thought I’d imagined it. Laurel’s stiletto connected with my stomach in a vicious kick, the impact sending me stumbling backward. If Felix hadn’t caught me, I would have hit the floor.
“Oh… it hurts…” Laurel’s performance never faltered as she clung to Blake, her face a mask of delicate suffering even as triumph flickered in her eyes.
Blake’s brow furrowed. His steps growing more urgent as he carried her out, holding her even closer than before, never casting a glance towards me.
The pain bloomed sharp and immediate where she’d kicked me, but I forced myself to remain silent. What was the point of speaking up? Blake would never believe me over his precious Laurel.
“Are you alright? Felix’s concerned voice came from beside me as he helped me to the sofa. His hand moved as if to check the injury, then withdrew awkwardly.
William Parker’s weathered face creased with fury. “Charles, call Dr. Bennett to check Audrey’s injury.”
I widened my eyes. “It’s fine, William, just a bump, I…”
His eyes blazed as he continued, “I saw her kick you clearly! That woman did it deliberately! She was wearing pointed stilettos – how could a kick to your stomach not hurt?”
He shot Charles a cold glare. “Quick!”
The butler bowed slightly and hurried from the room, his footsteps echoing against the marble floors. Within minutes, those same footsteps returned, accompanied by the measured click of heels.
Dr. Ava Bennett appeared in the doorway, wereing a pristine white coat. Her eyes swept the room with professional efficiency before landing on William. “Mr. Parker?”
“A bastard,” William pointed at me, “kicked Audrey in the stomach. Examine her. Now.”
I watched Dr. Bennett’s expression shift subtly. Though we’d only interacted occasionally during her two years as the Parker family physician, she treated me quite well.
She turned to me, brows furrowing. “Can you make it to the guest room?”
Pride made me nod, made me push myself to my feet despite knowing better. The movement pulled at my bruised muscles, sending sparks of pain sho through my legs. The world tilted dangerously, my knees threatening to buckle.
“Careful!” Dr. Bennett caught my elbow while shooting Felix a pointed look. “Mr. Thompson, give me a hand.*
Felix moved instantly to my other side, his support careful and professional. Together, they guided me toward the nearest guest room, each step a careful dance of pain and pretense.
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Chapter 76
Once inside, Dr. Bennett shut the door with deliberate care. The soft click of the latch seemed to transform her from the Parkers, polité fimily dosz something more direct. Her eyes found mine, sharp with concern as she took in my appearance.
It’s just been months, why do you look so pale.”
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