Chapter 51
The others in the room exchanged glances, finding a strange amusement in watching the father and sons being put in their place.
Scarlett was fuming but also kind of smug.
“Hugh,” she hissed, “you never gave a damn about Regina, always acting like she was beneath you.
“What’s this now? Your perfect little adopted girl turns out to be a backstabber, and the real one’s the hero, so suddenly she’s worth something? Where were you before?”
Others chimed in with sneers and scoffs.
This group had initially ignored their biological daughter, even verbally abused her, all while showering affection on the fake.
And it turned out the adopted one was a manipulative troublemaker.
It was the real daughter who had helped them see the truth.
They totally deserved this.
Hugh’s face went red with shame. He looked at Regina, all apologetic. “You’ve been through hell these last few days. I was too rough earlier. Let me send you some cash–go treat yourself, make up for it.”
He messed with his phone, setting up a transfer, still rambling. “When your mom’s back on her feet, you’ll come home with us.
“We’ll be a family–four of us, living good, making up for those eighteen years we lost. Me, your brothers, Mom–we’ll treat you right.”
Regina didn’t even twitch.
“They said the exact same things in the past life, she thought, and a year later, I ended up dead.
Regina picked up her phone. “Bad luck, you’re blocked,” she declared flatly.
Hugh stared at her, bewildered.
Regina didn’t flinch–she blacklisted his number right there, dangling the phone in his face. “Your golden girl getting busted doesn’t mean you get to swoop in and play Daddy now. My real dad’s dead. Want to take his place? Go chill in a morgue freezer.”
Hugh’s face twisted up, pissed. “That’s out of line! I’m your flesh–and–blood father. How dare you talk to me like that?”
He pointed at Regina, his voice rising. “I bet it’s because you grew up without a father’s or mother’s love that you’re so twisted! You had an unhappy life, and now you want to take it out on us.”
Regina leaned back in her chair, smirking. “Spot on. Your reward? Sky–high blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar.”
Hagh sputtered, speechless.
Brad couldn’t stand it any longer. “Regina, we know you’ve been wronged these past couple of days, but you can’t talk to Dad like that!”
Regina gave him a cold, hard stare. Her eyes were like daggers, sharp and distant.
Brad’s chest tightened. He balled his fists, trying to keep it together. “Go ahead, rip into me all you want–I’ll say sorry for whatever you think I messed up. But Mom and Dad gave you life. You can’t be this brutal. Give us a shot to fix things.”
He chewed his lip, then pushed on, dead serious. “Without family, you think you’ll ever be happy? Who’s gonna look out for you like we will?”
“Oh! We found her!” A cheerful voice interrupted. “Mr. Adams! I found Regina!”
Everyone was startled and turned towards the sound.
A group of students, casually dressed, were rushing in with flowers and gifts.
“Regina!” they called out.
Regina looked up in surprise to see her entire class, along with Mr. Adams, hurrying towards her.
The class president, Alex, quickly approached her. “We heard you were hurt. Mr. Adams and the rest of us came to see you. Why aren’t you in your room? You should be resting if you’re injured.”
1/3
Chapter
Regina was taken aback, her gaze sweeping over Alex to the rest of her classmates.
Everyone was here except for James
Preston was stunned. “The whole class came to visit Regina? You’ve only known her for a day!”
“Oh, Prince, you’re here too! The classmates noticed Preston. “No wonder you weren’t responding in the class group chat!”
They glanced between Regina and Preston with knowing smiles. “Well, well…”
Someone jumped in. “Aww, look who’s keeping watch at her bedside… How sweet!”
Preston blushed. “It’s not like that! I was just passing by!”
“Sure, sure.” they teased. “Just passing by… and that blood on your shirt is from randomly walking past a crime scene, right?”
Preston froze, finally noticing Regina’s blood on his clothes.
He’d been wearing it this whole time without realizing.
Mr. Adams smirked. “Alright, let’s wrap this up and give these two some privacy.”
Alex handed Regina a fresh bouquet. “We heard about your injury and tracked you down. Hope we’re not intruding?”
“Not at all,” Regina accepted the flowers. “Thank you all for caring. This means so much!”
Alex offered her gift. “I made you a strawberry cake. Hope you like it.”
“That’s amazing!” Regina beamed. “My first homemade cake from someone. It looks beautiful!”
Alex ducked her head modestly. “I’m not as talented as you. I just know some basic baking.”
A boy pushed past Alex, eagerly handing Regina comic books. “Here, Valkyrie! Some signed editions to keep you happy.”
The class swarmed around her with gifts.
“Mom’s chicken soup for strength.”
“Homemade cookies.”
“My study notes so you won’t fall behind.”
“Get well soon, Valkyrie!”
The classroom door’s fixed now.”
“Yeah, Valkyrie, tell your Prince to stop kicking the door.”
“Valkyric, hurry back – the whole school’s waiting for more drama.”
Regina tilted her head. “Why do you all call me Valkyrie?”
Everyone pointed to one boy. “He started it! Said you’re a level–ten Valkyrie who brings chaos.”
The boy turned scarlet. “Why did you rat me out?”
“Um, Regina… you’re not inad, are you?”
Regina paused, then broke into a smile.
The class looked at her in confusion.
Regina’s dimples showed as her usual aloofness melted away. “Not at all. I love it. Thank you all for being so kind.”
Her eyes glistened. “I never expected such warmth on my first day.”
The girls rushed to comfort her. ‘Of course we care! We’re classmates.”
She accepted their attention sweetly. “I’ll treasure everything you’ve given me.”
2/3
The class warmed to her apparent friendliness.
But they missed how her gaze cut through the crowd to Brad, her lips curling in brief mockery before returning to her grateful act.
Brad stood stiffly at the edge. face burning red.
He’d just claimed no one would care for Regina, only to be immediately proven wrong.
Now he was choking on that big time.
AD
