Chapter 19 Dragging Martha Down if Things Went South for Alison
If it really was Martha who did that, then confronting the doctors was pointless.
Stella’s hands trembled as she pulled out her phone and transferred every last cent she had to the hospital’s account. After the payment went through, her balance showed just two digits.
Her eyes burned red as she looked at the doctor. “Stopping medication without authorization is medical negligence. I hope this is the first and last time it happens. If it happens again, I’ll hold this hospital fully accountable.”
Alison had just gone through surgery, so her body was still fragile. She couldn’t afford another blow like this.
This was all because Martha wanted to teach her a lesson. If she could cut off Alikson’s meds once, who’s to say she wouldn’t do it again?
Stella blinked. A tear slid down her cheek. This was her fault. She’d dragged Alison into this mess. But she had no choice. She didn’t yet have the power to fight back
The doctor lowered his head, looking ashamed. “I’m sorry, Ms. Irwin. We didn’t expect this kind of reaction. Her recovery had been going well…It’s rare for a patient to respond so severely to just a day without medication.
“But your mother’s case is special. She has unique allergies. Her treatment plan differs from others. We didn’t predict this outcome.” No one could say how much damage this
is would do. All they could do now was wait for the results of the surgery.
Stella sat numbly on a chair in the hallway, eyes locked on the bright red sign above the OR door. She prayed silently and desperately that Alison would pull through.
Tears fell quietly as memories of their life together flooded her mind,
Alison had never raised her voice. She always smiled softly, brushing her hair back and whispering, “Grow up quickly, Stella. Once you’re grown, Mommy can finally rest.”
Even in a single–parent home, Stella had never envied others. Her mom had been enough for her. But now she was lying on an operating table, clinging to life.
Stella’s stomach twisted with helplessness.
This hospital was owned by the Nord family. If Martha wanted to meddle, there was nothing she could do to stop her.
Before the OR doors even opened, her phone rang. It was Martha calling.
Stella’s fingers curled around the device. She answered.
Martha’s voice came sharp and fast. “Didn’t I tell you not to leave the Parker residence unless you’re pregnant? Where the hell did you go again?”
Stella stared at the emergency light above the OR, her voice cold as ice. “Did you tell the hospital to stop my mom’s medication?
Martha hadn’t expected her to find out so soon. She didn’t even try to deny it. “You didn’t listen. Of course, I had to give you a little reminder. You need to understand that your mom’s life is in my hands.”
It was her.
Hatred surged up in Stella’s chest. In the Parker family’s world, lives were disposable. Was her so–called father the same kind of person?
She clenched her jaw, fighting to keep her voice steady. “Because of you, my mother’s in the ER right now. If anything happens to her, Martha, I swear that I’ll take you down with me.”
Martha hesitated, caught off guard. A pause filled the line.
Then, she scoffed. “It was just one missed day. Who knew she’d react like that?”
There was no trace of guilt in her voice.
Stella had no intention of arguing. “She’s the only leverage you have against me. If she dies, I will ruin you. I’ll burn everything down. I don’t care what it costs.”
Martha’s panic spiked. But hearing Stella’s threat reignited her temper. “You think a broke college grad like you can threaten me? “You know damn well I can.” Stella’s voice was low but deadly.
She had the photos of Martha and Frank, clear as day. If she released them, Martha’s reputation would implode.
There’s no way the Parker family would let someone like her be married to their son.
“I’m not going back today,” Stella said flatly.
She hung up.
Martha stared at her darkened screen and hurled the phone across the room. “She’s been my stand–in for a few days and already thinks she can take me on?‘
She thought back to what Bernice had said, her eyes flickering.
After this was all over, she promised herself that she’d make Stella pay.
That evening, dinner was ready, and Jeremy had returned home.
With Stella absent, Martha saw an opportunity to get closer to him. She slipped into a black mini dress that barely covered her thighs and headed downstairs.
The dining room was bathed in warm light. Jeremy had changed out of his
s suit and into more relaxed loungewear. He looked softer, less guarded.
Seeing her approach, Jeremy said gently, “You look nice tonight.”
The compliment made Martha blush. She sat across from him, heart fluttering. “Since we got married, we haven’t had many meals together.”
Before Stella had spoken up, Jeremy had barely acknowledged her existence, let alone shared a meal.
Jeremy smiled faintly. “Better late than never.”
Martha shook her head. “I’m just happy we’re finally doing this.”
She looked at him with admiration, almost entranced.
Jeremy was good–looking enough to be a celebrity, even without his wealth. But he wasn’t just a pretty face, he was a prodigy. He’d started closing major business deals as a teenager. Now he ran the entire Parker empire.
He was perfect. And somehow, he was hers. Then, her thoughts drifted to Frank.
Frank couldn’t compare. Not in looks, family background, or ambition. She had to find a way to get rid of him.
“I was thinking would you have time this weekend to join the family dinner at Parker Manor?” Jeremy’s voice pulled her back.
“Of course!” she replied quickly.
Since the wedding, she hadn’t even met the legendary patriarch of the Parker family Winning him over would solidify her place as Jeremy’s wife.
Jeremy wasn’t surprised by her eagerness. “I’ve already arranged your gift for the family. You don’t have to prepare anything”
Martha nodded shyly, nearly breathless with excitement.
In Cindervale, the Parker family’s fortune was untouchable. If everything went well, she might walk away with an heirloom or shares in Parker Group.
Her mind raced with possibilities. Suddenly, the food in front of her didn’t even matter.
Jeremy noticed the light in her eyes. A cold amusement flickered on his own. He set down his cutlery. “Don’t get too excited. I’ll wait for you upstairs, alright?
Martha was still daydreaming about striking it rich. But the moment she heard those words, she snapped back to reality,
- h. I’m not sure tonight’s good-“She had completely forgotten Stella was still at the hospital.
If she tried to take her place and Jeremy noticed, the consequences would be devastating.
Jeremy raised an eyebrow. “Are you not feeling well?”
She didn’t know what Stella had told him before, and she didn’t dare make up a lie that might contradict it. “No… I just… got a little too excited.”
She forced a sanile, cursing; Sirella silently.
That dann woman was doing this on purpose. She stayed at the hospital Just to leave Martha stranded..
