Chapter 8%
He sighed deeply, his voice tinged with frustration. “No matter how much conflict there is between Lucia and me, my love for Audrey remains unchanged.“%
“At least you still care about your daughter,” Old Master Carlson remarked, his voice heavy with sorrow. “But where is she? Why don’t you ask your precious Laura?”
The old man gestured for Patrick to follow him into the ward, and Patrick, though confused, obeyed.”
As they neared the door, the sound of Laura’s laughter filtered through. It was sharp and cruel.}
“You’re such a fool,” she mocked. “You think Patrick will feel sorry for you if you commit suicide? Sure, he’ll feel sorry, but what does that do? I’ll just pull out your oxygen tube, and then you’ll be gone for good.“}
Her voice was filled with greed, unlike the soft, sweet tone she used around him.”
Patrick’s heart clenched as if a vise had tightened around it. His mind went blank, and without thinking, he rushed into the ward.
“What do you mean by that?” he demanded, his voice cracking. “You told me ten years ago that Lucia was responsible for the Carlson family’s bankruptcy. How does this involve you?“>
Laura froze, her face draining color. She attempted a weak smile, her voice trembling. “You must have misheard. I was just speaking nonsense.”
“You think you can lie your way out of this?!” Old Master Carlson shouted, tossing a stack of documents at Patrick and Laura. “Look at this! Who was really behind bankruptcy?“}
Patrick’s expression darkened, and Laura grew more frantic. She flung herself into his arms, her tears genuine now.
I’m helpless,” she sobbed. “I’m pregnant with your child, and I needed money to survive. I didn’t know the money was from the company, I thought you left it for me. I didn’t dare tell you because I was afraid you’d hate me.“}
Patrick stared at her, his face filled with disappointment. “And then you shifted the blame to Lucia? I didn’t realize you were so heartless.“% He closed his eyes, his shoulders heavy with frustration, and dragged Laura out of the room.
“Lucia was hurt because of you. No matter what happened in the past, no matter why you left the country, or how she lost the child… it’s over now. Just leave.“>
Laura didn’t resist. She simply turned and fled.}
Old Master Carlson seethed with anger. “You’re just going to let her go? Your daughter is dead because of her, and you won’t stop her?” Patrick opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, the assistant burst into the room, his face pale with panic.}
*Something’s happened! Mr. Carlson, the news about you causing your daughter’s death and pushing your wife to jump off the building has gone viral! The company’s stock price is plummeting, and the board is demanding an explanation!”
“What?” Patrick felt as though the ground was shifting beneath him. He staggered, forcing a smile.
“What do you mean I killed Audrey? She was well taken care of in the old house by the nanny.” He muttered, trying to make sense of the chaos. “Audrey has been asking me to spend her birthday with her. It’s my fault–Laura has kept me too busy. I need to pick up Audrey, apologize to her, and make up for the birthday I missed.”}
“You want to give her another birthday?” a cold voice interrupted. “Then jump down from here and die, and maybe you’ll see her.“%
Patrick slowly turned around, his eyes widening in disbelief as he saw me standing there, tears of relief and joy in my eyes.
“Lucia, you’re awake… thank God…“}
I turned and swung my legs over the side of the bed, standing up steadily.”
‘I’m fine. Patrick, you should check the trending news and wake up from your delusions.“>
10:04 AM
