Chapter 155



Belinda thought for a moment and then sighed. “Alright then, but hurry up, or I’ll come get you myself!”

“Alright, alright.” Kenia chuckled warmly.

After a brief silence, she asked, “Belinda, are you happy since coming back to the country? If something’s bothering you, tell me. Don’t keep it all inside. I’ll always be here to share your burdens.”

When Belinda heard this, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and her voice wavered slightly. She said, “I’m doing okay, Grandma. Really, no need to worry about me.”

Despite Belinda’s assurances, Kenia sensed a tremor of something unspoken in her granddaughter’s tone. She chose not to probe further over the phone, understanding that some conversations were better held face to face. They exchanged a few more words before Kenia ended the call.

Without hesitation, Kenia dialed another number.

“Hello? Mom?” Holley’s voice carried a note of surprise.

“Did you mistreat Belinda?” Kenia cut straight to the chase.

Holley, taken aback by the bluntness of the question, stammered, “No, no! What makes you think that?”

“I just spoke to Belinda on the phone. She didn’t sound quite herself,” Kenia’s voice was calm but firm.

g Ɐ ln σ ν𝓮 ℓs․com, where stories thrive Hearing this, Holley let out a sigh of relief. She quickly said, “Mom, I assure you, you’re worrying too much. I haven’t done anything to her.”

Kenia’s voice hardened slightly. “Holley, I won’t stop you from trying to ingratiate yourself with that family—that’s your choice. But let me be clear—Belinda is not to be sacrificed for your ambitions. If I learn that you’ve let her make compromises just for your gain, there will be consequences.”

Holley swallowed nervously, her unease palpable. “Did you hear me?”

Kenia’s voice sharpened, breaking through Holley’s hesitation.

“Yes, Mom, I heard you loud and clear,” Holley responded promptly, her voice low and tinged with fear.

“Good, remember that,” Kenia said briskly before ending the call.

After the call ended, Holley bit her lip, her mind swirling with tumultuous thoughts.

Meanwhile, across town in a luxurious VIP ward at the Grand Plains General Hospital, Verena opened the door and stepped inside.

“Ryan.” Verena’s voice carried a hint of relief as she entered the room.

“Verena,” Ryan said, straightening up in his hospital bed. He paused mid-sentence, noticing Verena’s unsteady steps. “What happened to you? Your steps seem unsteady,” he asked.

At his words, Verena’s expression froze for a moment before she smiled. “Oh, I just twisted my ankle yesterday. It’s nothing serious; I’m already feeling better today.”

Ryan nodded, feeling concerned for Verena. He was about to say something when she quickly interjected, “And you? Are you feeling any better now?”

“Actually, I was ready to be discharged yesterday,” Ryan said, throwing his hands up in a shrug. “But my mother, being her usual self, insisted I stay here longer.” After the ordeal at the bar, Ryan had been confident the worst had been behind him, especially since the vomiting had eased the discomfort in his stomach. But later that night, severe abdominal pain and incessant sweating had prompted an urgent hospital visit.

Verena laughed softly, acknowledging his predicament. “Aunt Ainslie does tend to worry a lot.”

.

.

.