Nearly a week later, Shannon finally emerged from the prosecutorâs office, looking visibly fatigued.
Stripped of the high-end cosmetics, she appeared pale and haggard, as if she had aged a decade.
Several strands of white hair had even appeared.
To avoid the swarm of reporters, Shannon could not bring herself to return home in this ghostly state.
She feared that Gregory might catch sight of her like this, causing her carefully maintained image to fall
apart.
Sensing her concern, Bethany accompanied Shannon to a beauty salon first, where she washed up
before venturing out to face the world.
As they left the salon, Shannon said, âLetâs not go home just yet. Letâs go see Rosalind.â
She adjusted her hair in the mirror with a gloomy expression and continued, âAfter all, she is my niece.
Having risked half her life, I canât afford not to care. I must uphold my kind and benevolent image for
your father.â
Shannon thought to herself, âA meticulously crafted persona for 25 years-it absolutely must not
unravel!â
Bethany said, âMom! Rosalind actually resorted to suicide!â
Although Bethany harbored a dislike for Rosalind, the memory of that blood-soaked bathroom still
haunted her. âLetâs not even talk about whether Justin will fall for her fake suffering. If her scheme went
awry and nobody discovered it in time, she might lose her life. Sheâs truly ruthless, even to herself!â
âHeh, how could anyone not discover it in time?â Shannon said with a playful smile as she put away her
mirror.
Bethany was momentarily stunned before a sudden realization dawned on her. She gasped. â Mom!
Did you already knowâ¦â
Shannon immediately lifted her index finger to her lips, signaling for Bethany to not say another word.
It was Shannonâs idea to arouse Justinâs sympathy by attempting suicide. Back then, she had used a
similar strategy, leveraging it to evoke Gregoryâs sympathy. It granted her entry into the Salvador family,
paving the way for the life she enjoys today.
Justin had also suffered from depression, and it was Rosalind who supported him through that
challenging period. Triggering the past trauma would naturally bring back memories of Rosalindâs
virtues. Despite the significant risk involved, the potential rewards were even more considerable.
âEven if Rosalind isnât an ideal candidate, I canât allow any possibility of a reunion between Justin and
that wretched woman, Bella!â
Shannon had endured a lot these past few days dealing with the prosecution, and the mere thought of
Bella made her clench her fists. âBella, how dare you play games with me? I swear, I will fight you to
the end! I wonât let you get away with it!â
Shannon added, âThe Thompson family might be formidable in Hatchbay, but thatâs just a small town.
In Savrow, the Salvador family has the final say.â
Bethany said with resentment, âWeâll have plenty of chances in the future to deal with that wretched
woman!â She was determined to take revenge on Bella for throwing the slippers in her face that day.
Just as Shannon approached the hospital roomâs door, she learned that both Gregory and Justin were
inside. Shannon put on a facade of a virtuous wife and loving mother. She entered the room as tears
streamed down her face.
âRosalind! My dearest Rosalind! Why would you contemplate something so drastic and do such a
foolish thing?â
In the presence of the two men, Shannon embraced Rosalind and sobbed uncontrollably.â Why must
the women in our family endure such misfortune? Framed and tormented by others⦠If this continues,
I wonât be able to endure it any longer.â
âAunt Shannon, please donât be like thisâ¦â Rosalind wept and skillfully played the role of a distressed
victim.
Jean, who was in the room, joined in on their act. The hospital turned into a scene reminiscent of a
funeral.
Meanwhile, Justin silently observed them. His face was devoid of any emotion. Rosalind sneakily
glanced at him, but the manâs indifference sent shivers down her spine. In the past, whenever she
cried, he would always be the first to come and comfort her with soothing words.
But now, all that tenderness seemed to have vanished. The affection that once belonged to her was
gradually slipping away, and all this was thanks to Bella!
The three women embraced each other in tears, and Gregoryâs brow remained deeply furrowed.
Gregory said solemnly, âShannon, Justin, come over here. I have something to say.â
A few moments later, in the reception room, Shannon gasped, âGreg!â