Filed to story: Billionaire Bride’s Revenge (Vera & Howard)
Vera, checking the ICU door once more, responded calmly, “There’s no need for apologies, Mrs. Adams. We now only need to focus on uncovering the truth.” She was concerned about the impact of the injury on Victor, knowing the bullet had missed his heart but still posed serious risks.
“When will he wake up?” Vera wondered quietly.
As medical staff moved in and out of the ward to check on Victor, Vera lingered in the corridor, lost in thought. Her contemplation was interrupted by her ringing phone. She stepped aside to answer it. “Hello?”
Aimee sounded infuriated. “I’m absolutely livid! My entire day’s been ruined by those bastards!”
Startled, Vera inquired, “What’s happened? Is everything alright?”
After a deep breath, Aimee explained, “Your ex-husband again. He’s desperate for a designer as his deadline looms, and he’s insisting on your help, by any means necessary.”
Aimee’s frustration grew as she recounted the pressure.
Vera’s expression turned stern. “If he bothers you again, don’t hesitate to call the police.”
Aimee acknowledged her advice but expressed concern. “It’s not a major issue for me, but I worry about him pestering you. He showed up last night, and I turned him away. You know he’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants. Stay alert.”
“I will. And I’ll keep you posted,” Aimee assured her.
“Okay.”
As Vera ended the call, a nurse emerged from the ICU. “He’s awake now,” she informed Vera.
Vera hastened towards the ICU room, closely followed by Cristina.
Inside, the sharp smell of disinfectant filled the air. Victor lay on the bed, his complexion ghastly pale, his lips devoid of color, with an IV drip attached to his hand. Despite his weakened state, a certain intensity remained evident in his gaze.
Cristina, anxious and concerned, questioned, “How do you feel now, Victor? Are you in pain?”
Victor managed a slow shake of his head, his expression tinged with discomfort. “Why are you here?”
Cristina’s voice broke with emotion. “Are you trying to keep this a secret from me? Do you realize how risky your surgery was? I was afraid I might lose you.”
For years, they had leaned on each other deeply. Cristina had grown to rely on him for everything.
Victor weakly murmured, “I’m fine,” attempting to reassure her.
Relief washed over Vera upon seeing Victor awake, but it was short-lived when he noticed the mark on her face, and his eyes darkened instantly. “Who slapped you?” he demanded.
Vera froze, worried about the potential conflict between mother and son. Before she could fabricate an excuse, Cristina admitted, “I did.”
Vera’s surprise was evident, and Victor’s frown deepened.
Cristina, her expression stern, explained, “Since she entered your life, nothing but trouble has followed. I even thought she might have hidden motives for getting to you.”
Victor attempted to sit up, prompting Vera to quickly stop him. “Lie down and rest. Don’t move,” she urged gently.
Victor coughed, struggling with discomfort, prompting Vera to adjust the window to keep the draft away.
Victor then addressed his mother, clarifying, “Mom, someone is targeting me, not Vera. She’s been unwittingly caught up in this.”
Cristina appeared skeptical, given the string of unsettling coincidences.
“And what about the death of that employee from your company?”
Victor’s voice was low and firm. “This is no accident. Someone is orchestrating these events for their own ends. The police are on it.”
Despite his frailty, his conviction was palpable.
Cristina’s demeanor softened as regret crept in. She glanced at Vera, lowering her gaze. “I’m sorry, Miss Montgomery. I misunderstood the situation and acted rashly.”
Vera maintained a neutral tone. “It’s fine. You are his mother. I can understand your worry and anxiety in such a situation.”
She pondered that had she been in Cristina’s shoes, her reaction might not have been much calmer.
Cristina, unlike the stereotypical domineering, arrogant rich women, was quick to acknowledge her missteps. As she evaluated Vera, a look of respect flickered in her eyes.
Faced with skepticism, Vera succinctly explained the events. She skillfully used the loopholes in her words to her advantage, rather than just plainly emphasizing her innocence.
As for the slap, Vera remained composed, her demeanor neither submissive nor aggressive, a testament to her equanimity.
Noticing Victor’s discomfort, Vera gently inquired, “Do you want some water?”
Victor gave a slight nod. With no drinkable water in sight, Vera headed to the water room for a disposable cup.
Meanwhile, Cristina adjusted Victor’s covers, her eyes reflecting emotional gratitude. “It’s the first time I’ve seen you treat a woman so differently,” she remarked.
Victor, historically disinterested in romantic entanglements, had prompted Cristina to once half-jokingly question his orientation.
Responding plainly, Victor assured, “Don’t be absurd. We’re just colleagues, and I wouldn’t let her get involved in my troubles.”
Cristina, moved by his defense, complimented softly, “Vera is truly admirable.”
Victor remained silent, reflecting on his mother’s words as Vera returned with water. The discussion concluded without further debate.
After helping Victor drink, Cristina watched as Vera, bag in hand, announced her departure to resume her work.
“Mr. Adams, I must get back to my tasks now.”
Victor acknowledged with a simple nod. “Okay.”
Exchanging a respectful nod with Cristina, Vera left, intent on returning home to continue her work. Unexpectedly, she encountered two familiar faces upon exiting the hospital, her expression darkening instantly.
At that moment, Howard and Lily were standing at the hospital gate.
As soon as their eyes met Vera’s, all they saw was her disgust.
How could she always run into these two wherever she went? Vera found it incredibly annoying.
Howard and Lily were taken aback to see Vera there. Lily had been feeling unwell lately, prompting a hospital visit with Howard, who was also concerned.
Howard’s eyes widened in confusion at the sight of Vera. Why was Vera here at the hospital?
Lily quickly adjusted her expression and approached Vera. “What a surprise, Vera. What brings you here?”
Impatience flashed in Vera’s eyes as she stepped back. “What’s it to you?”