Filed To Story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
To think, her father, who had never so much as raised his voice to her, was now making a public spectacle for the sake of Mirabella and at the expense of the Earwood family’s reputation.
“Dad, can you please keep it down,” Harriet pleaded, acutely aware of the judgmental gazes piercing her.
“Now you care about dignity? What were you thinking before? I sent you overseas to study, to learn something worthwhile, not to come back and wreck other people’s relationships! The McMillian family and the Collins family have an engagement, and you want to stick your nose in? Have you lost your mind?”
“Dad!” Harriet was frantic, her father’s voice was too loud, everyone could hear them, and she wanted nothing more than to crawl into a hole and hide.
Addison, fuming, made a phone call, “Come here and take Ms. Monroe home.”
After hanging up, he turned back to Harriet, furious, “We’ll deal with it until we get home!”
“Dad, she hit me too!!” Harriet tried to explain that the bruises on her face and neck from last night were Mirabella’s doing.Addison cut her off, “And deservedly so! You’re trying to break up a couple, causing discord within the McMillian family. You’re lucky you didn’t end up with broken bones!”
He then looked apologetically at Mirabella, “I’m truly sorry. I’ve failed to raise her properly, and you had to step in.”
He had thought the marks on his daughter’s face and neck were from a man, never imagining they were from Mirabella.
Having seen Mirabella handle troublemakers before, he knew her strength, her ferocity. And yet, she had been gentle with his daughter.
“Count yourself lucky she didn’t do worse! And apologize to Mirabella, Romeo, and Cathy this instant!”
Addison hissed at his daughter.
“Dad,” Harriet had never been so mortified in her life.
“It’s fine,” Mirabella and the others said in unison, seemingly indifferent to formalities.
Addison’s face was a mask of regret as he turned to Mirabella, “Thank you for sparing my unworthy daughter last night. I’ll see to her discipline when we get home.”
“Let’s not dwell on it, Bart. Don’t be upset; it’s bad for your health,” Mirabella understood his ways. Once home, Harriet would no doubt face consequences.
At that moment, the security appeared, offering a hand, “Ms. Monroe, please.”
Harriet, utterly embarrassed, quickly left with her head down.Mirabella nodded, trusting his word. He did this not to repay a favor but to uphold the Earwood family’s reputation and values, which did not condone meddling in others’ affairs.
“Bella, what happened?” Louisa approached, noticing Addison’s departure and her daughter’s.
“Nothing,” Mirabella didn’t tell her mother what happened, not wanting to worry her.Louisa knew her daughter was the founder of QY, which dealt not only in fashion but also in jewelry.
“Sure thing.”
Bella turned to Romeo with a nod, “I’ll be right back.”
Romeo gave a casual thumbs-up, “Cool.”
Bella followed Louisa over to a foreign gentleman, “Ms. Bella Collins, it’s been a while! I never realized you were the heiress to the Collins family. I was quite shocked when I saw the news.”
Louisa appeared taken aback, “You two know each other?”
“Well, we’ve collaborated a few times before.” The gentleman grinned at Bella, then glanced at Louisa, “Mrs. Collins, I must say, your daughter is incredibly talented and capable.”
Bella offered a modest smile and explained, “His imports are top-notch; I’ve sourced from him a few times before.”
Louisa hadn’t expected that the connection she wanted to introduce to her daughter was one Bella had already established long ago.
She engaged in light conversation with the gentleman before introducing her daughter to other potential contacts.
Meanwhile, at the hospital.
A nurse administered an injection to Serena to ease her condition.
Seeing Serena lying weakly in the hospital bed, Martin took her hand with a tender grip, “Serena, the other doctors are on their way; they’ll find a way to save you.”
“What’s wrong with me?” A tear glimmered in Serena’s eye, “Why?”Why she had to be admitted to the ICU out of the blue.
Martin was heartbroken and at a loss for answers.
He couldn’t fathom why the girl, who was all smiles just a moment ago, suddenly showed abnormal vital signs.
None of the doctors at the hospital, not even the renowned ones summoned from nearby, could diagnose the root of her illness.
On the TV, the evening’s gala was still the hot topic.
Martin and Serena saw a photo of Romeo and Bella dancing at the gala. Despite it being just one image, the poise and expressions of the couple elicited envy from onlookers, with applause from the surrounding guests.
A tear welled up in Serena’s eyes.
Why?
Why was she suffering for no reason, while Bella got to wear a dazzling gown and dance with the world’s most distinguished gentleman?The more she withheld, the more they desired it.
How radiant she used to be.
But now, it was Bella standing in the center of the dance floor, basking in the glory that once belonged to Serena. Seeing her distress, Martin offered, “I’ll turn off the TV.”
Serena shook her head; she insisted on watching!
She vowed to remember every person who had trampled her underfoot!
The television screen flashed with another live photo, capturing Louisa, arm in arm with her daughter, chatting with guests, her smile as radiant as the early spring sun. It appeared she was introducing her daughter to some influential figures.
Tears brimmed in Serena’s eyes, her gaze flecked with a hint of resentment.
Her mother, who had once showered her with love and affection, showed no sign of sorrow over her loss. Instead, this once tender mother now beamed with warmth and cordiality, a stark contrast to the cold-hearted woman who had locked her in the basement not long ago.
Serena felt a mix of anger, frustration, and hurt as her tears fell like pearls slipping off a broken necklace.
The following morning.
When Mirabella woke up, the house felt eerily quiet. Upon inquiring, she learned that her grandparents had gone to Hope Hospital for a check-up.
“Are they not feeling well?”
Mirabella wondered if her grandparents were unwell and, not wanting to disturb her after the evening’s gala, had quietly slipped away to the hospital for an examination.
“They didn’t mention why, but your parents heard about it and have already rushed over. I’m not quite sure what’s going on.”
Mirabella tried calling her mother, but there was no answer. She then called her father, but again, no one picked up.Just as Mirabella was about to drive over, a servant hurriedly brought her a sandwich, “Ms. Bella, you should eat something first. In case there’s something there that needs your attention, you might go hungry for a while.”
Touched by the servant’s concern, Mirabella smiled, accepted the sandwich with a thank you, and ate her breakfast on the go. As she arrived at Hope Hospital, her mother finally returned her call.
“Bella, why are you up so early? Did you hear about your grandparents coming to the hospital and got worried?”
Louisa’s voice was cheery, “They’re fine, dear. They just wanted to show their appreciation to Dr. Pierce from Hope Hospital. Before you came home, Dr. Pierce took good care of you, and when you were trending on social media, he stepped in to clear up the situation and explain things for you. So, to thank him, your grandparents donated some medical equipment to the hospital.”
Louisa continued, “Now that the equipment has arrived, Dr. Pierce invited them to have a look and take the opportunity to do a check-up. It’s also a chance to encourage more seniors to commit to yearly health screenings.”
Mirabella sighed in relief, “That’s good to hear. I’m at the hospital now, where are you guys?”
“My dear girl, you came all the way here? Did you have breakfast? I was chatting with Dr. Pierce and had my phone on silent, didn’t see your call. We’re now in the emergency building, on the twenty-
second floor. Dr. Pierce has been singing your praises all the way.””Okay, I’m coming up.” Mirabella had just ended the call when someone tapped her shoulder.
“Clark? Did you hear about grandparents’ check-up at the hospital too?” Reаd at But since he was there, he might as well go up, see the grandparents, and keep his sister company.
“Did you grab breakfast yet?” Clark teased, slinging an arm affectionately over his sister’s shoulder.
“There’s a diner just around the corner, let’s grab a bite.”
“I ate before I came over, Clark. How about you?”
“I did. When I was heading out, I’ve got a bagel to eat on the way.”
“I got one too.”
They chatted as they walked, and when they reached the 22nd floor, they were surprised not only to find their grandparents and parents but also their other brothers who had made the trip.
“Why the family gathering.” Bernard chuckled, touched by the concern of his grandchildren. It seemed he’d have to be more explicit next time to avoid such a stir.
“Why are you and Bella here together? Get your arm off her this instant!” David stepped forward upon seeing Clark’s arm around Bella’s shoulders, “You’re crowding her, she’s not comfortable.”
“I think you’re just jealous.” Clark refused to let go, instead pulling her in closer with a mischievous grin.
“You guys hog her all the time, and I never say a word. Finally got my chance to bond, right?”
“Fine, bond all you want, but do you have to be so handsy.” David pried his hand away with a smile, turning to his sister, “Bella, did you have breakfast yet?”
Chasel stepped in, “If not, I can go grab something for you.”
Hans added, “Or should I take you down for a snack?”
“How would you know Bella’s tastes? I’ll go.” Sean stepped forward and affectionately ruffled Mirabella’
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.