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Novel Catalog
Chapter 34
When Veronica, still resting on the hospital bed, saw Elizabeth entering the room, she immediately sat up, offering the older woman a polite nod. “Old Mrs. Kings.”
Out of courtesy, Veronica addressed her as such, though deep down, she knew that Matthew and Tiffany’s engagement had only been possible with Elizabeth’s approval.
Back when Veronica had been pregnant, Elizabeth had made it clear that Tiffany wasn’t allowed to enter the Kings Residence, but now, everything seemed to have changed. Veronica couldn’t help but wonder if Elizabeth had failed to convince Matthew or if she was simply playing a two-faced game.
Elizabeth, in her black velvet dress, still exuded a dignified presence despite being over seventy. Her short, curly hair and subtle makeup only added to her refined, yet commanding, air. She walked to Veronica’s bedside, her eyes scanning the frail figure lying there. Though there was a glimmer of concern in her gaze, it was clear that there was also dissatisfaction beneath the surface.
“Even though Matthew is engaged to Tiffany, you shouldn’t have gotten rid of your child this way,” Elizabeth remarked, her voice tinged with reproach.
Veronica’s expression tightened at the words. The unborn child had been the Kings’ great-grandchild, something Elizabeth had been looking forward to for many years. It had taken a lot of effort for them to have a child, only for it to end in futility.
Veronica, despite the hurt she felt, leaned back against her pillow, her lips curling into a cold smile. “Old Mrs. Kings, you think I should have kept the child?” Her tone was almost scornful.
She’d never seen herself as merely a vessel for procreation, especially in the context of the Kings Family. While she had once considered using the child as leverage to uncover the truth about the car accident and to help her adoptive father, she’d always known that the Kings would care for it. But, the idea of her child being raised by Tiffany, and calling her “Mom,” was simply unacceptable.
Elizabeth hesitated, then sighed, a look of reluctant understanding crossing her face. “Sigh, although I’m upset about the child, I understand why you did it. You’re a good girl—much better than Tiffany. But, I’m getting old and can’t make decisions on matters of marriage anymore. Matthew just doesn’t have the luck.”
Veronica felt a flicker of relief at hearing Elizabeth’s honesty, despite the sting of the words. She’d been worried Elizabeth was there to chastise her, but instead, the older woman seemed to have a deeper understanding of her position.
“I’m not worthy of Matthew, and I have no expectations of marrying into the Kings Family,” Veronica answered plainly, the weight of those words hanging heavy between them.
Elizabeth’s brow furrowed as she studied Veronica. “So many women dream of marrying into the Kings Family, yet you’re the first one I’ve met who doesn’t want that.”
Veronica stayed quiet, her mind drifting back to the time she had spent at the Kings Residence with Elizabeth. Those three days had been an eye-opening experience—Elizabeth had initially hoped Veronica would conceive the Kings’ first grandson, but during their time together, she had come to see Veronica’s genuine nature and diligence. She had developed a fondness for the girl, though she’d never admit it openly.
Elizabeth glanced at the housekeeper, who stepped forward and handed Veronica something. “Veronica,” she began, her voice gentler now, “I know you’re a good child, but your expenses must be tight, and you still have to support your parents. This money can be considered the Kings Family’s compensation to you.”
There was an air of sincerity in Elizabeth’s words, a touch of apology for what had transpired. “Though it was a mistake that you and Matthew slept together, at the end of the day, you’re innocent in all of this.”
Veronica stiffened at the mention of the child and the miscarriage. Despite the discomfort it caused, she couldn’t ignore the offer. But she didn’t expect Elizabeth to make amends like this.
“No. There’s no need for that,” Veronica responded, her tone firm but not hostile. She had no intention of accepting charity from the Kings Family.
Elizabeth’s face darkened slightly. “Is it too little?” she asked, her voice tinged with frustration.
Veronica’s gaze hardened. “The child is gone. I no longer have any connection to the Kings Family. Therefore, there’s no reason for me to accept any ‘favors’ from you.”
“Favors?” Elizabeth’s voice rose in disbelief. “It’s just a small compensation. If you don’t take it, I won’t feel at ease.”
“If I accept it, I’ll be the one who feels ‘uneasy,’” Veronica shot back, her tone cold.
With a sharp movement, she handed the check back to the housekeeper, who was standing behind Elizabeth. “Old Mrs. Kings, I appreciate you coming to see me today, but I’m a little tired and would like to rest now.”
Veronica’s indirect dismissal of the conversation was clear, but it wasn’t harsh. She simply wanted to cut ties with the Kings Family, once and for all.
Elizabeth looked at her with a mixture of helplessness and resignation. “Okay, then. Have a good rest.”
The housekeeper stepped forward to help her, and Elizabeth paused for a moment longer. “Take care of yourself, Veronica. After everything you’ve been through, you need to rest. You’re still a young woman.”
“Thank you, Old Mrs. Kings,” Veronica replied softly, grateful for the concern, even if it came after everything.
The rollercoaster of emotions she had experienced since Elizabeth’s arrival was overwhelming, but at least Veronica knew that Elizabeth wasn’t entirely heartless.
Before leaving, Elizabeth turned back, her expression serious. “Regarding this matter, the Kings Family owes you. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to call. I’ll do what I can to help.”
Veronica nodded politely. “Okay. I appreciate your thoughts, Old Mrs. Kings.”
However, in truth, Veronica didn’t put much stock in her words. After everything that had happened, she just wanted some space to be alone, to process it all without interference.
The doctor had told her she needed to recuperate after the miscarriage, but more than that, she was haunted by the thought of what might have happened if she hadn’t survived her overdose. The lingering fear still clung to her, and though she had her adoptive parents to think about, she couldn’t escape the guilt she felt for her reckless actions.
Over the following days, Xavier continued to visit her nearly every evening, bringing dinner and staying for hours. She couldn’t deny that his presence, however casual, made her feel less alone.
At one point, Veronica decided to go to the hospital’s garden to clear her mind. The lush greenery and calm atmosphere reminded her of a park, and she used the opportunity to video call Daniella, her adoptive mother, under the pretense that she was taking a walk in a nearby park.
After a week, Veronica was finally ready to be discharged from the hospital. Carrying her luggage to the entrance, she was surprised to find Xavier waiting for her in his car. Dressed in casual gray clothes and wearing silver-gray sunglasses, he held a bouquet of flowers in his arms.
“Congratulations on your discharge,” he said with a smirk.
Veronica blinked in surprise. “Why are you here?”
She hadn’t told anyone about her discharge date, so how did he know?
“As long as I want to know something, there’s nothing I can’t find out,” Xavier said smoothly, taking the luggage from her and pressing the flowers into her hands. He then draped his arm over her shoulders in a relaxed, almost familiar manner. “Now that you’re out, what’s next? You’ve already quit your job at Twilight Club, right? Would you consider working at my company?”
Veronica couldn’t help but feel a flicker of curiosity. What was Xavier really offering?
