Ultimately, after a protracted interval, the doctor sessfully extracted the offending fish bone lodged


    within Celeste’s throat, the fragment now resting on a sterile tray.


    “Why would such a sizable fish bone be left unattended? Neglecting such a hazard could imperil a


    person’s life.”


    After a pause, Celeste’s re bore into Millie.


    “Eject her from here. Let her kneel at the gate, and she mustn’t rise without my consent. Marcus,


    should you intervene on her behalf this time, you shall forfeit any im to being my son.”


    Her teeth pressed into her lower lip, Millie voiced her defense. “Even though I anticipate disbelief, I


    must assert that I did not insert the fish bone. It was Bria.


    While I ascended to retrieve my phone, she surreptitiously introduced the fish bone into the soup.”


    “Unfounded, Mrs. Millie Thomas. What have I done to deserve your vile usation?” Bria’s


    protestation exuded desperation.


    A resounding thud apanied Celeste’s table-pound, an eloquent manifestation of her ire.


    “Millie, do you presume anyone will lend credence to your words? Exile her from. this vicinity. This


    malicious woman seeks my demise.”


    Promptly, Millie found herself dragged away. Marcus cast her merely a fleeting nce before averting


    his gaze.


    As the heavens roared and precipitation intensified, raindrops saturated Millie’s form, permeating her to


    the core.


    Standing amid the deluge, her shivers bore witness to both cold and hunger.


    Palms sheltering her rain-misted visage, Millie confronted the truth. Rhea’s stratagem had


    outmaneuvered her.


    As she lowered her hands, Marcus’ silhouette materialized. Apanied by a servant wielding an


    umbre, he stood on the threshold, sheltered from the downpour.


    He looked like an emperor enshrined in nobility, and she, an impoverished wanderer.


    Millie’s gaze fixated on Marcus. It marked the second instance where Celeste had cast her into the


    rain. The previous urrence unfolded when Celeste imposed retribution for Millie’s action of pushing


    Rhea into theke. She had fled then, only for Marcus to subsequently track her down at the restaurant


    and retrieve her.


    This time, she understood he would note to her aid.


    “Lam innocent.”


    N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Millie articted her defense, knowing her words held scant sway.


    “Who will ord you belief?” Marcus’ tone was icy cold.


    “Mr. Thomas, Mrs. Celeste Thomas has ordered her to kneel by the gate.” Bria emerged, taking stock


    of Millie’s rain-drenched plight.


    “Millie, madammands you to kneel; standing there is not an option.”