Geneva shook her head with conviction, "No, this involves my parents. I have to step in."


    "Mellie, wasn''t it him who matched sessfully and then threatened my dad? Is that what happened?"


    "I saw the news, iming there were issues with your family''s books, but those ounts were managed by my dad..."


    She didn''t finish her sentence, but we both understood the stakes involved.


    Some matters seem tangled at first, but as soon as you unravel a thread, the whole web bes clear.


    Galen was always cautious. It was unlike him to leave such a ring error.


    The sudden betrayal, after years of close family ties, indicated a significant upheaval.


    Lying dejectedly on the hospital bed, Geneva spoke again.


    "Mellie, all these years, I''ve resented you the most. Thinking of you living it up, while I had to rely on charity, it made me bitter. I resented you too, for never reaching out in Aurorea. I had no friends, and arranging my mom''s affairs was incredibly tough. Alone in Aurorea, I didn''t know whether to go back home. Then, they falsely used me of theft..."


    Tears fell silently as she recounted the past, a painful chapter in her life.


    I silently wiped away her tears, unsure how to offerfort.


    Perhaps our shared hardships made us understand each other better, knowing that such wounds only heal when you find your way out on your own. "Talbot matched but then backed out, leaving us stranded abroad, wanting my mom to die far from home."


    "My dad was under his thumb, and he ruined your family. He''s scum!"


    Geneva sat up, fists clenched with fury.


    I quickly embraced her, stroking her hair to calm her. "Geneva, what goes aroundes around. He''ll get what''sing to him."


    "And when will that be? Does everyone have to die before he faces retribution?"


    Geneva trembled with resentment, her voice thick with grievance.


    I soothed her, reassuring her that Talbot would face justice, which slowly calmed her down.


    The door swung open, and Lisa''s sarcastic voice filled the room.


    "Oh, what do we have here? A disy of sisterly affection? Neglecting your own husband?"


    She closed the door and kicked a fruit basket aside.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    "Stingy, only bringing apples and pears. Couldn''t even spring for cherries?"


    "Why is he here? To spy?"


    Lisa sat on the bed, handing Geneva a wipe with disdain.


    "So, you two cleared the air?"


    I nodded, and she turned to Geneva.


    "Your family''s drama isn''t my concern. We''re on the same side here."


    "Alright, my dad sent me to rece you, probably worried Geneva might spill you better head out, Clyde''s getting discharged."


    W


    After giving Geneva a few more words of advice, I left the room.


    Clyde had alreadypleted his discharge formalities, with Talbot still trying to persuade him.


    "A hotel is no match for home. If you''re unhappy with anything, I. can


    chelt. You shoulde bet


    home. It''s not safe out there.


    "It certainly isn''t safe." Clyde snorted disdainfully, looking down on Talbot.


    "Mr. Crawford, thought we were keeping things clear between us. I didn''t expect you to be pulling any hidden moves. We won''t take on a project with issues. Maybe we should put our coboration on hole."


    r cob osta нест


    UMS


    He looked up to see me at the door and walked out.


    "You didn''t even know how to care for your injured husband. What''s the use of you!"


    Clyde winked at me, then quickly walked away.


    I gave Talbot a nce before following Clyde out.