LOGINThe second the words left Caleb's mouth, Ruby's face went dark. Her gaze turned to ice as she locked on to him. Her voice dangerously low. "Are you seriously suggesting Mrs. Anderson had an affair?" she asked. The name Mom, still feeling foreign on her tongue. The chill rolling off her made Caleb swallow hard, a sudden knot of fear tightening in his gut. He threw his hands up in surrender. "Whoa, that's not what I meant. I was just trying to say." "There's nothing to say." She cut him off. Her tone sharp as glass. "My family's business has nothing to do with you, Mr. Sterling." With that, she spun on her heel and walked away, leaving Caleb standing there, fuming. He rounded on Owen. "Hey, you need to get a grip on your wife. Who does she think she is, talking to me like that?" Owen just leveled him with a flat, unimpressed look. "You have a problem w
Frantic. Sheila was about to speak again when Carter stepped forward. I'll sign the consent. I'm her husband. He snatched the form and scrawled his name across the line. The doctor grabbed it and disappeared back through the doors. With gratitude, Sheila grabbed Carter's hand. Tears streaming down her face. Carter, thank you. You and Izzie are married after all. I knew you still had feelings for her. Stay away. Carter yanked his hand away and wiped it on his pants, as if he touched something foul. This is the last thing I'll ever do for her. As soon as she's out of surgery, I expect her to sign the divorce papers. Sheila's face fell. Carter, you can't abandon Izzy now. She can never have children after the surgery. She's so young, her life is ruined. You can't just throw her away like this. Carter
Ruby followed the chaos, as paramedics rushed Isabel toward the emergency room on a gurney. Blood soaking through the white sheets. She wasn't a St. and she damn sure wasn't worried about Isabel. She just wanted a front-row seat for the fallout. When Owen saw Ruby heading toward the emergency room, he quickened his pace to catch up. After a few steps, he glanced back at Sebastian. Are you coming? His eyes darkened as he stared at the doors to the operating room. He'd just made a complete fool of himself siding with Isabel over Ruby, the real Anderson daughter. He knew he owed her an apology. Me, no. He finally said. I'll wait for you here. Owen just nodded, not bothering to reply, and hurried after Ruby. Sebastian then shot a look at Caleb. Caleb got the message loud and clear. Don't worry. He said, I won't let anyone mess with her. Ruby reached the emergency room
Sebastian stormed into the hallway like a tornado that would topple everything in his path. For a moment, Caleb and Owen only stared at his broad back in amazement, not knowing what to say. Oh my God, we need to stop him. Caleb exclaimed, recovering first. Owen. Something, man, he listens to you. Owen didn't move. His mind was still reeling from everything he'd just discovered. Of course, his knee-jerk reaction had been joy, because Ruby had found her real mother. But after seeing Sebastian's passion, something else ignited inside of him. A deep hatred for Sheila and Isabel. He'd already despised them before he knew the truth, but now it had grown tenfold. While Ruby acted like the illegitimate daughter label didn't bother her deep down, it was a source of constant shame. It had cut her deep, over and over again. Never forgive them for what they put
It was as if someone had fired a gunshot. That had terrified the whole. Hallway into a stunned silence. Ruby had endured the reporters and Sheila's accusations with a straight spine and bitter smile. Prepared to fight back and publicly disown Sheila. She knew these lies would haunt her forever if she didn't act now. But never, in a million years, did she expect Zoe to say something so soul-shaking? She stared at Zoe. A wave of shock washing over her. What Zoe could see, the plethora of emotions on her friend's face first. Alarm, then disbelief, then pure, dumbstruck, blankness. Gave Ruby a small sympathetic nod. It's true. Ruby. Natalia is your real mother. Ruby didn't buy it. After all, she'd gotten her hopes up twice before, only to be crushed. Third time. She couldn't stop
Sebastian and Owen were still in the parking lot. When Caleb narrated everything in between his panting breaths, Sebastian grew momentarily still. But Owen couldn't help himself. He broke into a mocking laugh. Well. Mr. Sterling. You must be so proud of who you're protecting. Am I right? Sebastian's complexion was ashen, not just. because of Owen's taunts, although those did some damage. Mainly it was because he couldn't fathom that Natalia's daughter could be like this. Still, his jaw remained clenched with resolve. His eagle eyes landed on Owen as he declared. I already told you. I don't care if Isabel is guilty or not. I don't care what shady business she's been involved in. She's Nat's daughter. So I'll keep her safe. Come what may. With that, he turned on his heel and sped up to the stairwell. A shiver ran through Owen's eyes. He could instantly
Ruby had guarded her identity as Dr. N fiercely, planning to keep it hidden for as long as possible. It was the only sanctuary she had from the toxicity of her other life. They're trying hard. But don't worry, we'll maintain complete confidentiality. Miles assured. You sure? She pressed. Absolu
In an instant, Owen's face darkened, his eyes narrowed, completely void of emotion. He stared at her for a second, then turned to head back into the party. Ruby quickly stepped in front of him, blocking his path. Owen's brow furrowed. Move, he ordered. His voice was low and smooth. The kind of v
With Ruby lost in her own thought,"Shelia was taking her own trip down her memory. Had that wretched Natalia not appeared over twenty years ago. I would have been Warren's bride. Sheila reflected sourly. For two decades, she had lived with a secret only she knew. Her hatred for Natalia had ru
To them,She was still the unwanted one, and Ruby never bothered correcting them. Let them underestimate her, let them sneer. Because the day they learned she was Doctor N, they'd latch on to her again and use her all over. Ruby vowed that she would never let that happen. There was no way in hell







