Chapter 4

A moment later, Joan called again. But this time, I blocked her without hesitation.

I didn't have time to play along with this stupid game. Not when Mom was scheduled for surgery the next day.

…

Early the next morning, I rushed to the hospital. Mom lay in bed, her face pale.

"Mom, don't be nervous," I reassured her.

She nodded, yet her gaze drifted toward the door. "Where's Joan? I haven't seen her in a while. She said she'd come visit me."

Almost immediately, something twisted in my chest.

"She's been busy lately. Once you're discharged, I'll have her come see you," I replied.

Mom let out a sigh. "I was thinking… Once I'm discharged, I'll finish that scarf. Joan likes this color."

A while back, Joan had come over and seen Mom knitting. She had casually mentioned how pretty the color was, and Mom had remembered. So, she decided to make one for her, too.

Just then, a commotion broke out in the hallway.

"Everyone, look! This is the 'best friend' who stole my gold! Her mom's right here!"

The hospital room door swung open, and Joan stormed in with her phone raised.

"Guys! This is my so-called best friend of eight years! She stole two million dollars' worth of gold from me and even tried to seduce my husband!" she yelled, her phone's camera pointing straight at me.

I immediately moved to shield Mom. "Joan Hart! My mom is having surgery today. Whatever you have to say, we can take it outside!"

She let out a mocking laugh before swinging the camera toward Mom, whose face had gone deathly pale.

"Let's show everyone what her mom looks like. See? Like mother, like daughter!" Joan spat.

Terrified, Mom turned to me and asked, "Andrea, w-what's going on?"

Joan went on, "She's jealous that I have a good husband who actually loves me! So, she stole my gold and tried to drive a wedge between us! I finally got it. She wants to replace me!"

The livestream comments went wild.

"She looks like such a kind old lady. How did she raise a daughter like that?"

"She didn't just steal the gold. She's trying to steal her friend's husband, too!"

"Her mom's in the hospital? Well, she had that coming."

Mom's breathing grew ragged. "N-No… That's not true. Andrea would never do something like that!"

"Mom, don't get worked up."

Then, I turned to Joan and snapped, "Are you done yet?"

I quickly dialed Cornelius. My voice shook as I asked, "Cornelius, why aren't you here yet? Joan—"

Before I could finish, Joan knocked the phone out of my hand and crushed it under her heel. "Calling for backup, huh?"

Suddenly, Mom clutched her chest. Her face turned purple as she collapsed backward, and the monitor let out a piercing shriek.

"Doctor! Doctor!" I screamed toward the hallway.

But the doorway was packed with onlookers, completely blocking the way. I forced my way through the crowd and sprinted down the hall to get a doctor.

A moment later, two nurses rushed in and lifted Mom onto a gurney.

Even then, Joan kept filming, chasing after them as she livestreamed. "See this? This is what happens to thieves! Even the universe isn't letting it slide!"

At last, the gurney disappeared into the operating room. I was left outside, trembling uncontrollably.

Joan jabbed a finger at me and barked, "I've always hated that holier-than-thou attitude of yours! Dylan said it long ago. You're the last woman he'd ever want!"

"That's enough!"

A deep male voice cut through the chaos.

Cornelius, dressed in a black suit, strode over and steadied me by the shoulders. "Andrea, I'm sorry I'm late."

Joan froze at the sight of him. She sized him up, something unreadable flickering in her eyes.

"So, you really do have a boyfriend. And you still tried to go after my husband? Have you no shame?" she spat.

Cornelius' gaze turned icy. Just as he was about to speak, I caught his hand and stopped him.

Then, I looked past Joan and smiled faintly. "Your husband is truly wonderful to you, Joan. Look behind you. He came to keep you company. Though it doesn't seem like you're the only one he's here for."