Chapter 5

Simone put on her cleaning uniform and finished cleaning all the toilets in the hospital. Then, Jessica led people to inspect her work.

Jessica scooped water from the toilet bowl into a disposable cup. She handed the cup to Simone with a fake smile. "If you drink this, it means you've cleaned up properly."

Simone frowned. "Ma'am, have you been watching too much restroom bullying online? Drink it yourself!"

Jessica's face darkened as she signaled to the people behind her.

Several people immediately came forward and firmly held Simone down.

"Jessica, is this appropriate? What if Mr. Jenning finds out about this?" One of them was somewhat hesitant.

Jessica shouted sternly, "If you don't want to work here, just leave! Can't you see that Dr. McRae will be the owner of this hospital in the future? Offend her, and none of you will have a happy ending!"

After saying that, she forced Simone's mouth open and poured in the toilet water.

"Blargh!" Simone forcefully pushed them away, coughing violently and retching uncontrollably on the ground.

Jessica tossed the cup away with disgust, shaking her hand. "Clean this place up, or I’ll have Dr. McRae tell Mr. Jenning that you can’t even handle the simplest of tasks."

Over the next few days, Jessica frequently brought others along to bully Simone.

They deliberately left the toilet unflushed, made a mess, and often dumped food all over the washroom floor.

Thinking of Dorothy, Simone endured her disgust and held on.

After a grueling week, Andrew brought her an evening gown. "Mrs. Jenning, today is Mr. Jack’s birthday. Mr. Jenning is hosting a birthday party, and he wants you to head over immediately. Mr. Jenning also said that he will hand over Ms. Jenning’s ashes to you once the party ends."

...

Jack spotted Simone in the banquet hall. His expression turned disdainful. "Don't think I’m going home with you just because you showed up for my birthday!

“All you ever did was force me to practice the piano and study this or that, unlike Ms. McRae, who lets me do whatever I want! You’re nowhere near as good as her!"

Simone looked at him calmly.

From the moment he looked at her with eager anticipation, hoping she would jump into the sea, she had considered Jack a lost cause.

She had not interfered in his life in the year since her return.

Just as she was about to walk past him, Martin and Lily entered, arm in arm.

Jack immediately dashed over, calling out sweetly, "Dad! Momma!"

Guests crowded around to greet Martin, and some addressed Lily as ‘Mrs. Jenning’, mistaking Lily for his wife.

Martin did not correct them.

Jack was delighted as he reveled in the moment.

Those in the know and eager to curry favor with Martin joined in by showering Lily with praise, calling her ‘Mrs. Jenning’ at every turn while effectively pushing Simone into a corner.

Martin scanned the room, searching for Simone.

He was well aware that people had mistaken Lily for his wife. He had simply hoped to see Simone grow jealous and eventually submit to him.

Instead, he found her eating in the corner, appearing completely unbothered.

Her utter indifference ignited an inexplicable fury within him.

Driven by a spiteful impulse, he wrapped his arm around Lily’s shoulders.

The party officially began, and guests took turns presenting Jack with gifts.

When it was Simone’s turn, Jack's expression was disdainful. "Even though I’m Momma’s son now, I suppose I’ll accept your gift since you gave birth to me."

Simone set down her plate. "You’re no longer my son. Why would I give you a gift?"

Jack’s face froze.

Simone’s indifference stung him, but he retorted defiantly, "Who wants your stuff anyway?"

Watching this, Martin frowned and became more indignant that Simone was still petulant and spiteful.

Just then, Lily produced a brand-new game console. "Jack, I wonder if you like this gift."

"I love it! It’s the best gift I’ve ever received!" Jack shouted with excitement, tore the string of rosary beads from his wrist, and slammed them hard on the floor.

The beads scattered everywhere with a clatter.

Simone had gone to great lengths to obtain it from a reclusive monk when he was five. It was said to calm the mind and soothe the spirit.

Jack provocatively sneered at Simone. "What Momma gave me is ten thousand times better than your pathetic beads!"

Simone ignored him. He had truly inherited Martin’s ingrate DNA.

Lily glanced at her and turned toward Martin, sniffing him with feigned affection. "Martin, what cologne are you wearing today? It smells wonderful. It's just like the scent of your bedsheets. I’ve heard Simone is quite the expert perfumer. Did she create this for you?"

Martin looked at Simone and nodded.

He used to struggle with poor sleep, so Simone had crafted this one-of-a-kind fragrance specifically for him.

Lily beamed. "Martin, people at the hospital have been complaining about the strong odors in the washrooms lately.

Since Simone personally cleaned the washrooms there, why not have her create a special fragrance for them? It would help neutralize the smells and serve as a tribute to her time spent scrubbing toilets. What a great way to inspire the staff!"