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Novel Catalog
Chapter 63
Gale couldn’t fully understand everything happening around her, but she could sense the danger and manipulation at play.
With a forced smile, she reassured her mother, “No, Mom, I’m fine. Really, I’m doing well. Don’t worry about me.”
Wendy’s gaze softened, but concern still clouded her features. “Don’t lie to me. You look so thin, and you’re clearly exhausted.”
Gale quickly tried to ease her mother’s worry. “Honestly, if I didn’t have a good life, I wouldn’t be able to afford such a good hospital for you.”
Wendy gently stroked Gale’s hair, her eyes filled with both affection and sorrow. “The Wood family hasn’t been hard on you, has it? And how did you manage to finish your studies?”
“I did manage it, and I’m with Sam now,” Gale explained, a hint of warmth creeping into her voice. “He’s my boyfriend, and he’s been so good to me. He’s been paying all your hospital expenses and has been taking care of me.”
Wendy let out a long, relieved sigh. “That’s good to hear. I always knew Sam was a good boy, and that he’d treat you well.”
Gale nodded, her heart aching for her mother. “Yes, he’s been wonderful.”
Wendy’s mind seemed to wander as she took in the information. “I can’t believe two years have passed already. I’ve been asleep for so long… What about your father? Where is he? Is he alright?”
Gale’s expression faltered, but she quickly regained her composure. “Dad is serving his sentence in prison. But don’t worry, Mom. I visit him as often as I can.”
Wendy looked pained, but nodded with understanding. “Once I’m able to get out of bed, I’ll visit him too, even if it’s in a wheelchair.”
Gale’s lips pressed into a thin line. She didn’t answer immediately because she feared Shawn wouldn’t allow her mother to leave the hospital.
To change the subject, Gale smiled and said, “Dad will be so happy to know you’re awake. Just focus on getting better, and I’ll handle everything else.”
Wendy gazed at her daughter with love and a hint of guilt. “You’ve always been our precious girl. I’m sorry for what’s happened to you. Even with Sam by your side, I know it hasn’t been easy for you.”
Gale felt her throat tighten, the weight of her mother’s words settling heavily on her chest. “It’s okay, Mom. It’s all in the past now. Don’t dwell on it.”
Wendy’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I feel like I’ve dragged you down. If I hadn’t been in that coma, I could’ve been there for you all this time…”
“No, Mom, it’s not your fault,” Gale whispered, wiping away her own tears. “We’ll get through this together.”
Gale paused for a moment before asking a difficult question. “Mom… do you think Dad was really responsible for Alex Wood’s death?”
Wendy’s face hardened with anger at the mention of the accident. “No! He couldn’t have been! Your father has so much experience, and he’s never made a mistake! There’s something wrong here, Gale. Your father is innocent. He’s been wronged!”
Gale squeezed her mother’s hand tightly, her own heart echoing her mother’s words. “I believe the same thing. Dad is innocent.”
The mother and daughter exchanged a silent, understanding look, united in their conviction.
Outside the door, Susan had been eavesdropping, her face contorting into a sly smile.
Turning away, she left the hospital room, her mind working.
After seeing her mother, Gale felt a weight lift from her shoulders, though she still remained somber. At least now they could speak and be together. But the journey was far from over.
Back at the Wood Group, Gale made her way to the president’s office, a rare show of initiative on her part. She stood in front of Shawn’s desk, looking at him with a mix of gratitude and cautious wariness.
“Anyway,” she began, her voice steady, “thank you for arranging for my mother’s treatment. I never expected her to wake up. I misunderstood you before.”
Shawn glanced up from his computer, raising an eyebrow. “You’re thanking me?”
Gale nodded, feeling the weight of the moment. “Yes. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have the money to treat her.”
Shawn leaned back in his chair, his smile cold and unsettling. “No need to thank me. It’s not about kindness. It’s not interesting to keep someone in a vegetative state forever. It’s more satisfying to bring them back and watch as they feel the pain of watching their family fall apart.”
A chill ran down Gale’s spine at his words.
“Shawn, don’t touch my mother! Torture me instead,” she said, her voice firm but laced with fear.
Shawn raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying her discomfort. “Can you feel the fear now?”
Gale clenched her fists at her sides, her teeth gritted. “Do whatever you want to me. But leave her alone.”
Shawn leaned forward slightly, his tone sharp. “Then be obedient. If you make me unhappy, I promise your mother’s life will be far from peaceful.”
Gale’s heart dropped. She could never let her guard down with him. Shawn was still the demon she feared.