Chapter 228
In the hospital’s rear garden, Evelyn had pulled Haley into a secluded corner.
68%
Haley noticed the worry etched on her mother’s face and felt a creeping sense of dread. “Mom, what’s going on? Why did you rush here to find me?”
Evelyn’s voice was tense. “Haley, Ethan’s case has already been sentenced. That fake mental illness diagnosis we got from Jinerity has been uncovered by Aaron. He’s clearly out to destroy Ethan.
“Your father says Aaron is moving too fast, and he’s planning to submit the case to the court tomorrow to push it through. If we don’t find a way to stop him, Ethan is finished.”
Haley stood frozen as if struck by lightning.
Her eyes turned red as she looked at her mother, her voice breaking in despair. “Mom, I’ve tried everything I could think of! Alex won’t help, so what else can I do?”
Evelyn’s expression hardened. “Haley, listen to me. Break off your engagement with Mr. Warren. Give him back that necklace; even if you have to deceive him temporarily.
“Once he rescues Ethan, brother”
Ou can
figure out your next steps. You can always find another boyfriend, but you only have one
“Dr. Thompson, what a coincidence,” came a voice from not far away. Haley and Evelyn’s faces instantly froze.
“Mom, you should leave,” Haley whispered urgently.
She had no idea how much Ellie might have overheard, but she was certain Ellie had caught something.
Frantically, Haley adjusted her makeup, taking a long moment to compose herself before stepping out from the corner.
She spotted Ellie chatting with a colleague a short distance away Haley didn’t dare linger and quickly left the scene as fast as she could.
Ellie stood still, watching Haley flee with hurried, panicked steps. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. ‘If I heard correctly, they mentioned a necklace… she thought.
Her mind wandered back to the day at the Warren Manor, when Evelyn had dropped that very necklace, and the odd behavior of the mother and daughter duo. Ellie’s expression turned thoughtful, her gaze flickering with uncertainty.
****
Back in the hospital room, Haley returned, her composure shattered. Kneeling beside Alex’s bed, she clutched his hand, tears streaming down her face. “Alex, for the sake of what I did for you back then, please save Ethan,” she begged.
Alex withdrew his hand, his face unreadable. “This isn’t just a DUI with injuries. Ethan killed someone. How could I save him?”
Haley sobbed. “If you want to, you can. I know you can make it happen.”
Upon seeing Alex remain silent, Haley’s patience snapped entirely. “Alex, are you going to help or not?”
Alex frowned. “It’s impossible.”
1/2
Exclusive Profile
9/2
08:34 Mon, Feb 10 BAG.
Chapter 228
Haley wiped away her tears and slowly stood up.
68%
She loomed over Alex’s hospital bed, her expression torn. After a long internal struggle, she broke down. “Alex, if you save Ethan, I’ll agree to break up with you.”
Alex looked up sharply, his pupils constricting.
Sensing a shift in Alex’s demeanor, Haley pressed on, tears streaming. “If you promise to spare Ethan’s life, I’ll leave you, and we’ll call it even. I won’t cling to you anymore.”
Haley had expected Alex to jump at the offer.
But to her shock, he fell into a long, contemplative silence.
Unable to read his thoughts, Haley lost control. “I said I’d leave you alone. Didn’t you hear me?”
Alex’s fists clenched, his entire body radiating restrained tension. He closed his eyes, shielding his emotions.
After what felt like an eternity, he spoke, his voice pained. “Haley, I’ve changed my mind. I won’t break up with you.”
“Mrs. Warren?” Haley’s voice broke the tension as Alex’s eyes flew open.
At some point, Nancy and Ellie had appeared in the doorway.
A suffocating pressure settled in Alex’s chest as his eyes instinctively sought Ellie’s.
