Chapter 1863
Karina was trembling with anger at Wendy's mother's behavior.
It wasn't about meddling; it was about protecting her hard work. This was a patient she had painstakingly helped to recover.
Who wouldn't be furious if the progress they'd worked so hard for was undone by a few careless words?
Just days ago, Wendy had been smiling with a healthy flush to her cheeks, but after her mother's visit and a few cutting remarks, she was pale and withdrawn again.
This couldn't go on.
Karina made up her mind. Wendy's mother had to go.
"I don't care about the rest, but this is a hospital. Even if you're her family, you have no right to interfere with her care. Here, only the doctors make the decisions," Karina said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. She had already noticed that Wendy's mother was the type to bully the weak but cower before strength.
As expected, her harsh stance left Wendy's mother visibly flustered, her expression shifting between fury and frustration. In the end, she stormed out, livid.
Once she was gone, Karina spent a long time consoling Wendy. Thankfully, Wendy seemed to handle it better this time.
Though still upset, she echoed Karina's earlier words with a newfound determination. "Don't worry, Karina. I won't do anything foolish again. You're right... they're not worth it anymore."
"Good. Now stop crying, alright? Here, wipe your tears. Crying too much is bad for your eyes," Karina gently encouraged, handing her a tissue.
But after leaving the room, Karina found herself facing yet another problem.
The receptionist at the front desk informed her, "Before leaving, her mother said she wouldn't be paying for any more medical or hospital expenses." "She actually said that?" Karina was stunned.
How could a mother treat her own daughter this way? If she resented her so much, why did she even bother to have her in the first place? Fuming, Karina sighed and handed over her own card. "Use mine for now."
"This is no small expense," the receptionist cautioned, hesitating.
"I've made up my mind," Karina said firmly. When she made a decision, there was no use trying to dissuade her.
Later, while venting about the
situation to Wilfred, they were sitting in the hospital cafeteria. Wilfred rarely came to the cafeteria, so it felt odd to outsiders to see them sitting together but slightly apart.
"She seems to have a grandmother who retired recently. I heard she went on a trip and should be back soon," Wilfred said, pausing to set down his utensils. Karina raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Their family seems pretty biased in favor of boys over girls."
"Her grandmother is different," Wilfred replied confidently.
His words brought a spark of hope to Karina's eyes.
Still, since Wilfred wasn't sure exactly when the grandmother would return, Karina decided to keep it to herself for now to avoid raising Wendy's hopes prematurely.
But somehow, Wendy found out that
Karina had covered her medical
expenses. She was noticeably.
moody for several days before moody
finally thrusting a card into Karina's
hand.
"What's this for?" Karina asked, puzzled.
"It's my allowance. Take it. I don't want to use your money," Wendy said with her usual proud attitude, shoving the card into Karina's palm.
Even now, she couldn't fully let go of her defensive pride, likely still clinging to the memory of seeing Karina as a rival.
Karina couldn't help but laugh,
exasperated. “How much do you
even have on this card? If you give it to me, what will you do for yourself? Alright, take it back. I don't need it."