Chapter 137
He took her hand, his voice sincere. Rebekah remained silent.
After two days of observation, Rebekah was finally discharged. Throughout her stay, Benjamin had been uncharacteristically attentive, even coming to pick her up himself.
Once they were in the car, he said, “We’re going to the Fletchers’ first. Your parents want to see you.” He didn’t wait for her to agree, simply heading in that direction.
It was a weekday, but Sampson was at home. As they walked in, Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher greeted them with uncharacteristic smiles.
“Rebekah, you’re back! I had the kitchen make all your favorite dishes. Are you hungry?” Mrs. Fletcher said, taking Rebekah’s hand with a warmth that felt utterly foreign, as if they were a close mother and daughter.
Mr. Fletcher also smiled at her, his eyes full of a fawning deference. For years, Rebekah had craved their affection. Now that she finally had it, the irony was sickening.
Candice sat beside Sampson, her face growing stormier by the second as she watched her mother fuss over Rebekah. She couldn’t believe Rebekah was a Hawthorne—a family of discreet, old-money billionaires, far wealthier than the Fletchers. The knowledge had completely transformed her parents’ attitude. Candice clenched her fists, fighting back a wave of jealousy.
Sampson sensed her distress and squeezed her hand. “No matter what, you’re my only sister.” He didn’t lower his voice, casting a disdainful glance in Rebekah’s direction, as if to say that even as a Hawthorne heiress, she wasn’t worthy of being his sister.
“Sampson! How dare you speak like that? Rebekah is your sister, too,” Mr. Fletcher snapped, his eyes flashing a warning.
Sampson ignored him. “Don’t forget, Candice is the one who shares our blood. Father, Mother, you shouldn’t break her heart p>
Candice squeezed Sampson’s hand, forcing a smile. “It’s okay, brother. We shouldn’t fight. Rebekah is part of our family too.” She then stood and warmly pulled Rebekah to the sofa. “Sister, don’t just stand there. Please, sit p>
As she gripped Rebekah’s arm, her long fingernails dug into the bruises that were still healing. Rebekah cried out in pain and instinctively pulled away.
“Oh p>
Candice stumbled backward into the coffee table, knocking over a teapot. Scalding tea splashed across the back of her hand.
“Candice p>
Everyone rushed to her side, Benjamin leading the charge. When he saw the angry red marks on her skin, something inside him snapped. He spun around and slapped Rebekah across the face.
“Rebekah! How could you be so
vicious? Do you think being a
Hawthorne gives you the right to do whatever you want? Candice was defending you, and this is how yo repay her? You’re pathetic
Candice clutched Benjamin’s arm. “Benjamin, it wasn’t her fault, you p>
“Don’t talk” He cut her off, his face a
cold mask. He scooped her into kis arms and carried her toward the
door As he left, Candice shot a triumphant look at Rebekah over his shoulder.
Rebekah held her stinging cheek, her heart twisting with a familiar ache.