The Broken-hearted She And The Icy He

Chapter 228 The Price of Loyalty

Chapter 228 The Price of Loyalty

“We’ve known each other for so many years, John. In your heart, do you really see me as some selfish, vicious snake who lives to ruin others?”

Elsa’s voice trembled, and then steadied with practiced poise.

“I admit it. I threw myself down the stairs tonight to frame Lily. But in doing that, I only hurt myself—1 didn’t lay a single finger on her. I did it because I was desperate to save my mother, to spare her from prison. I have my pride. I have my principles. I know how important a woman’s dignity is You think I’d stoop so low as to strip Lily and take those kinds of photos of her? John, you shouldn’t be doubting me like this.”

In truth, Elsa felt nothing but relief.

When she’d thrown herself down the stairs and slipped that blood capsule into her mouth, her back had been to Lily. The camera hadn’t caught a thing. And just now, she’d discreetly slipped another capsule between her teeth.

As her final words left her lips, she bit down. The thick, crimson fluid spilled from the corners of her mouth and dripped onto the floor, one heavy drop after another. It made her look stunning and fragile. like a shattered porcelain doll.

With an air of stoic pride and quiet pain, she closed her eyes.

“I didn’t do those things. I have a clear conscience. But if you insist on seeing me as a heartless, scheming woman, then I guess I’ll just have to accept it.”

Then came the coughing–deep, gut–wrenching spasms that made it seem like she might cough up her

very organs.

“Elsa…”

Seeing her in such pain now made him regret

shouldn’t have questioned you. But you shouldn’t have framed Lily either. I laid hands on her just now. I’m

“I’m sorry…

her chin. Her pale face

to see my mother suffer. Four years ago, after your car accident, the Quinn family forcibly sent me overseas. I was alone. I didn’t know anyone. I suffered so much. My mother missed me, worried for

to take advantage of me. My mother fought to protect me. She ended up with three broken ribs. John, my mother’s given me so much. She’s getting older. Her health is fragile. I

1/3

The Price

Three broken ribs…

yanking him

+20 The Com

told him he’d never walk again, the Jones family had abandoned

Broken. He didn’t want to drag his ruined body through a life full of ridicule and cold stares. He’d wheeled himself to the riverbank, ready to throw

Lily

That winter had been brutally

dreams. She made plans for their future. She

ever said–again and again, with

again.

raise the money, she sold her own blood. She worked as a human punching bag for the

return corered in bruises,

that

I’m amazing, she’d say. “I made a hundred