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…”

involvement in those two earlier incidents. Seeing

I laid hands on her just now. I’m sure she’s hurting. I’m sure she’s

“I’m sorry…

face looked even more stubborn, even more

of thing. But I just.. I couldn’t stand 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

ribs. John, my mother’s given me so much. She’s getting older. Her health is fragile. I just couldn’t bear to see her rot away in prison. That’s why I made a foolish decision. That’s why

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228 The Price

Three broken ribs…

phrase pulled Joluy’s thoughts away, yanking him back into

+20 The Com

him he’d never walk again, the Jones family had abandoned him like trash. Elsa, too, had broken things

didn’t want to drag his ruined body through a life full of ridicule and cold stares. He’d wheeled

Lily had

her tiny basement rental. That winter had been brutally cold. They’d hudilled together for warmth in

dreams. She made plans for their future. She comforted him, encouraged him, and slowly, step by

only one who ever said–again and again, with unwavering

again.

to treat his condition. To raise the money, she sold her own blood. She worked as a human

bruises, her face swollen, black and

walked through that basement door, she’d

I’m amazing, she’d say. “I