Under the heiress facade

Hera took a redeye to the border airport and then rushed to Evergreen Hospital. She arrived by midday the next day.

At Catherine's bedside, Everly Pierce, her neighbor, watched over her.

Catherine lay unconscious with her head swathed in white bandages. She was wearing an oxygen mask over her face and with an IV drip bag hanging beside her. "What happened?"

Hera entered the room, concern etched on her face.

"Hera, you're back," Everly said with relief.

She clutched Hera's hand eagerly.

"Hurry. Come check on Mrs. Jones. She still hasn't regained consciousness."

Hera nodded. Her heart sank as she examined Catherine. There was a blood clot in her head-a vicious blow to an elderly woman.

"Who did this?"

voice tightened with

thumbprint. They demanded repayment, but Mrs. Jones had nothing to give. So, they knocked her out cold," Everly

"Loan sharks?"

Hera frowned.

involved with loan sharks. After all, Catherine received tens of thousands of

had also given Catherine a card with two million dollars when she brought Giselle back from the Everett residence. That should have

that if we don't come up with five million, they will start cutting

But Mrs. Jones was always so careful with her money.

Ever since Mrs. Jones brought her back, it's

weathered complexion. He was holding a bag

was Everly's elder

part of Willowbrook Village. When

taken them in. Afterward, Catherine's exceptional medical skills eventually won over the villagers, and they

Everett?" Hera said

one. I can't fathom why Mrs. Jones brought her