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,

"Loan sharks?"

Hera frowned.

loan sharks. After all,

dollars when she brought Giselle back from the Everett residence. That should have been more than enough to cover their necessities up

return in three days. And they said that if we don't come

local police brushed it off as a matter of debt. But Mrs. Jones was always so careful with her money. How could she owe such a

back, it's been one disaster after another," declared a

weathered complexion.

was Everly's elder

and Everly had lost their parents when they were young and had lived in the most isolated part of Willowbrook Village. When Catherine and Hera fled to Willowbrook Village

kind-hearted sibling duo had taken them in. Afterward, Catherine's exceptional medical skills eventually won over the villagers,

Giselle Everett?" Hera

Jones brought her back.