Chapter 498
Ana’s eyes remained fixed on Olivia, her mind struggling to grasp how things had spiraled into such a devastating state. Her heart raced. Though she heard the butler gently urging them to leave, she didn’t move at first.
Maisy, by contrast, complied without hesitation. She followed the butler out of the room immediately, her eyes brimming with tears. Ana lingered only a second longer before reluctantly turning to follow.
With the Harris family gone, Hillary and Naomi exchanged a glance and silently agreed it was time to step away as well.
Only Darren remained, his sobs echoing faintly in the corridor. “Oh God… not my daughter…”
Tyler stood by in silence, his expression unreadable.
Camilla approached him cautiously. “Mr. Jones… please. The doctors and nurses need room to care for Olivia properly. It’s for her good.”
With visible reluctance, Darren nodded and turned to leave, wiping his face with the back of his hand.
Outside the room, Ana appeared deep in thought, her brows furrowed. Maisy, meanwhile, had all but crumbled. She struggled to keep herself composed, though her shoulders trembled with emotion.
“Let’s wait for the doctor’s full report before we worry too much,” the butler said gently, trying to offer comfort.
Maisy gave no response, her grief too overwhelming. Ana stood quietly beside her, not saying a word.
Moments later, Darren, Naomi, and Hillary exited the ward. When Ana and Maisy saw them, the mood shifted.
The butler, sensing tension, quickly suggested, “Ma’ams, why don’t we wait in the car?”
Ana gave Hillary a brief, unreadable glance before nodding. She and Maisy walked toward the elevator without speaking.
Hillary watched them go, a grim expression settling over her face. She knew the Harrises had never truly accepted them—and likely never would.
Suddenly, Naomi choked back a sob. “She’s like this… because of us, isn’t she?”
Hillary didn’t want to admit it, but her daughter’s guilt cut deep. Olivia had been a part of their family since her teenage years. There were memories. Bonds. Even if unspoken, there was still a connection.
“Naomi, this isn’t your fault,” Hillary said, trying to steady her voice. “We don’t know what exactly happened to her, so don’t torment yourself with assumptions, alright?”
Naomi pressed a hand to her chest, the weight of guilt almost unbearable. “But it is my fault! If it weren’t for me… she wouldn’t be like this. We never cared enough about what she was feeling—we only saw what she could do for us!”
Hillary sighed, rubbing Naomi’s back gently. “Stop. Speculating doesn’t help. Maybe she’ll be fine in a day or two. Besides, she’s a Harris now. Not everything is on us. You mustn’t think that way.”
But Naomi couldn’t shake the certainty building inside her.
“I told you both,” Darren said suddenly, his voice strained and angry. “This whole plan… it was wrong from the start. And now look what’s happened! She’s… she’s broken.”
Hillary’s expression hardened. “So what are you saying? That Naomi should’ve just died instead? Don’t be ridiculous.”
“She’s been taken care of—more than most people in her condition,” she continued defensively. “How is this Naomi’s fault?! Think before you speak!”
Darren didn’t back down. “Of course you would say that. You only ever cared about your own daughter.”
“How dare you?! Are you saying Olivia’s life didn’t matter? That Naomi’s survival justifies this?”
Caught between them, Darren faltered. His voice dropped as he turned to Naomi, stricken by guilt. “N-No, that’s not what I meant. I was just…”
But the damage had been done.
And no one—not Darren, not Hillary, not Naomi—could take back what had already unfolded.